Winter Variation (WV)

Winter Variation (WV) is a subset of algorithms used during the Last Slot of F2L.

• Scenario: You have a F2L pair made, but the corner is currently twisted in the top layer.
• Goal: Insert the pair AND solve the OLL (Top Face) simultaneously.

Why learn it?

• Normal: Insert Pair (3 moves) -> OLL (9 moves) -> PLL.
• WV: WV Alg (7 moves) -> PLL.
• Savings: You skip an entire step. It feels like magic.

Prerequisite

• You must have the Last Pair ready to insert.
• All other F2L slots must be solved.
• The Top Cross edges must be oriented (EO).

Common Cases (Right Slot)

1. WV 1 (Standard Insert)

If all top corners are already yellow.

U

R

U'

R'

(This is just a normal insert).

2. WV 3 (Sune Shape)

Corner facing Front.

U

R

U'

R'

U'

R

U'

R'

(It looks like you are messing up, but trust the process).

3. WV 4 (Anti-Sune Shape)

Corner facing Right.

R

U

R'

U'

R

U

R'

(Sexy move + Insert).

4. WV 5 (Headlights)

Corners facing Front and Back.

R

U'

R'

U

R

U2

R'

How to Practice

Don’t learn all 27 cases at once. Start with the easy ones (Sexy Move variants). Whenever you have a pair ready to insert, PAUSE. Look at the top corners. Is there an easy case?