Speed Solving a 2x2 Rubik's Cube: Tip & Trick for Beginners
Kelsey Geller
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The 2x2 Rubik's Cube, also known as the Pocket Cube, is a simplified version of the classic 3x3 Rubik's Cube. With only 2 squares on each face, it may seem easier to solve, but it still challenges many. Whether you're new to the world of cubing or just looking to master a smaller puzzle, this guide will walk you through solving a 2x2 Rubik's Cube step by step. So, let's dive in and explore how to solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube, one move at a time!
What Is the 2x2 Rubik's Cube
The 2x2 Rubik's Cube is a compact version of the classic Rubik's Cube, with 2x2 squares on each of its six sides. Each side has a solid color, and the goal is to line up all the colors on each face. Officially recognized by the World Cube Association (WCA), the 2x2 is a popular event in competitive cubing. The current world record for solving it is an impressive 0.43 seconds, set by Teodor Zajder at the Warsaw Cube Masters in 2023.
Unlike the 3x3 Rubik's Cube, there are no center or edge pieces — just 8 corner pieces that need to be rotated into place. Despite its smaller size, solving the 2x2 can still be tricky due to its many possible permutations. However, once you understand the basic algorithms and steps, solving it becomes a rewarding experience.
How to Solve 2x2 Rubik's Cube
There are several ways to solve 2x2 cube, but one of the most popular and beginner-friendly methods is the Layer-by-Layer (LBL) approach. You start by solving the white layer(or any color), then work on positioning the last layer's corners, and finally, you finish by orienting those corners to complete the cube.
Procedure 1. Solve the First Layer
The first step of Rubik's cube solver 2x2 is to solve the first layer. This means getting all four corner pieces on one side to match so that the entire face shows the same color.
Step 1. Start by picking one color to solve the first layer. White is a common choice, but you can choose any color you like. For now, let's assume you've chosen the white color.
Step 2. Find the white corner pieces and place them on the white face. You need to align these corner pieces with the correct colors on the adjacent faces. Use rotations and turns to position each corner piece in its correct place.
Step 3. If a corner piece is not in its correct position, perform a simple 180-degree rotation to place it in the right place. The goal is to form a white face with matching colors on the adjacent sides. Once all four corner pieces are in place on the first layer, the white face should be completed.
Procedure 2. Complete the Last Layer Corners
Then how to solve 2x2? Now the white layer is done, flip the cube over so the white face is on top, and the yellow face is on the bottom. You can now look at the yellow face, which is the one we will focus on solving.
The goal is to position the yellow corners correctly on the yellow face. The yellow corners are the pieces that still need to be placed properly on the corresponding layer. In some cases, they may already be in the correct spots but might need to be oriented correctly.
Check if the yellow corners are in the correct position. If they are not, use the following algorithm to swap the top corners so they are in the correct position: U R U' L' U R' U' L
U: Turn the upper face 90 degrees clockwise.
R: Turn the right face 90 degrees clockwise.
U': Turn the upper face 90 degrees counterclockwise (opposite of U).
L': Turn the left face 90 degrees counterclockwise (opposite of L).
U: Turn the upper face 90 degrees clockwise again.
R': Turn the right face 90 degrees counterclockwise (opposite of R).
U': Turn the upper face 90 degrees counterclockwise again.
L: Turn left face 90 degrees clockwise.
This algorithm switches the top corners around, and you repeat it until all the top corners are positioned correctly (even if they are not oriented correctly yet).
Procedure 3. Finish the Last Layer
Orient the yellow corners, rotate them correctly to match the yellow color on top, and hold the cube so that two correctly oriented yellow corners (yellow stickers facing the top) are in front of you. Use the algorithm R' D' R D to orient the remaining yellow corners.
R = right face
D = down face
' = counterclockwise
Repeat the algorithm until all top corners are oriented correctly, with the yellow stickers facing up. Once you've completed this step, you'll have finished Rubik's cube 2x2 solver!
Tip: Try Al Rubik's Cube Solver App
If you have an standard Rubik's cube and also wonder how to solve this cube quickly, you're allowed to attempt this Al Rubik's Cuber Solver app to easily identify the current cube pattern and find the optimum solution.
Download the Cube Solver App for Free!
Bottom Line
How to solve 2x2 Rubiks cube? By following the Layer-by-Layer method, you can solve the cube with ease. The steps are straightforward: solve the first layer, then move on to the second layer, and finally orient the top layer to complete the 2x2 Rubik's Cube solver. With practice, you'll improve your speed and efficiency, and soon you'll be solving the 2x2 Rubik's Cube in no time!
How to Solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube FAQ
Q: What is the formula of a 2 by 2 Rubik's cube?
To solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube step by step:
Step 1. Solve the first layer by positioning the corner pieces on one face.
Step 2. Solve the second layer by positioning the corner pieces on the opposite face.
Step 3. Orient the top layer using a simple algorithm to align the colors on the top.
Q: Is 2x2 more difficult than 3x3?
The 2x2 Rubik's Cube is generally easier than the 3x3 because it has fewer pieces and fewer moves involved. However, the difficulty really depends on your familiarity with cube-solving methods and how comfortable you are with the concepts.
Kelsey Geller
Kelsey Geller is a beginner player of the 3x3 cube who has mastered solving up to two layers. She enjoys exploring different solvers and making the puzzle-solving process more accessible for other beginners with clear, easy-to-follow guides.
