<P> The method works on a layer - by - layer system, first solving a cross typically on the bottom, continuing to solve the first two layers (F2L), orienting the last layer (OLL), and finally permuting the last layer (PLL). </P> <P> Basic layer - by - layer methods were among the first to arise during the early 1980s cube craze . David Singmaster published a layer - based solution in 1980 which proposed the use of a cross . </P> <P> The major innovation of CFOP over beginner methods is its use of F2L, which solves the first two layers simultaneously . This step was not invented by Jessica Fridrich . According to Singmaster's report on the 1982 world championship, Fridrich was then using a basic layer method, while Dutch competitor Guus Razoux Schultz had a primitive F2L system . </P> <P> The last layer steps OLL and PLL involve first orienting the last layer pieces, then permuting them into their correct positions . This step was proposed by Hans Dockhorn and Anneke Treep . </P>

How many algorithms are in the fridrich method