Intermediate Method: 2-Look OLL/PLL
Ready to move beyond the beginner method? The 2-Look method is a practical stepping stone toward CFOP. With a smaller last-layer algorithm set, you can reduce pauses while building the foundation for more advanced speedcubing.
What You'll Learn
- 2-Look OLL: Orient the last layer in just 2 steps (10 algorithms)
- 2-Look PLL: Permute the last layer efficiently (6 algorithms)
- A 5-day practice plan for learning the algorithm set
- Recognition techniques to identify cases quickly
- How to build more consistent last-layer solves
Why Learn 2-Look?
The 2-Look method offers the perfect balance between learning effort and speed improvement:
Minimal Learning Investment
Learn a smaller last-layer set before taking on full OLL and PLL.
Immediate Speed Gains
Reduce last-layer pauses and replace slower beginner-method final steps.
Smooth CFOP Transition
Every algorithm you learn is part of full CFOP. You're building skills, not wasting time on shortcuts.
Better Recognition Skills
Develop the pattern recognition abilities essential for advanced speedsolving.
2-Look OLL: Orient the Last Layer
Traditional beginner methods use 3+ steps for the yellow face. 2-Look OLL condenses this to just 2 steps with 10 algorithms. This is where you'll see the biggest time savings.
Step 1: Orient Edges (Yellow Cross)
Create a yellow cross on top. The three unsolved edge-orientation cases are dot, line/bar, and L-shape. If the yellow cross is already made, skip this step instead of applying an algorithm.
F R U R' U' F'- •T-shaped yellow pattern
- •Headlights on back
- •Simplest OLL algorithm
f R U R' U' R U R' U' f'- •Horizontal line of yellow on top
- •Headlights (matching colors) on front
f R U R' U' f'- •T-shaped yellow pattern
- •P-like appearance from side
Step 2: Orient Corners (Complete Yellow Face)
Once edges are oriented, use one of 7 corner-orientation algorithms to finish the yellow face. Sune and Anti-Sune are important starter cases, but the full two-look set covers all corner patterns.
R U R' U R U' R' U R U2 R'- •All four top edges are oriented
- •No matching corner headlights on any side
- •Looks like two Sune shapes combined
R U2 R2 U' R2 U' R2 U2 R- •All four top edges are oriented
- •No top-layer corners are oriented
- •Corner stickers form bars around the sides
R U2 R' U' R U' R'- •One corner oriented, at the back right
- •Yellow on the front-left corner faces you
- •Mirror of Sune
R U R' U R U2 R'- •One corner oriented, at the front left
- •Yellow on the front-right corner faces you
- •Most common OLL case
R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'- •Headlights on front
- •Two opposite corners oriented
r U R' U' r' F R F'- •One corner and one edge pair oriented
- •Chameleon pattern facing left
F' r U R' U' r' F R- •One corner and one edge pair oriented
- •Chameleon pattern facing right
2-Look PLL: Permute the Last Layer
After orienting all yellow pieces, 2-Look PLL positions them correctly in just 2 steps with 6 algorithms. This replaces the slower beginner method final steps.
Step 1: Permute Corners
Position all corners correctly using one adjacent-corner swap case and one diagonal-corner swap case. T-perm and Y-perm are common choices for this beginner PLL stage.
x R' U R' D2 R U' R' D2 R2 x'- •Headlights on left
- •Three corners cycle clockwise
- •Edges already solved
x R2 D2 R U R' D2 R U' R x'- •Headlights on right
- •Three corners cycle counter-clockwise
- •Mirror of Aa perm
Step 2: Permute Edges
Finish the cube by positioning edges with Ua, Ub, H, or Z algorithms. The U-perms are the most common and easiest to execute.
R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2- •Solved bar on the back
- •3 edges need to cycle counter-clockwise
- •Headlights on the other three sides
R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'- •Solved bar on the back
- •3 edges need to cycle clockwise
- •Headlights on the other three sides
M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2- •Opposite edges swapped (front-back and left-right)
- •Two sets of headlights
- •No corners moved
M' U M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2- •Adjacent edges swapped (two checkerboard patterns)
- •No headlights
- •Corners stay in place
5-Day Practice Plan
Follow this structured plan to learn the 2-Look method efficiently. Many learners can build first-pass fluency with short daily practice sessions.
1. Learn the edge-orientation algorithms
Memorize all three edge orientation algorithms. Write them down and practice finger tricks.
2. Drill edge recognition
Practice identifying which case you have by looking at edge patterns only.
3. Full solves with new OLL step 1
Complete 20-30 solves using your new edge orientation knowledge.
- •Focus on recognition speed over execution speed
- •Track your average times to see improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn 2-Look first if you want a smaller, structured bridge into CFOP. You can always add more OLL and PLL cases later.
Many cubers can memorize the set in days, but using it comfortably in real solves usually takes additional practice. Focus on recognition and smooth execution, not only memorization.
With 2-Look plus intuitive F2L, many solvers can make meaningful progress beyond beginner-method times. Exact results vary by practice quality, turning accuracy, and lookahead.
Only if you want to compete at high levels or achieve sub-15 second averages. Many casual speedcubers stick with 2-Look indefinitely. You can gradually add more cases as you improve.
Start with Sune and Anti-Sune for OLL, then add Ua and Ub for PLL edge cycles. These are useful anchors before filling in the less familiar cases.
Ready to Practice?
Now that you understand 2-Look OLL/PLL, it's time to put it into practice. Use our online timer to track your progress, or dive deeper into the full algorithm libraries.