There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of completing a jigsaw puzzle. If you’re looking to up your game, here are some tips from puzzle pros that will have you completing both regular and online jigsaw puzzles like a champ in no time. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing them for years, these tips will help you become a puzzle master!
Puzzle size
In order to know what’s best for you, first, you have to know your puzzle style. Are you a complete beginner? If so, opt for a 500-700 piece puzzle with a finished size of 20″ x 27″. These sizes are ideal as they provide a manageable challenge with a decent feeling of reward at the end. If you’re looking to take on more of a challenge then consider buying something that’s 900 pieces or larger. It is always best to avoid anything that has less than 500 pieces as these are likely too easy for adults.
Select a good quality puzzle
Once you’ve decided which size you want to go for, it’s time to select your puzzle. As you’ve likely gathered, the larger the piece count the higher quality and more detailed your image will be. This means it requires more time and patience to complete, so we only recommend this for those with more experience, or those who plan to take their time and not rush it.
Sort the pieces
Next, take the pieces out of the box and sort them into piles by color. This will help you identify where each piece goes and is a useful strategy for those who like to use their peripheral vision to spot patterns on the board. Sorting can take time and energy, and many dismiss this step. However, sorting the pieces before you begin is a great way to get an idea of what’s ahead and help build your concentration levels. It also means you’ll be able to pick up any piece, look at it and immediately know where it goes.
Study the image
Once you’ve sorted all of your pieces, take some time to look over the cover photo. Not only can this help you visualize what your final puzzle will look like, but it’ll also help ensure that every piece you place belongs. If a piece doesn’t seem to fit anywhere on the board, take another look at the box for an off-angle view.
Assemble the border and corners
After looking over your cover photo, it’s time to work on the borders. Border pieces are typically quite small and have only one or two straight edges. These will give you a great place to start as they’re typically the most straightforward pieces to finish first. Once you’ve sorted them, go ahead and assemble some of the corner pieces. This is another great way to get started, as corner pieces are typically large and easy to identify.
Break down hard sections
If you’re facing a particularly tricky section, take the time to break it down into smaller chunks. For example, if you’re struggling with a large mass of blue sky, break it down into sections and start by separating each different section of the sky. This will help you identify where each piece goes much more easily.
Jigsaw puzzles are a fun way to pass the time. But, if you want to increase your puzzle-solving skills and finish more quickly than ever before, these simple tips should help you to up your game. We hope that this article has given you some helpful advice on how to best approach these challenging brain teasers so you can enjoy them at their fullest potential!
