Lesson 7 · 25 min
F2L: the 4 foundation insertions
Internalise 4 base insertion patterns that many other cases set up into.
These four insertions appear constantly. Learn them so deeply you don’t think about them.
How to drill
- Solve the cross.
- Pick any white corner on top. Find its matching edge.
- Move them so they form the foundation case you want.
- Insert.
- Repeat 4 times per solve.
Practice algorithms
Mark each algorithm as you go. Learning means you can do it slowly with notation; Mastered means you can execute it without thinking and recognise the case from the cube.
F2L basics
4 algorithms
0 mastered0 learning4 untouched
Pair already made — slot it in
f2l-1Corner+edge pair sits in the top, slot is empty
When pair is on the right above its slot
U R U' R'
Pair on the left
f2l-2Pair sits above its slot on the left side
Mirror of slot-1 insertion
U' L' U L
Corner in slot, edge on top
f2l-3Corner already solved in its slot, edge on top at the front
Same move as the beginner second-layer edge insert
U R U' R' U' F' U F
Corner and edge on top, apart
f2l-4Both pieces on top, not touching
Finishes with a front-side insert (F' U' F)
R U' R' U F' U' F