🔤 Basics 2
Move notation
🎯 Goal of this step
Read algorithms in standard notation such as RUR'U' — this Singmaster notation is the same everywhere: books, videos and WCA competitions.
6 letters = 6 faces
RRight
LLeft
UUp
DDown
FFront
BBack
- A plain letter such as R = turn that face 90° clockwise as seen when looking straight at that face
- A prime (’) such as R' = counter-clockwise 90°
- A 2 such as R2 = turn 180° (twice; either direction gives the same result)
💡 Where beginners get confused
“Clockwise” is judged from that face’s point of view, not yours. That’s why:
- R moves the front of the right layer up, while L moves the front of the left layer down (opposite directions!)
- U moves the top layer to the left, while D moves the bottom layer to the right
- B is judged from behind, so from the front it looks counter-clockwise
Finger tip: do R with your right hand by pushing up, and U by flicking the top layer left with your right index finger.
More notation (for later)
- x y z lowercase = rotate the whole cube (no turning) around the R, U and F axes. For example y brings the right face to the front
- M E S = turn a middle slice (Middle, Equator, Standing)
- r or Rw = turn the right face two layers deep (a wide move)
- Brackets such as (RUR'U') group moves that flow together, called a trigger. They don’t change the moves
- RUR'U' has a well-known nickname: the “sexy move” — you’ll use it a lot
🧠 Check your understanding
In RUR'U', which moves are counter-clockwise?
Moves with a prime (') are counter-clockwise: R' and U'.🧠 Check your understanding
How do R and L' compare?
R moves the right layer up and L' moves the left layer up too (L' is counter-clockwise as seen from the left).Mark it to save your progress