3x3x3 cube: Notation

Here we sum up the basic ideas: solours, faces notation, movements... It's essential for those starting with the 3x3x3 cube.

Faces

They are the surfaces containing 9 stickers. There are six faces.

The English notation is:

  • U: Top face
  • F: Front face
  • R: Right face
  • B: Back face
  • L: Left face
  • D: Down face

Centres

They contain the stickers that define the colour of the face.

Edges

They are the pieces containing two colours. They are 12 edges.

Corners

They are the pieces containing three colours. There are 8 corner pieces.


Turns

  • The blue arrow indicates clockwise direction. To carry out the movement we write the letter of the face.

For example: R

  • La flecha amarilla indica giro antihorario (sentido contrario a las agujas del reloj). When we do the movement, we write the letter of the face and an apostrophe.

For example: R' (read "R prime")

  • Another important turn is the double one (180 degrees). It consists of turning the same face twice. We write the letter, and "2".

For example: R2

This picture shows the right face turns: R (blue arrow); R' (yellow arrow).
This picture shows the right face turns: R (blue arrow); R' (yellow arrow).

Rotations

  • In the three axes, the blue arrow indicates clockwise direction. When there is a clockwise rotation we write just the letter of the axis.

For example: x

  • the yellow arrow indicates counterclockwise direction. When there is a counterclockwise rotation it will be indicated with an apostrophe.

Ejemplo: y' ("y prime")

  • If we want to do a double turn we write the number "2" after the letter of the axis.

For example: z2