The 2×2 is one of the easiest twisty puzzles to solve. Essentially, it’s just a 3×3 without edges and centers. However, while solving it may not be much of a challenge, getting faster and becoming competitive in 2×2 requires quite a lot of dedication and knowledge of hundreds of algorithms… Or does it? Keep reading to find out how you can average less than 3 seconds without learning any new algorithms.
The Ortega Method
An illustration of a possible solution using the ortega method
The Ortega method, also called the Varasano method, is an intermediate method. First, a face is built (but the pieces may be permuted incorrectly), then the last layer is oriented (OLL), and lastly both layers are permuted (PBL). The Ortega method requires a total of 12 algorithms. However, even these 12 algorithms can be reduced even further, since most people learn to solve the 3×3 before the 2×2, you may already know 7 of the algorithms which are the same as 2-look OLL on 3×3. This leaves just 5 extremely easy algorithms to learn and most who have spent some time on 2×2 already know these.
But you may find yourself already knowing the Ortega Method and still averaging around 5 seconds, well don’t worry because it is very possible to average 2-3 seconds with this method, all you need to focus on is lookahead. Yes, even 2×2 requires solid look-ahead skills. Here’s what you will need to be able to do to solve the 2×2 in under 3 seconds with the Ortega Method.
- Be able to execute all OLLs and PLLs in under 1 second
- Make the white face in under 1.5 seconds
- Predict OLL during inspection (for sub 3 average)
CLL
CLL only has 2 steps, solve the first layer, then solve the rest in 1 alg
If this level of lookahead seems too difficult, then fear not because there is another way. CLL is an algorithm set for 2×2 that is essentially 1-look last-layer. This alg set has 42 algs and most of the algs are really easy to learn. However, the largest downside of learning CLL is the recognition. Since CLL deals with the color patterns on the corners, it can be really difficult to recognize the case and execute the alg quickly. That’s why most pros don’t recommend learning CLL until you average sub-4.5 with Ortega and have solid look-ahead skills. If you want to learn CLL earlier, then be prepared to practice a lot and use recognition trainers to decrease time spent pausing to recognize the case.
With enough practice, it is easily possible to average sub 3 and even sub 2 with CLL because of something called 1-looking.
One-Looking
One-looking is the holy grail in 2×2. It is the final step of mastering 2×2 and is probably one of the most difficult things to learn as a beginner. Essentially, one-looking is looking at the cube in inspection and figuring out the entire solution. This mitigates all pause time and is just turning as fast as you can. While it seems impossible, one-looking is not as bad as it seems. If you are using CLL, then all you have to do is trace the yellow corner pieces and predict where they will be after you make your layer. This requires an efficient layer so you have moves to track. Here are some helpful resources to get you started on your one-looking journey:
Some Extra Information
If you’re looking to get even faster, then learning even more algorithms is needed. Yes, there are even more algs than 1LLL. To learn everything you need to become world-class, start will full EG. This group of alg sets includes EG-1, EG-2, and CLL. Basically, it’s the Ortega method without OLL. Make the white face(not layer), and solve the rest in one alg. Some world-class cubers also know T-CLL and Anti-CLL which are even more advanced algs. However, for most cubers, CLL is enough and if you practice it, you can get extremely fast.
Useful links:
- Best 2×2 algs (this Google sheet has every imaginable 2×2 alg set and is made by all the best 2×2 solvers in the world)
- EG-1 tutorial
- How to average sub-2 on 2×2
Do you have any suggestions of algs and tricks to learn to get faster at 2×2? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoyed this article or any of my content in general, consider subscribing. It really helps me out. Thanks!
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