PLL (Permute Last Layer)

PLL is the final phase of CFOP. With the last layer already oriented by OLL, PLL permutes the top-layer pieces into their correct positions with a single algorithm, solving the whole cube. The full PLL set has 21 algorithms averaging around 12 moves, each named with a letter (some inspired by the visual shape of the swap pattern). The 2-look PLL shortcut covers the same 21 cases with 6 algorithms total by splitting into corner-permutation first and edge-permutation second.

The 2-look split uses two corner algorithms (a diagonal swap such as Y-perm and an adjacent swap such as A-perm or T-perm variant) followed by four edge algorithms (Ua, Ub, Z, H). After moving off 2-look, the most-used PLLs in full sets, worth learning first, are T-perm, Y-perm, Ja, Jb, Ua, and Ub; these six cover a majority of scrambles at the 2-look level and are reused frequently enough that they pay back quickly.

Recognition is what often limits PLL speed rather than execution. The fastest recognition hook is the headlight pattern: a pair of same-colored side stickers flanking a different-colored sticker on one face. Scanning the top layer for headlights on zero, one, two, or all four sides immediately narrows the PLL to a small family, after which a single extra side-sticker check identifies the exact case. Practice PLL recognition separately from PLL execution; alg trainers such as cstimer let you drill recognition without turning.