3x3x3 Top Down Top Edges

3x3x3 Top Down Solution, Top Layer Edges

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

Making a white cross on the top face as shown on the diagram to the left is what you are trying to achieve. You will not only be making the white cross on the top face but you will also be lining up the other coloured face on the edge with the same coloured centre on the side face.

Note: If you are solving a picture cube make sure that the up and side face centres are correctly oriented when making the cross and once you have solved the equator choose the link to the bottom layer solution for picture cubes.

The Edges

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

If the red face on the edge lines up with the red centre follow the appropriate moves in algorithm 1-4 below.

Algorithm 1

Algorithm 2

Algorithm 3

Algorithm 4

Front face dark grey.

If the white faces line up but the red faces don't and this is the first top edge you are putting in place, simply rotate the Up face until the red faces line up as above.

Front face
Anti-clock

Front face
Clockwise

F2

Front face Clockwise	Front face Clockwise

If the red face on the edge is not next to the red centre perform the black moves below to place the white face on the edge on the bottom face of the cube. Then rotate the bottom layer until the red face on the edge lines up with the red centre as in algorithm 4 above, then perform algorithm 4.

Note: In algorithms 6 - 9 you may disturb an edge on the top layer that was in the right place. If you have disturbed an edge that was in the right place add the red moves in the algorithm to restore the disturbed edge.

Algorithm 5

Algorithm 6

Front face dark grey.

F2

Front face Clockwise	Front face Clockwise

F	R'	D'	R

Front face Clockwise	Right face Anti-clock	Down face Anti-clock	Right face Clockwise

Algorithm 7

Algorithm 8

Algorithm 9

Front face dark grey.

R'	D'	R

Right face Anti-clock	Down face Anti-clock	Right face Clockwise

L	D	L'

Left face Clockwise	Down face Clockwise	Left face Anti-clock

F'	R'	D	R	F

Front face Anti-clock	Right face Anti-clock	Down face Clockwise	Right face Clockwise	Front face Clockwise

Now use the instructions on this page to put all of the top layer edges in place.

Once you have your cross on the top layer with the side faces on the edges matching the adjacent centres you are ready to start working on the Top Layer Corners