Introduction to the CFOP Method (Fridrich)
Learn the CFOP speedcubing method -- the most popular technique used by world-class speedcubers to solve the Rubik's Cube in under 10 seconds.
CFOP stands for Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL -- the four stages that make up the Fridrich method. Developed and popularized by Jessica Fridrich, CFOP is the dominant speedcubing method worldwide. Most sub-20 and sub-10 solvers rely on it. If you can already solve the cube with the beginner layer-by-layer method, transitioning to CFOP is the single biggest improvement you can make.
Cross
The solve begins by building a cross on the bottom face (typically white). Unlike the beginner method where you form the cross on top and flip it, advanced solvers work directly on the bottom, allowing them to look ahead for F2L pairs during the cross step. A good cross takes 8 moves or fewer and should be planned entirely during the 15-second inspection.
F2L -- First Two Layers
F2L is the most important step to master. Instead of solving the first layer corners and middle layer edges separately (as in the beginner method), you pair each corner with its matching edge and insert them as a single unit into the correct slot. There are 41 standard F2L cases, but most speedcubers learn them intuitively rather than memorizing algorithms. Efficient F2L is what separates a 60-second solver from a 20-second solver.
A basic F2L insertion: pair the corner and edge, then insert together.
OLL -- Orientation of the Last Layer
After solving the first two layers, you orient all pieces on the top face so the top color faces upward. Full OLL uses 57 algorithms to handle every possible case in a single step. Beginners can start with 2-look OLL, which splits the step into two stages (first form the cross, then orient the corners) using just 9 algorithms.
The Sune algorithm -- one of the most common OLL cases.
PLL -- Permutation of the Last Layer
With the top face fully oriented, PLL rearranges all the top-layer pieces into their correct positions. Full PLL consists of 21 algorithms. As with OLL, beginners can start with 2-look PLL, which separates corner permutation from edge permutation using only 6 algorithms. Once you know full PLL, the last layer is always solved in two looks at most.
The T-Perm -- one of the most versatile PLL algorithms.
Transitioning from Beginner to CFOP
You do not need to learn everything at once. Start by switching to a bottom cross -- this alone will speed up your solves. Next, learn intuitive F2L by practicing pairing corners and edges without algorithms. Then add 2-look OLL and 2-look PLL to your toolkit. Once comfortable, gradually learn the full 57 OLL and 21 PLL algorithms. Within weeks of deliberate practice, you should see your times drop dramatically.