2x2: How To Get Faster

Full Advanced 2x2 Playlist

Because of how quick 2x2 is, there is a lot of focus on algorithms, finger tricks, efficiency, and use of inspection time. This means 2x2 solves can be optimized to a greater extent than larger puzzles.

Ortega Method

Goal: Sub-5

The Ortega Method has 12 algorithms and 3 steps:

Make 1 face (not necessarily a solved layer) of any color
OLL (7 algorithms) solves the top face
PBL (5 algorithms) solves the rest of the cube

These algorithms are also useful in the more advanced methods below.

To see how to make the first side efficiently, as well as other tips, watch the Ortega Method Tips video.

CLL Method

Goal: Sub-4

The CLL (Corners of the Last Layer) Method has 42 algorithms and 2 steps:

Make 1 layer of any color
CLL (42 algorithms) solves the rest of the cube

9 of these algorithms are from the Ortega Method, and many others are from 3x3 OLL.

To see how to make the first layer efficiently, as well as other tips, watch the CLL Method Tips video.

EG Method

Goal: Sub-3

The EG Method has many algorithms and 2 steps:

Make 1 face of any color (does not have to be a layer)
Solve the rest in 1 algorithm
- If the D layer is solved, use CLL (42 algorithms)
- If the D layer has an adjacent swap, use EG-1 (43 algorithms)
- If the D layer has a diagonal swap, use EG-2 (43 algorithms) or Anti-CLL (0 algorithms)*

* Anti-CLL is slightly slower than EG-2 but requires no new algorithms if you know CLL.

1-Look Solves

Goal: Sub-2

1-looking a solve means to know the entire solution before turning the cube. Therefore, you can turn as fast as you want and without pauses.

I recommend learning the EG Method before attempting this, as tracing pieces can be too difficult with CLL.

Next Steps

Recommended for: Sub-3

The goal now for each solve is to be able to:

Quickly determine a face solution (usually 4-6 moves)
Trace pieces to predict the EG case
Predict the AUF

Doing this on every solve is the most important skill for mastering 2x2. Even if you use bad algorithms or turn slow, 2x2 solves are so fast that recognizing cases mid-solve would actually waste more time. Just like predicting the first F2L pair on 3x3, predicting the EG case will not be easy, so you can work your way up by predicting the OLL first.

You can also learn more algorithm sets like:

TCLL (like CLL, but has a twisted corner in D)
LEG-1 (like EG, but the D-layer bar is on the left)