Here’s a simple beginner method for solving a 3x3 Rubik’s Cube. The standard approach is to solve it layer by layer: white cross, white corners, middle- layer edges, yellow cross, yellow edge placement, yellow corner placement, and final corner twists/swaps.

Notation

Use these basic moves:

  • R = right face clockwise.
  • R' = right face counterclockwise.
  • U = top face clockwise.
  • U' = top face counterclockwise.
  • F = front face clockwise.
  • F' = front face counterclockwise.
    These are the core moves used in beginner tutorials and official guides.

Step 1: White cross

Make a white cross on one face, usually the bottom, and match each white edge with its center color on the side faces.

This step is about both shape and alignment, not just getting white pieces together.

Step 2: White corners

Insert the four white corners so the entire first layer is solved.

A common beginner move for placing a corner is the repeated sequence RUR′U′RUR'U'RUR′U′, used until the corner goes into the correct spot.

Step 3: Middle layer edges

Move the four middle-layer edges into place without disturbing the solved white layer.

Common beginner algorithms include:

  • To move an edge to the right: URU′R′FR′F′RURU'R'FR'F'RURU′R′FR′F′R.
  • To move an edge to the left: U′L′ULF′LFL′U'L'ULF'LFL'U′L′ULF′LFL′.
    These are widely used in standard beginner methods.

Step 4: Yellow cross

Turn the top face yellow by making a yellow cross. Depending on what you see, you may start from a dot, an L shape, or a line.

A common algorithm for this step is FRUR′U′F′FRUR'U'F'FRUR′U′F′.

Step 5: Yellow edges

Now line up the yellow edge pieces so they match the center colors on the sides.

A common algorithm here is RUR′URU2R′RUR'URU2R'RUR′URU2R′.

Step 6: Yellow corners

Put the yellow corners in the correct positions, even if they are not oriented correctly yet.

A common corner-placement algorithm is URU′L′UR′U′LURU'L'UR'U'LURU′L′UR′U′L.

Step 7: Finish the cube

Twist the last-layer corners until the cube is solved. This is usually done by repeating a corner-orientation algorithm while keeping one solved corner in place.

At this stage, stay patient and only work on the top layer so you do not break the first two layers.

Helpful practice order

  1. Learn the notation.
  2. Practice the white cross.
  3. Memorize one corner insertion move.
  4. Learn one middle-edge algorithm for each side.
  5. Memorize the yellow cross move.
  6. Learn one final corner algorithm.

The beginner layer-by-layer method is the most common starting point because it is structured and easier to remember than faster advanced methods.

TL;DR: solve white cross, white corners, middle layer, yellow cross, yellow edges, yellow corners, then finish the last twists.