Roux Method Tutorial: The Block-Building Speedsolving Method
Master the Roux Method—invented by Gilles Roux in 2003 and used by world-class solvers like Kian Mansour (sub-7 second averages). This efficient method uses just 48 moves on average compared to CFOP's 60, with fewer cube rotations and smoother M-slice flow.
What You'll Learn
- Build the First Block (1x2x3) efficiently in 7-8 moves
- Complete the Second Block without breaking the first
- Solve all 4 corners with CMLL (42 algorithms or 2-look method)
- Master LSE (Last Six Edges) using only M and U moves
- Minimize cube rotations and maximize solving flow
- Understand when Roux is better than CFOP for your style
Why Learn the Roux Method?
The Roux Method is one of the 'Big Four' speedsolving methods, alongside CFOP, ZZ, and Petrus. Here's what makes it special:
Lower Move Count
Average 48 moves per solve vs. CFOP's 60 moves—20% fewer moves means faster times with practice.
Fewer Rotations
Build blocks intuitively with minimal cube rotations, making it ergonomic and efficient.
Smooth M-Slice Flow
The LSE step uses only M and U moves, allowing for incredibly fast, fluid TPS (turns per second).
One-Handed Friendly
Considered by many to be the best OH (one-handed) solving method due to its ergonomic move sequences.
Used by top solvers: Kian Mansour, Sean Patrick Villanueva, and many sub-10 speedcubers worldwide.
Roux vs CFOP Comparison
| Roux Method | CFOP Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Moves | 48 moves | 60 moves |
| Cube Rotations | Very few | Many |
| Algorithms to Learn | 42 CMLL + intuitive | 78 (57 OLL + 21 PLL) |
| Last Step | M+U moves (smooth) | PLL recognition |
| Best For | OH, low movecount, flow | Recognition, consistency |
History of the Roux Method
The Roux Method was invented by Gilles Roux (France) in 2003. Unlike traditional layer-by-layer methods, Roux pioneered a block-building approach that focuses on creating two 1x2x3 blocks first, then solving corners and edges separately.
The method gained popularity in the speedcubing community for its low move count and adaptability to one-handed solving. Today, elite solvers like Kian Mansour have achieved sub-7 second averages using Roux, proving its viability at the highest levels of competition.
The 4 Steps of Roux Method
Click each step to see a live 3D cube animation and practice the algorithms interactively!
Create a 1x2x3 block on the left side of the cube. This is intuitive—focus on pairing corners with edges to form 'squares,' then expand into the full block. Target: 7-8 moves.
Technique: Pro tip: Practice color neutrality (solving with white OR yellow on bottom) to find pre-made pairs faster.
Show Interactive Example: First Block
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Build a matching 1x2x3 block on the right side. This is trickier because you must preserve the first block. Stick to right-side moves (R, r, Rw) and U moves so the First Block on the left is left untouched. Avoid left-side moves like L or Lw, and avoid M-slice moves while pieces you still need are sitting in the middle slice.
Technique: Pair the FR/FU corner-edge pair on top, then insert with R, r, and U turns. Keyhole techniques (rotating U to set up an insert without breaking the right-side build) help; Rw can rotate the right two layers but Lw will demolish the First Block.
Show Interactive Example: Second Block
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Solve all 4 top-layer corners in one step. Unlike CFOP's OLL, CMLL ignores the M-slice edges, allowing shorter algorithms. Full CMLL has 42 cases, but beginners can use 2-look CMLL (Sune + permutation).
Technique: Learn Sune (R U R' U R U2 R') first. This handles most orientation cases. Then learn one permutation algorithm.
Beginner: 2-look CMLL (2 algorithms). Advanced: Full CMLL (42 algorithms).
Show Interactive Example: CMLL (Sune)
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Solve the remaining 6 edges using only M-slice and U moves. This step has 3 sub-steps: (4a) Edge Orientation, (4b) Solve UL/UR edges, (4c) Solve M-slice. The patterns are short and repeat — most learners memorize a small set of M/U sequences rather than long algorithms.
Technique: Common patterns include the arrow case M' U M' U' M' (4a), and short M2 sequences for 4b and 4c. Master EO recognition first to speed up this step dramatically.
Beginner: a handful of short M/U patterns. Advanced: Learn EOLR to combine steps 4a and 4b.
Show Interactive Example: LSE (Arrow Case)
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Advanced Roux Techniques
Once you master the basics, these techniques will take your Roux solving to the next level:
EOLR (Edge Orientation + Left/Right)
Combine edge orientation with solving UL/UR edges in one step, reducing LSE to just 2 sub-steps.
Color Neutrality
Practice solving with both white and yellow on bottom (x2/y neutral) to find pre-made block pairs faster.
Full CMLL
Learn all 42 CMLL algorithms organized into 8 groups (O, H, Pi, U, T, S, As, L) for one-look corner solving.
Block-Building Intuition
Move beyond step-by-step solving—build blocks dynamically by recognizing squares and efficient keyhole insertions.
One-Handed (OH) Adaptation
Roux's minimal rotations make it ideal for OH. Learn OH-specific CMLL algorithms for better finger tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Roux Method is a block-building speedcubing method invented by Gilles Roux in 2003. It solves the cube in 4 steps: build two 1x2x3 blocks, solve corners (CMLL), then solve the last 6 edges (LSE) using only M and U moves.
Beginners can start with just 2-3 algorithms (Sune for CMLL + one permutation). Intermediate solvers learn 42 CMLL algorithms. LSE is intuitive and requires no memorization!
It depends on your style! Roux has a lower move count (48 vs 60) and fewer rotations, but CFOP has faster recognition. Top solvers achieve world-class times with both methods. Kian Mansour averages sub-7 seconds with Roux!
LSE stands for Last Six Edges—the final step of Roux where you solve the remaining 6 edges using only M-slice and U moves. It's highly intuitive and allows for incredibly fast TPS.
Yes! Roux is considered one of the best methods for OH (one-handed) solving because it has minimal rotations and uses ergonomic M-slice moves. Many OH solvers prefer Roux over CFOP.
You can learn the basic method in a few hours. Getting fast takes practice—expect to reach your CFOP times after 2-4 weeks of dedicated practice as you build muscle memory and block-building intuition.
CMLL (Corners of the Last Layer) only solves corners and ignores edges, allowing shorter algorithms. OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer) in CFOP solves both corners AND edges together, requiring 57 algorithms vs CMLL's 42.
Use a cube with smooth M-slices and balanced magnets. Popular choices: MoYu WeiLong, GAN 12, or budget-friendly MoYu RS3M. Avoid cubes with overly strong magnets that make M-slices difficult.
Next Steps: Continue Your Journey
Recommended Resources
- Kian Mansour's Roux Guide – Comprehensive guide by world-class Roux solver Kian Mansour (sub-7s)
- Speedsolving Wiki: Roux Method – Technical details, algorithm sets, and advanced techniques
- r/Cubers Community – Active Reddit community with Roux method discussions and tips
- CubeSkills: Roux Method – Video tutorials and training resources for all skill levels