// guide ── first block

First Block

The goal of the first step is to intuitively build a 1×2×3 block.

Build the block on the bottom left of the cube.
Nothing else is solved yet — this is the most flexible step in the method.
Prefer wide moves over cube rotations as they are faster.

Blockbuilding

There are three main approaches to solving the first block. The approach used depends on the specific scramble. You have to be able to use all of these if they are available.

1. DL edge first, then add pairs

Solution L' D' r' B2 F'

Use L' to connect one pair and move a corner out of the way.
Connect the DL edge with the L center and place it in position.
Use r' to move the back pair into the insert position. As a side effect it also connects the front pair.
Insert both pairs.

2. Square first (1×2×2), then add the last pair

Solution F D2 R U' B

Best when an FL or BL edge is already attached to the L center, or when the DL edge is paired with a corner.

Solve the FL edge.
Create the 1×2×2 square.
Insert the last pair.

3. Line first

Solution D' B U r' u

Build two 1×1×3 blocks.
Connect the blocks together.

Beginner to advanced

The difference between a beginner and an advanced first block is move efficiency and prediction depth. Use slow solves and the Onionhoney Roux Trainer to start developing the prediction skill.

Start by predicting the solution up to a 1×2×2 square. Once you can predict the square, track the last pair pieces while you are building the square. This will allow you to solve the last pair faster than if you had to look around the cube to find them.

Try to learn how to predict the full first block solution in inspection. If you can predict the full first block, track the DR edge.

Color neutrality

Color neutrality is the ability to solve the first block (and the rest of the cube) with different colors. It allows you to choose from more candidate solutions. Some shorter, some with better fingertricks, or just easier to spot.

The most common color neutrality for Roux is x2y: D can be either of two opposite colors (typically white or yellow), and L can be any of the remaining four. Full color neutrality is not recommended as it doesn’t save much more than x2y, but it makes inspection harder.

You can use the small cube widget in the top right corner of the page to change your color scheme. It’s recommended to change it often as you browse catalogs or drill to build recognition for x2y.

Misoriented centers

This case is rarer than the previous three, but it is still worth knowing.

4. Misoriented centers

Solution F' U F' E M' E'

Sometimes a pair and the DL edge are already solved, just around the wrong center. Insert the last pair as if the center was right, then correct the center.

Where to next

← All guides