Beginner CFOP: from layer-by-layer to Cross–F2L–OLL–PLL
Full CFOP is 41 F2L + 57 OLL + 21 PLL. Beginners learn a reduced version: finish the cube first, with fewer algs and slower recognition.
1. The four letters C-F-O-P
Cross on the bottom. F2L the first two layers. OLL orient the last layer. PLL permute it. The in-app intro has a 4-step diagram — read it before notation.
The speedcubing overview lives at What is CFOP?; this page is the beginner reduction.
2. What does 2-look mean?
2-look OLL: make the yellow cross, then twist corners so the whole face is yellow. 2-look PLL: place the four corners, then permute the four edges. Fewer algs than full OLL/PLL — the right place to start.
3. When to switch to CFOP practice
Once you can finish a few solves without reading every move: practice optimal Cross, then 41 F2L cases + lookahead. Full OLL/PLL live at /oll and /pll.