First Two Layers (F2L)

After the cross, the next step is F2L (First Two Layers), arguably the most important step of Fridrich Method. This step completes the first two layers by fixing the four corner-edge pairs (slots) between the cross edges in four steps, one slot at a time. There are 41 basic "algorithms" to insert a corner and its corresponding edge into their correct spot in the correct orientation. However, most of these are relatively short and intuitive compared to the last layer algorithms.

Because the four pairs can be solved in any order, F2L is a very flexive step and is open to many tricks to reduce the number of moves. Rather than blindly applying the algorithms, it is important to understand how each one works and to be able to apply them from all directions.

Introduction

These are the algorithms I currently use for F2L. I have also tried to add many secondary algorithms that are easier to perform from some directions (e.g. 2-generators). The code is the one used by Japanese speedcubers. You can find this list on Master Katsu's site.

Most of these algorithms are taken from or based on ones from many other different pages. Remember: These are just the algorithms I use, you should always try as many algorithms you can to find your perfect match Here is a list of pages with F2L algorithms.

Note 1: These algs use double layer (w...see Notation) and whole cube turns frequently. I recommend that you first memorize F2L intuitively or from other sites, then come back and add the finger tricks, etc.

1 Corner or 1 Edge in Wrong Slot

Almost all basic F2L algorithms can be broken down into two stages: 1) putting the c-e pair to one of the four bolded basic patterns (italicized), and 2) solving the basic pattern. With this in mind, the sequences listed here can be used to solve cases where an edge or a corner is in the wrong slot: perform step 1 just like for the usual pattern, adjust the U-layer until the corner is right above the target slot, and do step 2.

"Algorithms"

Code Pattern Algorithm A1 URU'R'D'wL'UL B1 (RUR'U')x3 y'(RB'R'B)x3 (URU'R')x3 C1 yL2U2LUL'ULU2L D1 y'R'UR'D'wL'ULF2 E1 yL'ULU'L'UL RU2R'F'U2F F1 U'RUR'U'RUR' G1 yUL'ULU2'L'UL URUR'U2RUR' H1 yUL'U'LU'y'RUR' I1 D'wL'UL J1 DwR'U2RD'wRUR' K1 RU'R'U'D'wL'U'L L1 U'RU'R'URUR' M1 U2R2U2R'U'RU'R2 RUR'U2RUR'U'RUR' RU'R'U'RUR'U2RUR' N1 yL'U2LUL'U'L Q1 DwR'U'RD2'wL'UL R1 U'RUR'URUR' S1 DwR'U2RD2'wL'UL T1 RUR' U1 D'wL'U2LU'L'UL V1 U2RUR'URU'R' RU'R'U2RUR'

Code Pattern Algorithm A2 D'wL'ULDwRU'R' B2 RU'R'yL'U2L C2 R2U2R'U'RU'R'U2R' D2 E2 RU'R'URU'R' F2 yUL'U'LUL'U'L G2 U'RU'R'U2RU'R' H2 U'RUR'DwR'U'R I2 URU'R' J2 U'RU2R'DwR'U'R K2 y'R'URU'D'wRUR' L2 yUL'ULU'L'U'L/DwR'URU'R'U'R M2 yU2L2U2LUL'UL2 N2 RU2R'U'RUR' Q2 U'RUR'U2RU'R' R2 U'RU'R'DwR'U'R URUR'UDwR'U'R S2 U'RU2R'U2RU'R' T2 y'R'U'R/yL'U'L U2 URU2R'URU'R' V2 UDwR'U'RU'R'UR U2RUR'y'R'U'R

These are some very good pages with F2L algorithms. Try as many algorithms as you can to find your perfect match :D