How to solve a 2×3×3
The 2×3×3 is an interesting cuboid which is solved much like a 3×3. This guide takes you from the first cross to the final edge permutation in six clear steps.
Before you begin
Top fewest-moves solvers sometimes reduce a 3×3 to a 2×3×3 as the first step of a method called Domino Reduction which is very different from this simple tutorial which is designed for solving an actual 2×3×3 simply.
If you can solve a normal 3×3, much of the colour scheme and recognition will already feel familiar.
Learn the notation
The notation is the same as 3×3 notation, but fewer moves are possible. An apostrophe means an anticlockwise turn when looking directly at that face. The only right-face turn used is a half-turn (quarter turns of the Right, Left, Front and Back layers are impossible).
Solve the cross
Start by solving a cross, just as on a 3×3. This guide uses yellow. Find each yellow edge and use R2 or F2 to move it into the yellow layer.
Make sure the side colour of every cross edge also matches the centre beside it. If you are unsure of your puzzle’s colour scheme, compare it with a normal 3×3.
Solve the corners
Find a corner and hold it in the top layer directly above the position where it belongs. Perform the algorithm once to insert it. Repeat for the remaining corners.
Insert a corner
R2 U R2 U' R2Once all four first-layer corners are solved, orientation of the final layer—OLL in the beginner 3×3 method—is automatically complete.
Permute the corners
The top colour is now oriented, but the corners may be in the wrong positions. Look for corners whose side colours match their centres.
Two correct corners are adjacent
Hold the two correct corners on the left, then perform the algorithm once.
Two correct corners are diagonal
Perform the algorithm once from any angle. This produces the adjacent-corner case; place the correct corners on the left and repeat.
Corner permutation
R2 U' R2 U R2 D' U R2 U R2 U' R2Permute the edges
On the QiYi 2×3×3, normal M-slice PLL algorithms can work. The cuboid-specific algorithms below are often easier, and they also cover positions which would be impossible on a standard 3×3.
Swap opposite edges
R2 U2 R2 U2 R2 U2Swap adjacent edges
R2 U R2 U' R2 U2 R2 U2 R2 U' R2 U' R2