Rubik's Cube Notation Basics
Understanding notation is key to learning algorithms. This guide takes about 3 minutes and covers the essential moves.
What You'll Learn
- Standard face turns (R, U, F, L, D, B).
- Slice moves (M, E, S).
Notation Fundamentals
Face Turns (Clockwise)
Standard notation uses letters for each face: Right (R), Left (L), Up (U), Down (D), Front (F), Back (B). A plain letter like R means turn that face clockwise 90 degrees, as if looking directly at it.
Show Interactive Demo
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Prime Moves (Counter-Clockwise)
An apostrophe (or 'prime' symbol) after a letter, like R' means turn that face counter-clockwise 90 degrees.
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Slice Moves
Slice moves turn the middle layers. Middle M turns the layer between R and L (same direction as L). Equatorial E turns the layer between U and D (same direction as D). Standing S turns the layer between F and B (same direction as F). Primes (M', E', S') work as expected.
Show Interactive Demo (M Move)
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Show Interactive Demo (E Move)
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Show Interactive Demo (S Move)
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