Cycle the Final Three Edges: Direction, Setup and Checks

When the first two layers, yellow face and four top corners are solved, the remaining problem may be a few top edges that need to change positions. This guide covers one direction of the workshop's final three-edge cycle. Check the destinations before starting the full sequence.

Find the edge that stays in place

Keep yellow up and blue front. In this example, the green back edge is solved. The front edge has orange and belongs on the right; the right edge has red and belongs on the left; the left edge has blue and belongs at the front. The required cycle is therefore front → right, right → left, left → front.

These arrows describe the pieces' final destinations, not their momentary movement across the screen. Compare each side color with its center so you do not mistake the opposite cycle for this case.

Complete all eleven moves

R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

You can remember the groups R U' R U, R U R U', and R' U' R2. The earlier groups bring the pieces into the cycle; the final group restores the corners and completes the result. The last right half turn is part of the algorithm. Do not omit it because the cube looks almost finished.

Corners move temporarily along the way. With the correct start and orientation, they return after the full group. If you press a wrong move, undo that move rather than disguising the mistake with an extra top turn.

Recognize cases that are different

If the front, left and right edges need the opposite cycle, this sequence is not a one-pass solution from that setup. If there is no correctly positioned back edge, or the top corners are still wrong, classify the situation again. Checking the reference first is easier than guessing afterward which algorithm you used.

Some states only need one overall top adjustment. Before using a long sequence, see whether all four sides can align together. In Cube Room's changed example, the top position has deliberately moved, so first restore the reference setup.

Make the final check

Inspect every face. Each should be a single color matching its center. A yellow top or one complete side is not sufficient. The app's goal check uses the real sticker state and passes only when all six faces are solved.

Completing guided practice does not automatically create an independent timed result. To attempt a solve from a scramble on your own, read timed practice. To revisit why a yellow face still needs this step, review orientation versus position.