After you master Phase 1 of the Rubik's cube, you're ready to move on to Phase 2 - the Middle Layer. This phase is actually the easiest, in my opinion. To learn to solve this section, you can read my step-by-step process below, or scroll to the bottom of this post to view a video tutorial.

The first step of this layer is easy. Twist the top layer (the white side) until the three adjacent colors match up with the center pieces on each side of the cube. 

For example, in the image to the left, you would be looking for that center blue cube to match up with the three blue/white pieces along the top. Once they match up, you will have a "T" shape on all sides. Now, there are only 4 cubes left to solve on the Middle Layer - the two-sided edges...

I taught myself to solve the Rubik's cube in 6 months by practicing during high school study hall every day. There are some people out there who can solve a Rubik's cube in about 7 seconds. I'm not one of those geniuses, but if you have wanted to learn to solve this puzzle, I can show you how in a method that takes about 2 minutes (with practice). Not as impressive as 7 seconds, of course, but it's still a good party trick! Just keep in mind, this is definitely a puzzle that takes practice. I've broken the steps down into 3 different phases, with each phase solving each of the three layers of the cube (top, middle, bottom). In this post, I will break down the steps of the first layer. Or, simply scroll to the bottom of this post to watch my step-by-step how-to video for solving this first phase! Stay tuned for upcoming posts on phases 2 & 3.