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4x4 Edge Flip Algorithm
(Last 2 Edges)

Need to know how to do the last 2 edges on a 4x4? Well, thats known as the "Edge flip" algorithm. In this guide we'll talk you through how to perform the edge flip.

What is the 4x4 Edge Flip?

The edge flip happens when your final two edge pairs are correctly paired, but one or both edges are flipped the wrong way. At this point, normal edge pairing moves will no longer work.

This situation is unique to big cubes and requires a specific edge flip algorithm to solve.
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How to do the Edge Flip algorithm

First we must setup our last 2 edges so that the edge flip algorithm will work. We need both of the matching pairs to be opposite each other in the same layer. See the image below with 3 correct cases and 3 incorrect cases. If you have an incorrect case we will talk about this in steps 1 through 3 below. If your edges are already opposite each other like the green ticked cases below, you can move on to step 4 under the "Correctly Paired" section below

Note: For the edge flip algorithm to work, the matching edge pairs must be positioned opposite each other as in the image above.

You'll notice that in the correct 3 cases on the left, the orange and green edges are opposite each other, however, in the incorrect cases, they are NOT opposite.

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Incorrectly Paired

1. If the edges are incorrectly positioned, hold them on the TOP LAYER so that these edges are in the LEFT and RIGHT edge slots

2. Perform the algorithm R' U F' U'

3. The edges should now be opposite each other and ready to move on to the "Correctly Paired" steps below

 

Correctly Paired

4. Once your edges are correctly positions hold them on FRONT face in the LEFT and RIGHT edge sots

5. Perform a u' setup move (note that this is not a U move it is the middle upper layer)

6. PErform the edge flip algorithm: R U R' F R' F' R

7. Undo the setup move by performing a u move

 
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Note: If you struggled to understand the setup move, make sure the 2 last edges to be solves are on the front face (not the top face this time) and positioned in the left and right edge slots like the image. 

Perform a u' move as shown in the image and then do the edge flip algorithm. Once you undo the u move you will notice that your edges are now all solved.