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How To Solve a 2x2 (Ortega Algorithms)

Let's learn how to solve the 2x2 by using the Ortega Method. In this guide we will teach you the Ortega algorithms. You can also download our 2x2 Rubik's Cube Ortega PDF. The Ortega method is a very fast way of solving the 2x2 (but not the fastest). When completely confident with all of the algorithms shown below you should be at least sub 5 (maybe even quicker).

Download our 2x2 Ortega PDF guide and print it out to take it with you on the go or leave it on your desk and reference it when you're not online. Our 2x2 Ortega PDF has been downloaded thousands of times and helped lots of cubers learn how to solve a 2x2 using the Ortega method.

Please Note: All images used in this guide are generic pictures of 2x2 Speed Cubes and may not be genuine Rubik's brand cubes. All images are for illustrational and educational purposes only.

Step 1

In step 1 we are going to solve the white face on the bottom layer of our 2x2.

Step 2

In step 2 we are going to orientate the top layer of our 2x2.

Step 3

In step 3 we are going to permute both the top and bottom layers of our 2x2 at the same time.

Step 1

If you are reading this tutorial on solving your 2x2 with the Ortega method we can only assume that you have (at least) basic knowledge of solving the 2x2 and are confident using the LBL (layer by layer) method. We will not be going through how to solve the first layer as this is something you should be use to if you are trying to learn a fairly advanced method.

Step 2

In step 2 of the 2x2 Ortega method we bring all of the yellows to the top layer (you may have started with a different side of the cube, in which case you might not be solving the yellow face here, but in our example we are solving the yellows). Once all of the yellows are on the top we can move on to step 3.

R U R' U R U2 R'

R U2 R' U' R U' R'

U F (R U R' U') F'

R2 U2 R U2 R2

R U2 R2 U' R2 U' R2 U2 R

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

L' U' L U R U' L' U

Step 3

In step 3 of the Ortega method we permute both of the layers at the same time thus solving the 2x2 cube. This may take a little bit of time to learn but rest assured, once you are confident in finding and performing the correct algorithm you will be well on your way to sub 5.

(R U' R' U' F2 U') (R U R') D R2

(R U2 R' U') (R U2) (L' U R' U' L)

R2 U' B2 U2 R2 U' R2

R2 F2 R2

(R U' R) F2 (R' U R')