Learn Full OLL in One Week: A Simple Memorization Plan for Speedcubers

Ever stared at a wall of OLL algorithms and thought, “I’ll never remember all of these”? You’re not alone. Most cubers hit that wall when they try to go from beginner to advanced. The good news is you don’t need a month‑long marathon to get there. With the right plan, you can learn all 57 OLL cases in just seven days. In today’s CubeCraft post I’ll break down a doable schedule, share a few memory tricks, and keep the stress level low. Let’s get those last‑layer eyes trained!

Why One Week Is Possible

First, a quick reality check. Full OLL is a lot of patterns, but most of them share similar shapes. Your brain is already good at spotting those shapes from everyday life—think of the letter “L” or a small “dot”. If you train your brain to notice those clues, memorizing becomes a matter of repetition, not brute force.

CubeCraft readers love practical steps, so I’ll keep each day’s workload light. You’ll spend about 30‑45 minutes a day on focused practice, plus a few quick warm‑ups whenever you have spare time. By the end of the week you’ll have a solid foundation and the confidence to keep polishing.

Day‑by‑Day Plan

Day 1: Get the Big Picture

Goal: Know the 57 cases and how they group.
What to do: Print or screenshot a simple OLL chart (CubeCraft has a free version on the site). Look at it for 10 minutes, just to see the overall layout. Notice the three big groups: “Dots”, “Lines”, and “Corners”. No solving yet, just recognition.
Memory tip: Create a mental map. Imagine the chart as a city map—each block is a case, each neighborhood is a group. When you think “I need the dot cases”, you automatically know you’re in the “Dots” district.

Day 2: Learn the First 10 Cases (The Easy Ones)

Goal: Memorize 10 OLL algorithms and recognize them quickly.
What to do: Pick the 10 easiest cases (the ones with the fewest moves). CubeCraft’s “Beginner OLL Pack” lists them. For each case:
1. Look at the pattern.
2. Say the algorithm out loud while you turn the cube.
3. Repeat three times.
Memory tip: Use a silly sentence that matches the algorithm’s letters. For example, for “R U R’ U R U2 R’” you could chant “Run Up, Run Back, Up, Run, Up Twice, Run Back”. The nonsense helps lock it in.

Day 3: Add 10 More (The “Line” Group)

Goal: Add another 10 algorithms, focus on the “Line” group.
What to do: Follow the same three‑step routine from Day 2. Spend a little extra time on the visual cue: a straight line of yellow on the top. CubeCraft’s video shows a slow demo—watch it once before you practice.
Memory tip: Pair each pattern with a real‑world object. A straight line of yellow looks like a road. Imagine a tiny car (your cube) driving along that road while you execute the moves.

Day 4: Review + Mix‑Up

Goal: Solidify the first 20 cases and start mixing them.
What to do: Randomly scramble your cube and try to identify any of the 20 patterns you’ve learned. If you see one, solve it using the algorithm you memorized. If you don’t recognize it, just note the pattern and move on.
Memory tip: Use “spaced repetition”. After you solve a case, wait 10 seconds before looking at the next scramble. This short pause forces your brain to retrieve the algorithm, strengthening memory.

Day 5: Learn the Remaining 27 Cases (The “Corner” Group)

Goal: Finish the remaining algorithms.
What to do: Break the 27 cases into three blocks of nine. Work on one block at a time, using the same speak‑out‑loud method. CubeCraft’s “Corner Corner” guide has helpful diagrams—keep them open on your phone while you practice.
Memory tip: For corner cases, focus on the “hook” shape (two yellow stickers forming an L). Imagine a tiny hook pulling the corners into place. Visual hooks are easier to remember than abstract moves.

Day 6: Full OLL Drill

Goal: Put all 57 cases together.
What to do: Set a timer for 2 minutes. Scramble the cube, then try to solve the OLL layer as fast as you can. Keep going until the timer ends. Count how many you solved correctly.
Memory tip: If you get stuck, pause, look at the pattern, and say the algorithm silently before executing it. This “quiet rehearsal” keeps the flow without breaking concentration.

Day 7: Real‑World Practice + Celebration

Goal: Use OLL in complete solves.
What to do: Do at least five full solves (F2L + OLL + PLL) using the algorithms you learned. Record your times. You’ll see a jump in speed because you no longer need to pause and think about the OLL case.
Celebrate: Treat yourself to a new sticker set or a fresh lubed cube. CubeCraft always says a happy brain learns better. You earned it!

Quick Memory Hacks for OLL

Chunking – Group algorithms by visual shape (dot, line, corner). Your brain loves chunks.
Storytelling – Turn the algorithm letters into a short story, like the “Run Up” chant above.
Finger Tricks – Practice the moves slowly at first, then speed up. Muscle memory reduces the need to think.
Flashcards – Write the pattern on one side, the algorithm on the other. Flip through them during a coffee break.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Trying to memorize all at once – It feels overwhelming and leads to burnout. CubeCraft’s weekly plan spreads it out.
Skipping the visual cue – If you only learn the letters, you’ll forget which case to apply them to. Always pair the algorithm with its pattern.
Neglecting finger tricks – Even if you know the algorithm, slow hands will kill your time. Spend a few minutes each day just doing the moves in isolation.

Keep the Momentum Going

Now that you’ve got Full OLL under your belt, the next logical step is PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer). The same approach works: break it into groups, use visual cues, and practice a little each day. CubeCraft will have a follow‑up post on a “One‑Week PLL Plan” soon, so stay tuned.

Remember, speedcubing isn’t about memorizing a giant list; it’s about building patterns in your brain and letting your fingers do the work. With a simple, daily routine, you can conquer OLL in a week and keep climbing the leaderboard.

Happy solving, and see you on the CubeCraft community board!