2×2 Beginner's Guide: How to Solve a Pocket Cube
The 2×2 Rubik's Cube (also called the Pocket Cube) is the perfect starting point for beginners! With only 8 corner pieces and no edges, it's significantly simpler than the 3×3. You can master it in under 30 minutes!
What You'll Learn
- Why the 2×2 is easier than the 3×3 cube
- The 3-step beginner method for 2×2
- Essential algorithms using only R, U, and F moves
- Tips for progressing to the 3×3 cube
Understanding the 2×2 Cube: Core Concepts
Before solving, understand these key differences from the 3×3 cube:
No Edge Pieces = Simpler Solving
- ✓The 2×2 has only 8 corner pieces (no edges or centers)
- ✓Each piece has 3 colored stickers
- ✓This makes it much easier to learn than the 3×3
Any Color Can Be the 'First Layer'
- ✓Unlike the 3×3, there are no fixed center pieces
- ✓You can start with any color as your first layer
- ✓By convention, we'll use white as the first layer
Same Concepts as 3×3, Just Simpler
- ✓Layer-by-layer solving approach still applies
- ✓Algorithms are similar to 3×3 corner algorithms
- ✓Learning 2×2 prepares you perfectly for 3×3
Reading 2×2 Notation: Simplified
The 2×2 uses the same notation as the 3×3, but we primarily use only three faces:
🎯The Three Main Faces:
Fface toward youRright-hand faceUtop face⚡The Symbols:
RClockwise 90°R'Counter-clockwise 90°R2180° rotation💡 Note: While L, D, and B moves exist, most 2x2 solutions primarily use R, U, and F moves. You can rotate the entire cube to make any face the front!
The 3-Step Solution
Follow these simple steps to solve your 2×2 cube:
Goal: Complete one full layer with all corners matching their adjacent colors. Choose white as your bottom layer. Use intuitive moves and the basic algorithm R U R' U' to position and orient corners. If a corner is in the right position but twisted, use R U R' U' repeatedly (up to 3 times) until it's correctly oriented.
✓ Success Check: You should have one complete layer (4 corners) with all colors matching on three sides.
Goal: Make all yellow stickers face upward on the top layer. Hold the cube with your solved layer on the bottom. Use the Sune algorithm R U R' U R U2 R' repeatedly until all yellow stickers face up. You may need to apply it 1-3 times. The algorithm temporarily disrupts the pieces, but they'll orient correctly after enough repetitions.
✓ Success Check: All four corners on the top layer should show yellow facing upward (even if they're not in the correct positions yet).
Goal: Move the oriented corners into their correct positions to complete the cube. Check if any corners are already in the correct position (look at the side colors). If one corner is correct, hold it at the front-right position. Use the corner cycle algorithm R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2 to swap the other three corners. Repeat if necessary until all corners are in place and the cube is solved!
✓ Success Check: Congratulations! Your 2×2 cube should now be completely solved with all faces showing solid colors.
Complete 2×2 Beginner Method Algorithms
| Step | Goal / Action | Algorithm / Key Moves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Solve First Layer (White Face) | Solve First Layer (White) | R U R' U' | Use intuitive moves and R U R' U'. Repeat up to 3x to orient corners. |
| Step 2: Orient Last Layer (Yellow Face Up) | Orient Last Layer (All Yellow Up) | R U R' U R U2 R' | Sune algorithm. Repeat 1-3 times until all yellow faces up. |
| Step 3: Permute Last Layer (Finish the Cube) | Permute Last Layer (Position Corners) | R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2 | Corner cycle algorithm. Swaps three corners. Repeat if needed. |
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Trying to Solve Face-by-Face
Just like the 3×3, you need to solve layer-by-layer, not face-by-face. Each corner must match all three adjacent colors.
Forgetting Which Layer is 'First'
Since there are no center pieces, it's easy to lose track. Keep your solved layer on the bottom throughout steps 2 and 3.
Applying Algorithms Too Quickly
The 2×2 is small and turns easily, but rushing algorithms leads to mistakes. Learn the moves slowly and build speed gradually.
Expecting to Solve in One Attempt per Step
Step 2 (Orient Last Layer) often requires repeating the Sune algorithm 2-3 times. This is normal! Don't give up if it doesn't work on the first try.
FAQs & Pro Tips
🚀 Next Moves
Learning Resources
- World Cube Association (WCA)– Official 2×2 competition rules and world records.
- SpeedSolving.com Wiki– Advanced 2×2 methods (Ortega, CLL, EG) and community discussion.