Before we begin learning algorithms like the “Leftie” or “Rightie,” it’s important to understand how we describe cube movements.
Without a shared system, it would be difficult to communicate or follow solving techniques. That’s why cubers use a standardized notation to describe two things: which face of the cube to turn, and in which direction to turn it.
This notation uses single letters to represent each of the six faces of the cube:
Each move is assumed to be a 90-degree clockwise rotation, but here’s the important part: The direction is always described as if you were facing that specific side directly.
For example:
R means turn the right face 90° clockwise, as if you were looking directly at the right side of the cube.R' (pronounced “R prime”) means turn that same right face 90° counterclockwise from that same viewpoint.U means turn the top face clockwise as if you were looking straight down at it from above.F' means turn the front face 90° counterclockwise as if you were facing it head-on.
If you see a move like R2 or U2, that means a 180-degree turn—it doesn’t matter which direction it’s turned in that case,
as the result is the same.
The table below outlines each of these move notations and the direction associated with them, always based on the idea that you're facing the side being turned.
| Letter | Example |
|---|---|
| R Right Clockwise |
|
| R' Right Anti-Clockwise (anti-clockwise) |
|
| L Left Clockwise |
|
| L' LeftAnti-Clockwise |
|
| U Up (Top) Clockwise |
|
| U' Up Anti-Clockwise |
|
Down (Bottom) Clockwise |
|
| D' Down Anti-Clockwise |
|
| F FrontClockwise |
|
| F' Front Anti-Clockwise |
|
| B Back Clockwise |
|
| B' Back Anti-Clockwise |
Lets learn our first algorithm (4 basic turns in a row) the Rightie.
Learn the Rightie algorithm