4 Look Last Layer
Solve the last layer in four predictable stages: orient the edges, orient the corners, position the corners, then position the edges.
Why learn four-look last layer?
Beginner methods often repeat the same algorithms several times. Learning a small set of recognisable cases lets you finish the last layer with fewer pauses and fewer repeated moves.
This method divides OLL and PLL into two looks each. It is a natural bridge between a beginner solution and full OLL and PLL.
OLL part 1: orient the edges
Make a yellow cross on top.
OLL means Orientation of the Last Layer. In this first look, ignore the corners and identify the pattern formed by the four yellow edge stickers. There are three possible unsolved cases.
This combines the line and L algorithms.
F R U R' U' F' U2 F U R U' R' F'F U R U' R' F'F R U R' U' F'OLL part 2: orient the corners
Turn the yellow corner stickers upwards.
After making the yellow cross, one of these seven cases will remain. The grey stickers are deliberately ignored; use the yellow stickers on top and around the outside to recognise the case.
R U R' U R U2 R'R U2 R' U' R U' R'F R' F' r U R U' r'R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'r U R' U' r' F R F'R U2 R' U' R U R' U' R U' R'R U2 R2 U' R2 U' R2 U2 RPLL part 1: position the corners
Put every last-layer corner in its correct location.
PLL means Permutation of the Last Layer. The entire top should remain yellow. Look at the side colours of the corners to decide which case you have.
R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F'PLL part 2: position the edges
Cycle or swap the final four edges.
About 73% of the time you will see a U perm, with one edge already solved. Put the solved edge at the back, then check which way the other three edges must cycle. When no edge is solved, use the Z or H pattern.
R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U RM2 U' M2 U' M' U2 M2 U2 M'M2 U' M2 U2 M2 U' M2Algorithm summary
| OLL edges | Dot, L and line |
|---|---|
| OLL corners | Sune, Anti-Sune, L, U, T, H and Pi |
| PLL corners | A perm and Y perm |
| PLL edges | Ua, Ub, Z and H perms |