Rubik’s Cube Beginner Method: What the Six Stages Mean

Quick answer: A beginner layer-by-layer solution usually builds one face, completes the first two layers and then orients and positions the final-layer pieces.

Know the pieces

Center pieces identify the six face colors. Edge pieces have two stickers; corner pieces have three. On a standard 3×3 cube, centers define the color scheme.

First-layer cross

Find the four edges for the starting color and align each edge’s side color with the matching center.

First-layer corners

Insert corners so both their top color and adjacent side colors match; a completed monochrome face alone is not enough.

Middle-layer edges

Move the four non-top-color edges into their correct slots without disturbing the first layer.

Last layer

Orient the top cross, orient top corners, position top corners and position top edges. The exact order varies with the tutorial’s algorithm set.

The bottom line

A beginner layer-by-layer solution usually builds one face, completes the first two layers and then orients and positions the final-layer pieces.