I was completely wrong.

By eventually solving it lately with my kids, I realized that it’s rather a layer-by-layer game using a technique called CFOP (Cross-F2L-OLL-PLL) or block-by-block if using a different method called Roux.

Here is a simplified, easy-to-follow version of steps to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube from a 6-Stage process from the official Rubik’s website, using the CFOP method.

Step 1 – Solve the White Cross

The goal of this step is to hold the cube with the white centerpiece on the top face and create a white cross as shown below:

Step 2 – Solve the White Corner

The goal is to make the cube like below with the white cross in the top face.

Tips – Find the white corner piece and turn it to one of the following positions:

And use the following sequence 1x, 2x, 3x, or more until it’s in the right position.

Step 3 – Solve the Middle Layer

The goal:

Tips – create a vertical line by rotating the top face until the front color of the edge piece on the top face without yellow on it matches the side centerpiece. For example,

If you see this:

Use the following sequence to move the blue piece to the right.

And if you see this:

Use the following sequence to move the blue piece to the left.

Continue these steps until all the edge pieces are in the right position.

Step 4 – Solve the Top Layer

The goal:

There are two steps to solve this:

1st Step: Make a yellow cross

2nd Step: Make all the corners yellow

Hold the cube to match your face to one of the following states.

Repeat the following sequence until all the corners are yellow.

Step 5 – Solve the Final Layer

There are also two steps involved to solve the final piece of this puzzle.

1st Step: Position yellow corners correctly

The goal is to make all 4 corners in the right place, like below:

Hold the cube and place the 2 correct corners in the back, like A, B in the picture below:

then do the sequence below to switch C and D.

You may need to repeat this step a couple of times to get all the corners in the right place.

2nd Step: Position yellow edges correctly

If there is only one edge correctly placed, hold the Cube with the correct edge facing back. Then determine how the E, F, and G pieces need to move, clockwise or counter-clockwise.

If no edges are placed correctly, then do either sequence below once.

To cycle EFG clockwise, do this sequence:

To cycle EFG counter-clockwise,