2x2 Advanced: CLL Method
Take your 2x2 solving to the next level with the CLL (Corners of Last Layer) method. While the Ortega method solves the last layer in two steps (OLL then PBL), CLL solves both orientation and permutation of the last layer corners in a single algorithm. This means fewer looks and faster solves.
Why CLL?
| Method | Last Layer Steps | Algorithms | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortega | 2 (OLL + PBL) | ~12 | 3–5 seconds |
| CLL | 1 (one-look) | ~40 | 2–4 seconds |
CLL is the standard method used by top 2x2 speedcubers. By learning to recognize and execute all 40 cases, you eliminate an entire step from your solve.
How CLL Works
- Solve the first face — same as Ortega, build a white face on the bottom (side colors do not need to match).
- Recognize the CLL case — look at the top face and side colors to identify which of the 40 cases you have.
- Apply one algorithm — this simultaneously orients and permutes all top-layer corners.
- AUF + bottom adjustment — at most one U-layer turn and one D-layer turn to finish.
Notation Reminder
- R = Right L = Left U = Up D = Down F = Front B = Back
- A letter alone means clockwise 90°. Adding ' means counter-clockwise. Adding 2 means 180°.
CLL Case Groups
The 40 CLL cases are organized into 7 groups based on the orientation pattern of the top face. Below are the most important cases from each group with their algorithms.
Sune Cases (4 of 6)
One corner is oriented (yellow facing up), and the other three need to be twisted. This is the most common group.
Sune 1 — Adjacent Swap
Hold the solved corner at the front-left. The three unsolved corners twist clockwise.
Algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'
Sune 2 — Diagonal Swap
Same orientation pattern, but corners need a diagonal swap.
Algorithm: F R U R' U' R U R' U' F'
Sune 3 — Pure (No Swap)
Orientation solved with no permutation change needed.
Algorithm: R U2 R' U' R U' R' U2 R U R' U R U2 R'
Sune 4 — Adjacent Swap (Mirror)
Hold the solved corner at the front-right.
Algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R' F R U R' U' F'
Anti-Sune Cases (3 of 6)
Mirror of Sune — one corner is oriented, and the other three twist counter-clockwise.
Anti-Sune 1 — Adjacent Swap
Hold the solved corner at the front-right. The three unsolved corners twist counter-clockwise.
Algorithm: R U2 R' U' R U' R'
Anti-Sune 2 — Diagonal Swap
Algorithm: R' F R F' R U' R' U R U' R' U2 R U' R'
Anti-Sune 3 — Pure (No Swap)
Algorithm: R U2 R' U' R U' R' U2 R U2 R' U' R U' R'
H Cases (4 of 4)
Two opposite corners are oriented (yellow facing up), and the other two have yellow on the sides.
H 1 — Adjacent Swap
Two yellow stickers on top at diagonal positions.
Algorithm: F R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' F'
H 2 — Diagonal Swap
Algorithm: R U R' U R U' R' U R U2 R'
H 3 — No Swap
Algorithm: R U2 R2' U' R2 U' R2' U2 R
H 4 — Columns
Both pairs of diagonal corners need swapping.
Algorithm: R2 U2 R U2 R2
Pi Cases (4 of 6)
Two adjacent corners have yellow on top, the other two have yellow on the sides. The top face looks like the Greek letter Pi.
Pi 1 — Diagonal Swap
Hold the two oriented corners at the back.
Algorithm: F R' F' R U2 R U2 R'
Pi 2 — Adjacent Swap (Right)
Algorithm: R U2 R' U' R U R' U2 R U' R'
Pi 3 — Adjacent Swap (Left)
Algorithm: R U2 R' U2 R' F R F'
Pi 4 — No Swap
Algorithm: R U2 R2' F R F' R U2 R'
T Cases (3 of 6)
The top face shows a T-shaped pattern of yellow stickers — one corner oriented, one adjacent corner with yellow on the front, and the other two with yellow on the sides.
T 1 — Adjacent Swap
Algorithm: R U R' U' R' F R F'
T 2 — Diagonal Swap
Algorithm: F R U R' U' F'
T 3 — No Swap
Algorithm: R U R' U' R' F R2 U R' U' F'
U Cases (3 of 6)
One corner oriented correctly with the other three arranged in a U-shaped pattern on the sides.
U 1 — Adjacent Swap
Algorithm: R U2 R' U' R U' R' U F R U R' U' F'
U 2 — Diagonal Swap
Algorithm: R2 U R2 U' R2 U' F U F' R2 F U' F'
U 3 — No Swap
Algorithm: F R U' R' U R U R' U R U' R' F'
L Cases (3 of 6)
Two adjacent corners are twisted in the same direction — the top face shows an L-shaped pattern.
L 1 — Adjacent Swap
Algorithm: R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R U' R' F R F'
L 2 — Diagonal Swap
Algorithm: R' F R F' R U R' U' R U R'
L 3 — No Swap
Algorithm: R U' R' F R' F' R U R U' R'
After CLL: Finishing the Solve
Once you have applied the CLL algorithm, the top face is fully solved (both oriented and permuted). You may need:
- AUF (Adjust U Face) — a single U or U' turn to align the top layer with the bottom.
- Bottom layer adjustment — if the bottom layer is offset, a single D or D' turn fixes it.
- Bottom layer swap — rarely, the bottom layer may need an adjacent or diagonal swap. Use the same PBL algorithms from the Ortega method:
- Diagonal swap: R2 F2 R2
- Adjacent swap: R U' R F2 R' U R'
Learning Strategy
Learning all 40 CLL cases at once is overwhelming. Here is a recommended learning order:
- Start with Sune and Anti-Sune (12 cases) — these are the most common and many algorithms are short.
- Add T and U cases (12 cases) — relatively easy to recognize and execute.
- Learn Pi cases (6 cases) — distinctive orientation pattern.
- Learn L cases (6 cases) — similar recognition to Pi but with a different twist direction.
- Finish with H cases (4 cases) — the rarest group.
Recognition Tips
- Look at the top face first to identify the orientation group (how many yellow stickers face up and where).
- Then check the side colors to determine which specific case within the group you have.
- Practice in groups — drill one group at a time until recognition is instant.
- Use inverse scrambles — set up a case, solve it, then try to predict the inverse.
With CLL mastered, you can achieve sub-3-second averages on the 2x2. The one-look approach eliminates pause time between OLL and PBL, making your solves faster and more fluid. Keep practicing recognition — speed comes from identifying cases instantly.