ZBLL

ZBLL is a last-layer method used in the CFOP (Fridrich) approach to solving the Rubik's Cube. It aims to finish the entire last layer in a single algorithm once the cube has reached an appropriate last-layer orientation, rather than performing a separate PLL step after OLL.

After completing F2L and performing OLL to orient all pieces of the last layer, the last layer remains to be permuted. ZBLL provides one algorithm for each possible last-layer pattern that simultaneously permutes edges and corners to solve the cube. The set comprises hundreds of distinct cases (commonly cited as about 493), organized into groups based on the visible pattern of the last-layer pieces.

Practitioners must recognize the current last-layer pattern and then choose the corresponding ZBLL algorithm. Because of the large number of cases, ZBLL requires substantial memorization and pattern recognition, and is considered one of the more advanced one-move last-layer approaches. It is typically taught to experienced speedcubers who want to minimize final-layer moves, at the cost of longer lookups and practice time.

ZBLL differs from standard PLL, which solves the last layer in two steps (PLL stage after OLL). In practice, ZBLL can reduce total moves for some solves but demands a large algorithm library and consistent recognition.

See also: OLL, PLL, CFOP.