How to Solve the Rubik's Cube Cross with CFOP

The cross is the foundation of the CFOP method. This article explains what a cross is, how to practice it, and how to use Cube Resolver to find an optimal cross solution in your browser.

What is a cross?

In CFOP, the cross is the step of placing 4 edges on the bottom face (usually white or yellow) so that each edge's side color matches the adjacent center. Once the cross is complete, you have a "plus sign" of 4 edges, correctly placed and oriented.

Speedcubing goal: solve the cross in 8 moves or fewer (usually 4–6 moves for a random scramble). The 15-second inspection is used to decide the cross direction and plan ahead.

6 cross directions — which color should you pick?

For any given scramble, you can place the cross on any of the 6 colors. Each choice corresponds to a different cube orientation (which color faces you as F). The best direction is usually the one that takes the fewest moves — not necessarily your favorite color.

CFOP - Cube Resolver automatically analyzes all 6 cross directions, shows the optimal move count for each color, and highlights the Min cell — helping you practice inspection without doing the math by hand.

Basic and Pro modes

On the Cross tab, you can choose Basic (shortest QTM path, viewer shows only the cross) or Pro (prioritizes ergonomics, wide moves, and shows the full 3D cube). For algorithm details on each mode, see Cross Tab — Basic & Pro. The Cross + 1 F2L tab uses the same toggle and similar logic when ranking directions together with an F2L slot — see the Cross + 1 F2L guide.

Optimal cross and temporarily "breaking" the cross

Sometimes the shortest solution requires temporarily breaking an already-solved cross edge to rearrange the remaining edges more efficiently. Rubik Resolver uses an IDA* algorithm to find a cross of up to 8 moves, including cases that need a temporary break — the same way an experienced speedcuber thinks.

How to use the tool to practice cross

1. Generate a WCA scramble or paste a move sequence (e.g. R U R' U').
2. Check the Cross Direction Analysis table — pick the color with the fewest moves.
3. Follow the step-by-step suggestion on the 3D viewer.
4. Compare it with your own solution — repeat with a new scramble.

You can share a scramble link (the "Share link" button in the app) to send a specific scramble to friends or a class.