PLL Essentials
Just Getting Started?
This page covers essential starter algorithms. For a complete PLL algorithm library, check out the PLL Library.
⚡ Permute the Last Layer like a pro! Master key PLL cases—T-Perm, U-Perm, H-Perm, and more. Estimated read time: 6 minutes.
What You'll Learn
- Recognize all 6 essential PLL cases instantly.
- Execute T-Perm, U-Perm, H-Perm, Z-Perm, and Y-Perm flawlessly.
- Understand when to apply each permutation algorithm.
- Practice with interactive 3D demos for each case.
Key PLL Cases
Swap one adjacent corner pair and one adjacent edge pair.
R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'Show Interactive Demo
Cycle three edges counter-clockwise.
R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2Show Interactive Demo
Cycle three edges clockwise.
R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'Show Interactive Demo
Swap opposite edges.
M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2Show Interactive Demo
Swap adjacent edge pairs.
M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2 U2 M' U2Show Interactive Demo
Swap diagonal corners and an adjacent edge pair.
F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F'Show Interactive Demo
Essential PLL Algorithm List
| Case | Pattern Description | Algorithm |
|---|---|---|
| T-Perm | Swaps adjacent corners and adjacent edges | R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F' |
| U-Perm (Ua) | Cycles 3 edges counter-clockwise | R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2 |
| U-Perm (Ub) | Cycles 3 edges clockwise | R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R' |
| H-Perm | Swaps opposite edge pairs | M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2 |
| Z-Perm | Swaps adjacent edge pairs | M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2 U2 M' U2 |
| Y-Perm | Swaps diagonal corners and an adjacent edge pair | F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F' |
FAQs & Pro Tips
There are 21 unique PLL cases in full CFOP, covering all permutations of the last layer pieces (corners and edges).
Two-look PLL breaks down the final permutation step into two stages: first permuting the corners, then permuting the edges. This uses fewer algorithms (around 6) compared to full PLL, making it easier to learn initially.
Double-check that the top layer (OLL) is fully oriented first. Also, ensure you're holding the cube with the correct orientation before starting the algorithm and executing each move precisely. Misaligned layers or incorrect starting positions are common errors.
Both U-perms cycle three edges on the top layer while keeping the corners solved. Seen from above, Ua perm cycles the edges counter-clockwise, while Ub perm cycles them clockwise. Choose the one that matches the required edge swap direction.