Fridrich Method
Encyclopedia
The CFOP system, simply known as the Fridrich Method is one of the most commonly used methods in speedsolving
a Rubik's Cube
. This method was first developed in the early 1980s by Jessica Fridrich
, and was published online in 1997.
The method works on a layer-by-layer system, first "solving" a cross on the bottom, continuing to solve the first two layers (F2L), orienting the last layer (OLL), and finally permuting the last layer (PLL).
, Feliks Zemdegs
and Erik Akkersdijk
.
The Fridrich Method is commonly preferred for speedcubing because it relies heavily on algorithms as opposed to more intuitive methods such as Roux or Petrus. By not being intuitive it makes the solver rely only on pattern recognition and muscle memory. The majority of top speed cubers on the WCA ranking list are Fridrich solvers.
Speedcubing
Speedcubing is the activity of solving a Rubik's Cube or related puzzle as quickly as possible...
a Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
. This method was first developed in the early 1980s by Jessica Fridrich
Jessica Fridrich
Jessica Fridrich is the inventor of the most commonly used method for speed-solving the Rubik's Cube, better known as speedcubing.This method describes solving the cube in a layer-by-layer fashion. First a so-called "cross" is made on the first layer, consisting of the center piece and four edges...
, and was published online in 1997.
The method works on a layer-by-layer system, first "solving" a cross on the bottom, continuing to solve the first two layers (F2L), orienting the last layer (OLL), and finally permuting the last layer (PLL).
The method
The method consists of 4 steps:- The Cross - This first stage involves solving four edge pieces on one side. By convention, the side most widely used by speedcubers is white. This step is the most intuitive step of the solve but it is also very fast; Experienced speedcubers can solve it in about 2–3 seconds, and in all cases it requires 8 or fewer turns to solve.
- Solve the First Two Layers (F2L) - This stage consumes most of the time as it has the most turns to solve. In most beginner methods, the corners of the cube and edge pieces are solved separately. In F2L, both the corner piece and edge pieces are solved at the same time, reducing the number of twists needed. There are 42 different cases for F2L, 41 plus the already solved case. However, many speedcubers solve this step intuitively.
- Orientation of Last Layer (OLL) - This stage involves manipulating the top layer so that all 9 cubes on the top side are the same color, even at the expense of incorrect colors on other sides. This stage involves learning a total of 57 algorithms.
- Permutation of Last Layer (PLL) - The final stage involves moving the pieces of the top layer while preserving their orientation. There are a total of 21 algorithms for this stage.
Tournament use
The Fridrich Method is used by many speedcubers, for example Rowe HesslerRowe Hessler
Rowe Hessler , a two-time reigning U.S. Champion as of 2010, is the fastest "speedcuber" in the United States due to his acquired title and records. He holds both North American records for the Rubik's Cube: 6.94 seconds for a single solve and 8.91 seconds for an average of 5 solves...
, Feliks Zemdegs
Feliks Zemdegs
Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008...
and Erik Akkersdijk
Erik Akkersdijk
Erik Akkersdijk is a Dutch Rubik's Cube speedsolver.In 2008, he set several world records in Rubik's Cube, including the standard 3x3x3 cube....
.
The Fridrich Method is commonly preferred for speedcubing because it relies heavily on algorithms as opposed to more intuitive methods such as Roux or Petrus. By not being intuitive it makes the solver rely only on pattern recognition and muscle memory. The majority of top speed cubers on the WCA ranking list are Fridrich solvers.