CFOP method

The CFOP method, also known as the Fridrich method, is one of the most commonly used methods in speedsolving a 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube. CFOP stands for Cross, F2L (first 2 layers), OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer), PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer). It is one of the fastest methods with the other most notable ones being Roux and ZZ. This method was first developed in the early 1980s, combining innovations by a number of speedcubers. Jessica Fridrich, a Czech speedcuber and the namesake of the method, is generally credited for popularizing it by publishing it online in 1997.

The method works by first solving a cross typically on the bottom, which is the most intuitive step in the CFOP method, continuing to solve the first two layers together (F2L), orienting the last layer (OLL), and finally permuting the last layer (PLL). There are 119 algorithms in total to learn the full method, with 41 for F2L, 57 for full OLL, and 21 for full PLL. On top of that, there are other algorithm sets like ZBLL (Zborowski–Bruchem Last Layer) (493 algorithms) and COLL (corners of the last layer) (42 algorithms) that can be learned in addition to CFOP to improve solving efficiency even further. F2L can be improved using special algorithms to reduce the need to rotate or change grip on the cube; this is known as advanced F2L. This method of F2L has far more algorithms than the basic 41, and the fastest speedsolvers can memorize hundreds of algorithms for this step, including learning multiple algorithms for the same case.

However, the F2L step can also be done with intuitive F2L, where the solver intuitively solves the step through basic rules, requiring no memorisation of notated algorithms, at the expense of efficiency. By doing F2L intuitively, and by splitting OLL and PLL into two sections each (leaving 10 algorithms for OLL and 6 for PLL), the method can be done with as few as 16 algorithms.