CFOP vs Roux: differences and which to learn

How CFOP works

CFOP was popularised by Jessica Fridrich and is the most used method in competition. It solves the cube layer by layer and leaves the last layer to memorised algorithms:

1. Cross: the 4 edges of the bottom face, intuitively and in 8 turns or fewer.
2. F2L: the 4 corner-edge pairs of the first two layers are inserted (41 cases, almost all intuitive).
3. OLL: the last layer is oriented so the top face is one colour (57 algorithms).
4. PLL: the last-layer pieces are moved to their places (21 algorithms).

How Roux works

Roux was created by Gilles Roux. It's a block-building method: instead of full layers, it builds two blocks on the sides and finishes with the pieces left in the middle and on top:

1. First block: a 1x2x3 block on the left.
2. Second block: another 1x2x3 block on the right, without breaking the first.
3. CMLL: the 4 top corners are oriented and placed (42 algorithms).
4. LSE: the last 6 edges are solved with M and U turns only.

The differences that matter

• Algorithms: full CFOP is 78 (57 OLL and 21 PLL); full Roux is 42 CMLL. Both can be started with reduced versions: 2-look OLL and PLL, or 2-look CMLL.
• Moves: Roux solves with fewer turns because the blocks are built intuitively and efficiently. CFOP uses more turns, but many are fast, comfortable sequences.
• Rotations: in Roux you hardly rotate the whole cube. In CFOP rotations show up in F2L and shrink with practice.
• M turns: Roux relies heavily on the middle layer (M), especially in the last 6 edges. CFOP mostly uses R, U, L and F.
• Inspection and lookahead: in CFOP inspection goes into planning the cross; in Roux, into planning the first block. In both, the key to faster times is seeing the next step while doing the current one.

Which one to choose?

• Choose CFOP if you come from the beginner layer-by-layer method (it's its natural continuation), if you want lots of learning material, or if you plan to move to big cubes and Megaminx: 4x4 reduction ends in a 3x3 and Megaminx is solved with an adapted CFOP.
• Choose Roux if you enjoy solving intuitively, prefer to memorise fewer algorithms, or care about one-handed solving: Roux's M and U turns are very comfortable with one hand.
• It isn't forever: many cubers learn one and later try the other. What weighs most on your time isn't the method, but hours of well-focused practice.

How to practise them on Kruxmind

• Practise by parts in the Timer: for CFOP, scrambles that leave only the PLL, the last layer, or the last slot plus last layer; for Roux, scrambles that leave the CMLL or the last 6 edges.
• The app has 2-look OLL and the PLL algorithms, the full CMLL in its 8 groups and Roux's last 6 edges, with a trainer.
• With a smart cube (GAN, MoYu or QiYi), the Timer reconstructs every CFOP solve by phase: how long you take on cross, F2L, OLL and PLL.
• Want to compare more methods? Solving methods covers ZZ, Petrus and the methods for every event.