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 R R U' R' U' R U R' F'Show Interactive Demo
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Cycle three edges clockwise.
R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R RShow Interactive Demo
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Cycle three edges counter-clockwise.
R R U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'Show Interactive Demo
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Swap opposite edges.
M M U M M U U M M U M MShow Interactive Demo
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Swap adjacent edge pairs.
M M U M M U M' U U M M U U M' U UShow Interactive Demo
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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
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Essential PLL Algorithm List
| Case | Pattern Description | Algorithm |
|---|---|---|
| T-Perm | Swaps adjacent corners and adjacent edges | R U R' U' R' F R R U' R' U' R U R' F' |
| U-Perm (Ua) | Cycles 3 edges clockwise | R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R R |
| U-Perm (Ub) | Cycles 3 edges counter-clockwise | R R U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R' |
| H-Perm | Swaps opposite edge pairs | M M U M M U U M M U M M |
| Z-Perm | Swaps adjacent edge pairs | M M U M M U M' U U M M U U M' U U |
| 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. Ua perm cycles the edges clockwise, while Ub perm cycles them counter-clockwise. Choose the one that matches the required edge swap direction.