The 3-2-1 Method uses three cooking stages: three hours of smoking, two hours cooking in tin foil, and one hour of cooking without foil. This six-hour cooking method is typically used for ribs but can be used for a brisket. It's a good idea if you want a quicker cooking process that requires little maintenance with a somewhat tender brisket. Slow cooking is still your best method for tender meat, though this option is good for grilling your briskets a bit better.