4x4 Cube (The Revenge)

The 4x4 (Rubik’s Revenge) is the big brother of the 3x3. It has no fixed centers, which introduces a world of pain called “Parity”.

The Method: Reduction (Yau)

We don’t solve it layer-by-layer. We turn it into a 3x3 first.

Step 1: Centers

Since centers move, you must build them.

• Goal: Create 6 solid colored squares in the middle.
• Rule: You must memorize the color order (White opposite Yellow, Blue opposite Green, Red opposite Orange). If you get this wrong, the cube becomes unsolvable.

Step 2: Edge Pairing

The 4x4 has two pieces for every single edge.

• Goal: Find matching pairs (e.g., two Red-Blue pieces) and join them together.
• Result: You now have 12 “Big Edges”.

Step 3: 3x3 Stage

Now treat the 2x2 blocks as corners, the paired edges as single edges, and the 2x2 centers as single centers. Solve it exactly like a 3x3!

The Boss Fight: Parity

Sometimes, the 3x3 stage is impossible. This is Parity. It happens because hidden internal pieces are swapped.

OLL Parity (Flipped Edge)

One single edge group is flipped upside down. Impossible on a 3x3.

• The Algo: Rw U2 x Rw U2 Rw U2 Rw' U2 Lw U2 Rw' U2 Rw U2 Rw' U2 Rw'
• Translation: Spin the inner layers until your hands hurt.

PLL Parity (Swapped Edges)

Two edges are swapped, but corners are solved.

• The Algo: r2 U2 r2 Uw2 r2 Uw2
• Translation: Much easier. Just slice and spin.