This section briefly: Prepare the solution of the Rubik's Cube by obtaining a yellow cross on the top face.
Now that two layers are complete, let's begin the final phase, solving the yellow side. Solving the yellow side is divided into four different steps (4, 5, 6, and 7), the first of which is forming the yellow cross. At this stage, we don't pay attention to whether the colors of the yellow edge pieces match the colors of the adjacent side. We only aim to form a yellow cross on the top surface.
At this stage, only one sequence of moves is repeated: F R U R’ U’ F’
F R U R’ U’ F’The situation on the yellow side may be one of the following: only the yellow center, the yellow L-shape, or the yellow line. Of course, it's also possible that the cross is already formed correctly by chance. In that case, you can skip this part and move on to step five. The number of repetitions of the above sequence depends on the initial situation on the yellow upper side. If there's only the yellow center, three repetitions are needed; for the L-shape, two repetitions; and for the yellow line, one repetition.
Whole sequence: From yellow center to cross
Here is the three-move combination to turn the yellow center into a yellow cross. In the animation, the sequence F R U R’ U’ F’ is repeated three times, with the cube being rotated 180° between sequences (Y2). Below, you'll find the same steps broken down.
Sequence 1: Yellow center piece into L shape
When only the yellow center piece is on the top face, the sequence F R U R’ U’ F’ creates an L shape.
Sequence 2: L shape into yellow line
Using the same sequence of moves, you can transform the L-shape into the yellow middle row. Note that below there is also a sequence of moves to directly transform the L-shape into a cross. It's up to you whether you find it easier to repeat the same sequence of moves a few times or to use a different sequence to go directly to the "finish line". The essential thing is that the L-shaped piece should be in the back left corner as shown in the image. Remember to rotate the cube 180 degrees at the end of the move, as shown in the adjacent animation.
Sequence 3: From the yellow middle row to the cross
Once again, the same sequence of moves, after which the yellow middle row transforms into a cross. Note that the middle row should be as shown in the image, from the left side of the cube to the right, not from back to front.
You have now completed the stage of the yellow cross and stage four, excellent!
Below is the sequence previously mentioned. So, if you wish, you can use this to go straight from the L-shape to the cross.
Sequence: Shortcut from the L-shape to the cross.
F U R U’ R’ F’With this combination, you can go straight from the L-shape to the yellow cross without forming the yellow center row.
With these sequences, the yellow cross should appear on the cube's top face. Proceed to Step 5 when you're ready!