Cross on left

Cross on left is a variation in the execution of the F2L step of CFOP. It is characterized by the initial placement of cross on the left face of a cube, where it remains for the entirety (or majority) of the F2L. Typically, a z' rotation is used before LL to move the cross to the bottom face (and the last layer to the top).

Pros

• F2L can be reduced to the set <l, U, R> meaning no rotations are required
• Easier transition from cross on top

Cons

• z' rotation takes a small amount of time (It is, however, possible to solve last slot in such a way that the rotation is included)
• Relatively few users implies fewer resources

Neutral

• Transitions well with M slice pairing on big cubes with the Yau method

Notable users

• Sergey Ryabko
• Phillip Espinoza
• Tomasz Żołnowski
• David Woner

External links

• Phillip Espinoza - Cross on Left Tutorial
• Shelley Chang - F2L algorithms
• A Brief Discussion on COL
• Speedcubingtips.eu's F2L COL algs
• COL and COD comparison by Jayden McNeill]