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Solve Last Layer Corners

Solve Last Layer Corners
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Learn to solve the last layer corners of a Rubik's Cube using simple algorithms and practice sequences to orient and permute corner pieces confidently.

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Step-by-step guide to solve last layer corners

What you need
Flat surface, rubik's cube

Step 1

Hold the cube so the first two layers are solved and the last layer color you want to finish is facing up.

Step 2

Look at the four top corners and find one whose top sticker is not the top color.

Step 3

Turn the whole cube so that that misoriented corner is at the upper-front-right corner position.

Step 4

Perform the twist algorithm R' D' R D repeatedly until that corner’s top sticker becomes the top color (R' = turn the right face 90° counterclockwise D' = turn the bottom face 90° counterclockwise R = turn the right face 90° clockwise D = turn the bottom face 90° clockwise).

Step 5

Turn only the top face to bring the next corner that needs twisting into the upper-front-right position.

Step 6

Repeat the twist algorithm (Step 4) and move the top face (Step 5) until all four top corners show the top color.

Step 7

Look for a top-layer corner whose three stickers match the center colors of the three faces around it (this corner is already in the correct position).

Step 8

If you found a correctly placed corner, rotate the whole cube so that this correct corner is in the upper-front-right position.

Step 9

If you could not find any correctly placed corner, perform the corner-cycle algorithm once: U R U' L' U R' U' L (this cycles three corners).

Step 10

Repeat the corner-cycle algorithm until all four top-layer corners are in their correct positions.

Step 11

Share your finished Rubik’s Cube success on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

I don't have a standard 3×3 Rubik's Cube — can I still do this activity?

Use a 3×3 cube app or simulator or borrow/print a 3×3 stickered cube because the R' D' R D and U R U' L' U R' U' L algorithms in the instructions require a standard 3×3 cube's corners and solved first two layers.

I keep doing R' D' R D but the corner doesn't become the top color — what's wrong?

Make sure the misoriented corner is exactly at the upper-front-right position and that you're performing R' and D' in the correct directions without turning the top face during the repeats, then continue until that corner's top sticker becomes the top color.

How can I adapt the steps for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, have them practice only Step 4 (R' D' R D) on a single misoriented corner held at UFR with an adult helping to hold the cube, while older kids should practice recognizing correctly placed corners (Step 7) and learn the corner-cycle algorithm (U R U' L' U R' U' L) to speed up finishing the layer.

How can we extend or personalize the activity after finishing the corners?

After all corners are solved, personalize the activity by decorating the cube or filming a step-by-step video of Steps 4–9 to share on DIY.org, challenge yourselves with timed solves, or learn full OLL/PLL sequences to complete the last layer faster.

Watch videos on how to solve last layer corners

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Solve the Last Layer / Third Layer - 3x3 Cube Tutorial - Only 4 moves to learn - Easy Instructions

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Facts about Rubik's Cube solving

⚡ Named short algorithms like Sune and Antisune are popular for quickly orienting last-layer corners.

🔷 A standard 3×3 cube has 8 corner pieces; mastering their moves unlocks nearly all last-layer patterns.

🔁 Each corner can be twisted in 3 ways, but only 3^7 = 2,187 corner-orientation combinations are possible due to a parity constraint.

🧩 The Rubik's Cube has 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible positions — that's 43 quintillion!

🎯 There are 21 PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) cases used to permute last-layer pieces during speedsolving.

How do I teach my child to solve the last layer corners of a Rubik's Cube?

Start by orienting each misoriented corner with the simple twist algorithm R' D' R D: hold a misoriented top corner in the front-right position and repeat R' D' R D until its top sticker faces up. Turn the U face to bring the next corner into place and repeat. When all corners are oriented, permute them using the corner 3-cycle U R U' L' U R' U' L to move three corners clockwise. Practice slowly and learn basic face notation.

What materials do we need to practice last layer corners on a Rubik's Cube?

You'll need a standard 3x3 Rubik's Cube, a printed cheat sheet of the orientation (R' D' R D) and corner-permutation (U R U' L' U R' U' L) algorithms, a timer or stopwatch for practice sessions, and a clear flat surface. Optional extras: a beginner-friendly speed cube for smoother turns, video tutorial links, and a notebook to track progress. For young children, have adult supervision and short breaks to avoid frustration.

What ages is learning last layer corners suitable for?

Suitable ages vary—children around 7 and up can learn last layer corners if they have basic fine motor skills and patience. Younger kids (5–6) can try with close adult guidance and simplified goals. Tweens and teens often pick it up quickly. Keep teaching in short, fun sessions, adapt explanations to the child’s level, and focus on repetition and encouragement rather than speed to prevent frustration.

What are the benefits of teaching children to solve last layer corners?

Learning last layer corners builds spatial reasoning, memory, and sequential thinking. It improves finger dexterity, patience, and concentration while teaching kids to follow algorithms and break problems into steps. Practicing provides measurable progress, boosts confidence, and encourages perseverance. Turn sessions into a game with timed trials or friendly competitions to maintain motivation; this low-risk activity supports early STEM skills and attention span.
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