Advanced Algorithms: OLL & PLL
📋 What it is
OLL and PLL are two sets of last-layer algorithms that orient then permute the final layer in fewer steps.
🗣️ Coach says
The faster CFOP method finishes the last layer in TWO looks: OLL (Orient the Last Layer — make the whole top one colour) then PLL (Permute the Last Layer — slide the pieces to their spots). Each is a set of memorised algorithms you trigger by pattern. It's more to learn, but far fewer moves overall.
🧠 Memory hook
OLL orients the top (one colour); PLL permutes it (into place). Two looks, done.
😂 Giggle
What did the scrambled cube say to the solver?
"I'm all mixed up — can you help me get it together?"
😲 Whoa!
Full CFOP requires memorising 78 last-layer algorithms (57 OLL + 21 PLL) — a big commitment that top solvers know so well they fire them off automatically.
✅ Quick check: What is the difference between OLL and PLL?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
OLL ORIENTS the last layer (makes the top face one solid colour); PLL then PERMUTES it (moves the already-oriented pieces to their correct positions).
Orient first (OLL), then permute (PLL) completes the last layer.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Learn ONE OLL algorithm and one PLL algorithm and use them to finish a last layer.