3x3 Step 3

Now, we have the first two layers finished minus one corner-edge pair. Our next step will be to form a cross on top similar to the way we formed a cross on the bottom. This step is the only step that should require any real memorization. The rest of the steps should feel very natural after a very short period of time. Having said that, you will also see after some time that the sequences in this step are also pretty intuitive.

Hold the cube with the empty corner-edge pair in the DFR position. (There is a possibility that in the previous steps that the empty corner has become solved. If this is the case, we still treat it as though it were empty.)

This step will consist of two parts. First, we will correctly place three of the edges (UR, UB, and UL). Then, we perform one of three move sequences depending on the position and orientation of the last U edge piece.

To solve the first three edges, we will get one of the edge pieces into the FR postion (our "empty" edge). This involves performing R or F' , repositioning the U layer so that the edge you want to position is in the spot that will end up in the FR hole when you do the opposite of the R or F' that you just performed, and doing R' or F to put that edge piece into the FR hole. Then, we perform either R or F' to put the edge correctly into the U layer. After that, reposition the U layer to bring another edge into the FR position and do the opposite of the R or F' that you just performed.

An example will make this part more clear.

This is how your cube might look at the end of Step 2. For this part of Step 3, we are only concerned with the UR, UB, and UL edges. We notice that one of these (YG) is already correctly oriented in the U layer. We see this by performing U. Also, we already have one of the pieces (YB) that need to be positioned in the FR position. So, we want to put the blue edge opposite the green edge since blue is opposite green. Perform U2, then F'. This places the YB edge into the U layer. Next, we want to get both the YG and YB edges out of the way so they both stay in the U layer when we perform F, so we perform U then F.

Now, we need to get the YR edge into the FR position since it is the last edge that needs to be positioned for this part of this step. We don't want to mess up the YG or YB edges, but we don't care about the YO edge at this point. So, perform U2, then F', then U2 again to put the reposition the YR edge, then F to put the YR edge in the FR position.

Finally, we need to put the YR edge in the correct spot relative to the green and blue edges. So, perform U, then R to put the YR edge in the U layer, then U2 to get the YR, YG, and YB edges out of the way, and finally R' to restore the bottom two layers. By performing U, we see that the UR, UB, and UL edges are lined up properly.

Now, we perform one of the following three sequences depending on the position and orientation of the piece that belongs in the UF position. Note: By correctly placing and orienting the piece that belongs in the UF position, the final remaining edge piece will be force to be in the correct position and oriented correctly.

If the piece that belongs in the UF position is in the correct place but flipped, perform: R U' R' U F' U F U'
If the piece that belongs in the UF position is in the FR position and the U-face color is on the R face, perform: U' F' U' F U' F' U' F U'
(The other case) If the piece that belongs in the UF position is in the FR position and the U-face color is on the F face, perform: R U R' U R U R' U2