CubeXpertZBLL Explained: Solve the Last Layer in One Look
ZBLL (Zborowski‑Bruchem Last Layer) is an advanced algorithm set that solves the entire last layer in one algorithm — orienting and permuting the corners and permuting the edges at the same time — whenever the last‑layer edges are already oriented (a yellow cross is showing). It has 472 cases, not counting the 21 PLLs, grouped into seven subsets by the corner orientation pattern. It’s a long‑term project for fast solvers, not a next step after 2‑look PLL.
When does ZBLL apply?
In normal CFOP the last layer takes two algorithms: OLL then PLL. ZBLL replaces both, but only when the top already shows a yellow cross after F2L:
- By chance, the last‑layer edges come out oriented in about 1 in 8 solves.
- On purpose, advanced solvers orient the edges while inserting the last F2L pair, using ZBLS (also called ZBF2L) or simpler edge‑control tricks, so ZBLL applies every time.
Many speedcubers learn ZBLL subsets to use “when they come up”, alongside normal OLL and PLL.
The seven subsets
Each subset is named after the corner orientation it starts from — the same seven cases as the corner step of 2‑look OLL.
| Subset | Corner pattern | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| T | Two adjacent corners yellow up; the other two point in opposite directions | 72 |
| U | Two adjacent corners yellow up; the other two form headlights | 72 |
| L | Two diagonal corners yellow up (bowtie) | 72 |
| H | No corners up, two pairs of headlights | 40 |
| Pi | No corners up, one pair of headlights | 72 |
| S | One corner up (Sune) | 72 |
| AS | One corner up (Antisune) | 72 |
Adding the 21 PLLs (the fully‑oriented case) gives 493 last‑layer positions with oriented edges.
How to start learning ZBLL
- Be solid on full OLL and PLL first. ZBLL recognition builds on PLL recognition: you read corner colors and edge positions the same way.
- Learn COLL before ZBLL (optional). COLL solves corners in one go and leaves an edge‑only PLL (Ua, Ub, H or Z). It’s 40‑odd algorithms and gives a big chunk of ZBLL’s benefit.
- Start with one subset. The T and U sets are popular first choices; Sune/Antisune sets come up most often. Learn a few cases a day.
- Learn by recognition group. Inside each subset, cases are grouped by which corners and edges swap. Drill a group until you can recognize all of it from one angle.
- Revise constantly. With hundreds of algorithms, regular spaced review matters more than learning speed — mark the ones you’ve learned as favourites and run through them.
Is ZBLL worth it?
For most cubers above roughly 15 seconds, improving F2L and look‑ahead pays off far more than ZBLL. For faster solvers, ZBLL saves a look and an algorithm on the solves where it applies and often gives a smoother last layer. Either way, the subsets are a fun way to dig deeper into how the last layer works — and you can start with just the cases that interest you.