The top is yellow, the first two layers are solved, and top corners are aligned.
Yellow up. Put the completely solved side at back with a whole-cube rotation.
1. Separate corner and edge recognition
PLL means permuting the last layer: moving oriented pieces into the right positions. This lesson practices the three-edge cycle you learned in the beginner course. It is not a catalog of all PLL cases.
Check the two top corner stickers on every side. They must match their side center. If they do not, complete corner positioning first.
2. Find the fixed edge
One side should be completely solved. Rotate the whole cube sideways to place it at back. The other three top edges need to cycle around the remaining positions. Using U here would move the aligned corners, so keep the layers in place during the regrip.
Before turning, name where each edge belongs using its side color. This trains recognition beyond merely counting wrong stickers.
3. Execute and inspect the cycle
R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2
In the prepared case, one application solves the edges. In the opposite cycle direction, two applications of the same sequence solve them. Keep the same back side for the second application.
If no side is solved, one application creates a solved side. Regrip to put it at back, then continue with one or two cycles. That is a different starting case, so inspect between applications.
4. Practice recognition before speed
Copy the prepared setup on a solved cube and name the three destinations before turning. Repeat with the algorithm itself as your setup to create the opposite cycle direction.
When you recognize the cycle consistently, reduce pauses inside the sequence. Add new PLL cases gradually through a dedicated reference such as J Perm’s beginner PLL collection.
Need a reminder of the move notation?
R right · L left · U top · D bottom · F front · B back. A plain letter is 90° clockwise looking directly at that face. An apostrophe (′) reverses it; 2 means 180°. Keep the front fixed during an algorithm.
Watch, then try
Work through an example
Use one move at a time first. This prepared case teaches a specific action; use the lesson’s setup instructions to recognize when it applies to your own scramble.
Watch one worked example
Track the three moving edge pieces and the back edge that stays put. This is a recognition drill for the same cycle used at the end of the beginner method.
Example grip: yellow up · blue front · red right at the start. Follow any written whole-cube rotations.
0 / 11
Loading 3D cube…
Prepared position · 0 / 11 moves
Use Next move to follow the sequence.
Drag to inspect other faces. Arrow keys rotate the view when the cube is focused.
Copy this exact example on your own cube
Start with a solved 3×3, yellow up and blue front. Apply the setup below from left to right. This creates the example’s starting position. Keep this separate from the ongoing scramble you are solving through the course.
R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'Then follow the lesson sequence. If your cube’s color scheme differs, match the piece relationships using your own colors.
Compare the starting position and the result
Drag each cube to inspect its other faces.
Explain it to yourself
Check your understanding
Now use your own cube
Your turn
Identify the solved side and name the three misplaced top edges before playing the example. Then solve the opposite cycle by applying the same sequence twice.
Open a 3×3 Digital Cube for practiceOpens in a new tab so you can keep this lesson beside your practice. Check the lesson goal yourself; the Digital Cube does not grade it.
If you get stuck
I cannot find a solved side.
Check corner alignment first. With corners correct, perform one edge cycle, find the side it creates, and put that side at back before continuing.
Before moving on
Check your result
Your cube at this stage
All six faces solved
Every face is one color. Check the back and bottom as well as the faces you can see here.
Confirm these on your cube. Watching the animation alone does not complete the lesson.
Check every item when you can do it yourself.