Method choice guide

CFOP vs Roux vs Beginner Method: Which Should You Learn?

There is no single best 3x3 method for every solver. The right choice depends on whether you are chasing a first solve, trying to break one minute, or building a long-term speedcubing practice routine.

Last reviewed: May 8, 2026 by the Cubzor Editorial Team.

Quick recommendation

Learn the beginner method first if you are new. Move to CFOP if you want the most common improvement path and plenty of practice material. Try Roux if you enjoy intuitive block building and want a method that relies less on full OLL and PLL memorization.

Method comparison

Beginner method

Best for: First solves, casual practice, and learning cube basics.
Strengths: The steps are predictable, the algorithm count is low, and each solve teaches piece movement clearly.
Tradeoff: It becomes slow once you can solve consistently because it separates pieces more than necessary.

CFOP

Best for: Most speedcubers who want a proven path from beginner times to fast competition solves.
Strengths: CFOP has a clear progression: cross, F2L, 2-look last layer, then full OLL and PLL when you are ready.
Tradeoff: It rewards algorithm study and recognition practice, so it can feel memorization-heavy at first.

Roux

Best for: Cubers who enjoy block building, fewer rotations, and more intuitive middle-slice solving.
Strengths: Roux can be efficient and flexible, especially if you like planning blocks instead of following fixed layer steps.
Tradeoff: Learning resources are less universal than CFOP, and early block-building practice can feel less guided.

When to switch from the beginner method

Do not switch the moment you get your first solve. Spend enough time with the beginner method to understand how corners, edges, centers, and last-layer orientation work. Once you can solve without constantly checking instructions, start learning intuitive F2L or basic Roux blocks.

Decision rules

If you cannot solve the cube yet, start with the beginner method.
If you can solve in 2-4 minutes and want a mainstream speed path, move into beginner CFOP with intuitive F2L and 2-look OLL/PLL.
If you dislike memorizing many last-layer algorithms, try Roux after you understand basic notation and piece tracking.
If your goal is local competitions, choose the method you can practice consistently for several weeks, not the one that sounds fastest on paper.

Practice plans by goal

If your goal is a first solve

Use the beginner guide and ignore advanced methods for now. Your priority is recognizing pieces, following notation, and finishing a complete solve without panic.

If your goal is sub-60 seconds

CFOP is the most straightforward route for most solvers. Learn the cross, intuitive F2L, and 2-look last layer before worrying about all 57 OLL cases.

If your goal is efficient, low-rotation solving

Try Roux after you understand notation and basic piece tracking. Give block building several practice sessions before deciding whether it fits your brain.

What to learn next

For CFOP, continue with the CFOP guide, then use the OLL and PLL libraries when your F2L is stable. For Roux, focus on first block, second block, CMLL recognition, and last-six-edges flow. For any method, use the 3D cube simulator to test changes without depending on a physical cube.