The steps of the cylindrical 3x3x3


The cylindrical 3x3x3 will be made by layer and the algorithms come from those of the oriented 3x3x3.

Step 1

The 1st layer

When the layer is fully processed, your puzzle will look like this:

No particular algorithm.

The placement of pieces must remain intuitive.

Here are the main steps:


The centers


The edges


The corners

Step 1a

The centers of the 2nd layer


You will need to make sure that all the centers are oriented correctly, if so you are good.

Otherwise, you have 1 case for each misdirected center.

Place the centers to be oriented as indicated opposite.

When all the centers are correctly oriented, your puzzle will look like this:

Quarter turn clockwise

Step 2

The edges of the 2nd layer

When all the edges have been processed, your puzzle will look like this:

Note: we do not know if the edges are correctly oriented, this is why there is no case c and step 2 bis may be necessary.

Case a

The edge is on the 3rd layer on the right

The algorithm allows it to be placed on the 2nd layer.

Case b

The edge is on the 3rd layer opposite

The algorithm allows it to be placed on the 2nd layer.

Step 2a

Parity of an edge of the 2nd layer

It will be necessary to ensure that the number of poorly oriented edges of the 3rd layer is even (0, 2 or 4), if this is the case, all is well.

Otherwise, if it is odd, an edge of the 2nd layer is incorrectly oriented, you have 2 scenarios (for 1 or for 3).

Position the incorrectly oriented edges as shown opposite.

When the number of edges of the 3rd layer is even, you will have one of the following 4 scenarios:

1 poorly oriented edges

3 poorly oriented edges

Step 3

The edges of the third layer

When all the edges have been processed, your puzzle will look like this:

Note: there is no edge placement.

Orient the edges - Case a

Orient the edges - Case b

Step 4

The corners of the third layer

When all corners have been processed, your puzzle will look like this:

Note: there is no corner placement.

Orient the corners


Depending on your configuration, you should apply the algorithm 2 times maximum!!!

Remember to orient your cube correctly so as to avoid performing the algorithm more than necessary, that is to say not necessarily the 3rd layer at the top.


Your cylindrical 3x3x3 is solved.