Pseudoslotting
Advanced F2L technique for solving mismatched corner-edge pairs efficiently
What is Pseudoslotting?
If you're reading this, you should be familiar with keyhole and know all F2L algorithms. Pseudoslotting is like "double keyhole" - solving both a keyhole corner and edge simultaneously.
The Process
- Misalign the D layer to create one empty slot
- Solve the corner-edge "pseudo-pair" using normal F2L
- Realign the D layer
Interactive Demonstration
Click on images or algorithms below to see the moves in action!
Basic Example
Simple Pseudoslot
We have a corner and edge in different slots. Instead of solving them separately, we can pseudoslot them together.
D' U R U' R' D
6 moves
Breakdown:
D'- Misalign D layerU R U' R'- Solve as F2L pairD- Realign D layer
Example with longer pair
Longer Pseudoslot
Even complex F2L cases can be pseudoslotted. The principle remains the same - just use the appropriate F2L algorithm between the D moves.
D' R U' R' U R U2 R' U R U R' D
13 moves
Same structure:
D'- MisalignR U' R' U R U2 R' U R U' R'- F2L algorithmD- Realign
Forcing Pseudoslot
When you have a corner solved and see a potential pseudopair, you can deliberately solve an edge to set up the pseudoslot. This can be more efficient than keyhole → pair, and in virtually all cases it's better than solving two normal pairs.
Forced Pseudoslot
We first solve the edge in the back right, then immediately pseudoslot the remaining corner-edge pair.
R' U' R D' U R U' R' D
9 moves
Two-stage process:
R' U' R- Solve edgeD' U R U' R' D- Pseudoslot
Decision Making
Use Pseudoslotting When:
- You have corner and edge in different slots
- Normal F2L would be inefficient
- You can set up a good pseudopair
Consider Alternatives:
- Keyhole might be simpler than forcing a pseudopair
Master Advanced F2L
Pseudoslotting combined with keyhole and advanced F2L algorithms will significantly improve your efficiency.