3x3x3 Equator Layer

3x3x3 Solution 1, Equator Layer

REMEMBER: Before starting any algorithm, make sure that the front (dark grey) face is facing you and the top layer is on the top.

The aim of this section is to take you from this

to this

completing the equator layer.

The Equator Layer Edges

A good rule of thumb for identifying a equator layer edge that is on the top layer is that does not have the top face centre colour on it, in this case white.

For the purpose of this exercise I will use the blue and red faced edge.

The equator layer is completed by using only two algorithm and you will notice that each move in the first algorithm is a mirror of the same move in the second algorithm and the first move turns the edge on the top layer away from where you are going to place it.

Search the top layer of the cube for the blue and red edge then rotate the top layer until the face on the side face of the edge lines up with the same coloured centre on the side face of the cube and follow the appropriate algorithm.

If the blue and red edge is not on the top layer or is in the right place but back to front then perform either algorithm to replace it with any top edge, preferably with the one that belongs in that location or one with a top centre coloured face in this case a white face, doing this will move the blue and red edge to the top layer.

Algorithm 1. Front face dark grey.

U	R	U'	R'	U'	F'	U	F

Up face Clockwise	Right face Clockwise	Up face Anti-clock	Right face Anti-clock	Up face Anti-clock	Front face Anti-clock	Up face Clockwise	Front face Clockwise

Algorithm 2. Front face dark grey.

U'	L'	U	L	U	F	U'	F'

Up face Anti-clock	Left face Anti-clock	Up face Clockwise	Left face Clockwise	Up face Clockwise	Front face Clockwise	Up face Anti-clock	Front face Anti-clock

Follow these instructions to put all of the equator layer edges in place.

When you have put all four equator layer edges in place you are ready to start working on the 3x3x3 Final/Top Layer.