HOW TO: Rubik's Cube Part 2 (First Layer)

Now that you know how a cube operates (by trying to solve on your own) and how to read algorithms, it is time to learn how to solve the first layer!

Solving the first layer involves two parts : one is creating a cross on the base and second is adding the corners of the cube.

First thing to do is make a cross on any side of cube. Pick a color that you would like to represent your base. I like mine white. It is up to you but when you want to engage in speed cubing, try to use only one color as your base. Your hands and your eyes will be accustomed to the color and will be easier for you to notice the patterns. A cross is something like the image below.

Notice that the other side of the white edge tiles align properly to the center plates. You can try to solve first a cross then adjust them one by one but it will take a lot of time. It will be easier for you to solve the cross with the colors aligned so you don't have to adjust them anymore. For this part, I cannot give any algorithms because it depends on how your cube is scrambled.

Second part is putting on the corners.

First thing to do is to find the corner piece you want to put in and align that corner piece to where you want to put it, as show in the image below.

As you can see in the example, the corner piece needs to be put in that position. Notice how the green side of the corner piece is next to the green center piece. Also notice that at the white tile is not on the top layer, but at the side of the green one. To solve this, face the green side of the cube and the algorithm should be:

R U R'

Pretty easy right? The same can be done on the left side also while facing the green side.

L' U' L 

 But what if the white tile is on the top layer? Do these algorithms then realign it and it will be pretty easy to solve:

R U2 R'                                           L' U'2 L

Last thing is that what if the corner piece is in the first layer? What you need to do with it is to perform either R U R' or L' U' L depending on what side you are facing.

Do these steps in all the first layer corners and you will be ready for the second layer! Be sure to practice first the first layer so that you will be absolutely ready when the second layer tutorials come out! :)

Let me know in the comments any suggestions or questions! I'll try my best to answer them. Tell me also if you are following my blog! Thank you so much. :))

PART 3: HOW TO: Rubik's Cube Part 3 (Middle Layer)