2x2 Ortega Algorithms

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2x2 Ortega Method

Learn how to solve a 2x2 using the Ortega method. Now, the Ortega method is a more advanced method than the beginners method but its super easy to get proficient at it and get down to sub 8 seconds (as long as your fingers can move that fast).

Video Tutorial

Written Tutorial

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 solve the top and bottom layers of our 2x2 at the same time.

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 used to if you are trying to learn a fairly advanced method.

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Step 1

You should already know how to solve a single face of your 2x2 if you are trying to learn the Ortega method. We recommend starting with the white face before transitioning over to colour neutral.

In step 1, simply solve the white face not worrying if the corners are in the correct position or not. For example, your White Blue Red corner could be next to your White Gren Orange corner. In step 1 all we care about is getting 4 white stickers (or stickerless stickers, if thats a thing) on the bottom face.

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Step 2

In step 2 of the 2x2 Ortega method we bring all of the yellows to the top layer (now, if you started with something other than white, or have some funky colour scheme then its the colour that is OPPOSITE the colour you started with). Simply follow the cases below to solve your yellow pieces.

Once all of the yellows are on the top we can move on to step 3.

Note: These are the same algs from the 3x3 4-Look OLL algs

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

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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 5s.