Help with Step #4 of Ortega (Corners First): Solve Three Top Edges

[RobDude]

I'm still very much a beginner, I'm still learning the patterns and working on speed; but I feel like I'm missing something with this step.

http://rubikscube.info/ortega-2.php

In order to do this step efficiently, you need not position centers and allign corners in the previous step. Instead, you can solve first (or first two opposite) top edge using one or two turns ignoring centers and then, you can solve the top center together with another top edge.

I just don't really understand what that is saying; and it ends up taking me a lot more than the 9 moves it says it should take on average. Can anyone offer up some insight?

It also says this step and the next one can be combined...but it doesn't offer any details.

 

[zachtastic]

IMO ortega for 3x3x3 isn't really a good idea if you're a beginner. Anyway, it's basically saying to solve the edges in relation to their respective corners, disregarding centers. There is a link to a beginner version of step 4-6 on that page you gave a link to. So basically practice the beginner way until you find little "tricks" to reduce # of moves. Or explore that site further to find tips from the author. I have no exp. with ortega for 3x3x3, but that is my take on what that page reads as.