From now on you work only on the top layer. This step makes all four top EDGES show yellow — a yellow cross. Ignore the corners completely, and ignore the edges’ side colours: only the yellow stickers on top matter.

Look at the yellow edge stickers on top. You will see one of four shapes: a dot (no yellow edges), an L (two adjacent), a line (two opposite), or the finished cross.

One algorithm does everything — F R U R′ U′ F′ — but the cube must be HELD correctly first.

L-shape: turn the top until the two yellow edges point to the BACK and to the LEFT, then apply once — a line appears. Line: turn the top until it runs LEFT–RIGHT (horizontal), then apply once — cross done. Dot: apply once from any angle — an L appears; re-hold it back-left and continue.

So the worst case (dot) is three applications, re-reading the shape between each. The algorithm never touches the bottom two layers.

Corners may twist and jump around while you do this — completely fine. They are the next two steps.

See the states

Dot — no yellow edges up

L-shape — hold it pointing back and left

Line — hold it horizontal (left–right)

Goal: the yellow cross (corners still scrambled — fine)

From a line: one application finishes the cross

From an L (held back-left): two applications

From a dot: three applications with re-holds

The algorithm

Yellow cross

FRUR'U'F'

Dot: apply from any angle — an L appears. L: yellow edges pointing back and left, apply once — a line appears. Line: running left–right, apply once — cross done.