Tricky F2L Cases

You know the basics. But what about when pieces are stuck, glued together, or just mocking you?

1. Connected but Wrong

The corner and edge are touching, but the colors don’t match. (e.g., White faces side, Edge is flipped).

• The Beginner way: Separate them (R U R'), then solve. (6-8 moves).
• The Pro way:
  • If piece is on Right: R' F R F' R U' R' (Sledgehammer + Insert).
  • Result: Solved in fewer moves and flips edges!

2. Corner in Slot, Edge in Top

The corner is already solved! But the edge is floating on top.

• Keyhole: D (move slot away) -> R U' R' (insert edge) -> D' (return).
• Algorithm: U' R U R' U2 R U' R'

3. Edge in Slot, Corner in Top

The edge is solved! But the corner is floating.

• Algorithm: R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' (Triple Sexy Move).
  • Why? It cycles the corner in without breaking the edge.

4. Both in Wrong Slots

• Scenario: The Red/Blue pair is stuck in the Orange/Green slot.
• Don’t: Take them out, rotate, put them in.
• Do: Solve the Orange/Green pair into that slot. It will naturally eject the Red/Blue pair. Two birds, one stone.

5. “Safe” Hiding

When hiding a corner to pair it, make sure you hide it in a “Safe” direction.

• Rule: Hide it away from the edge you are moving.
• If Edge is at Back-Left, don’t hide Corner at Back-Left.