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3×3 Middle Layer: Insert the Four Edges

Learn how to move top-layer edges into the middle layer without breaking the completed first layer.

Open the interactive 3D cube ↗

The middle layer contains four edges without the top or bottom color. After finishing the first layer, hold the completed color on the bottom and find an upper-layer edge that does not contain yellow.

Follow the lesson

STEP 01

Choose a suitable top edge

Ignore top edges containing yellow. Take one with two side colors and line up its front sticker with the front center.

STEP 02

Decide left or right

Look at the other sticker on the upper edge. It tells you whether its matching slot is to the left or right.

STEP 03

Insert to the right

With its front color matched, use U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F when the target slot is to the right.

STEP 04

Insert to the left

For a left target use U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’. Check the bottom layer afterward.

Coach's note

If no useful edge remains on top, insert any top edge into a wrong middle slot to eject a misplaced middle edge. Then solve the ejected edge normally.

Practise it on a real cube

Keep your physical cube in the same orientation as the instructions. Perform each face turn slowly, stop and check the stickers, then compare with the 3D trainer. Voice lessons can guide screen-based practice; physical cube moves are confirmed by the learner rather than checked by a camera.

How to know you are ready to move on

Repeat the exercise from a fresh starting position and explain what each turn is meant to accomplish. If the result differs from the target, go back to the earliest step you can verify instead of immediately starting over. Use cube notation whenever a move symbol feels unclear.