Do you want to solve puzzles like a pro? Follow 10 simple strategies and keep puzzling a relaxing rather than a frustrating activity.
Puzzling is exciting at any age. It is a rewarding pastime, both fun and mentally engaging. But sometimes it can become overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of tactics to help you get the pieces in order faster than you think. First, take care of some ‘administrative’ details:
- Choose a quiet place for puzzling. Avoid, for example, the kitchen. A child searching for a snack may accidentally ruin your almost-complete picture and, trust me, this will piss you off.
- Make your work easier by using a proper table. If you don’t have a puzzle table, use a coffee table or a surface you can return to the next day and carry on puzzling until the image is complete.
- Pay attention to the light. You should find a place with natural light so that you can see even the smallest details of the image.
- A healthy snack and a cup of tea should always be on hand. You’ll enjoy them during short breaks or when you’re thinking about your puzzling strategy.
And now you’re ready to have some fun! Check out these 10 tips and make the most of your puzzling moments.
1. Choose wisely
A wrong choice can make you give up before you even start. If you haven’t completed a jigsaw puzzle since your childhood, don’t overestimate yourself by struggling with a 1000-piece puzzle right from the beginning. Start with a 500 piece puzzle, or even with a simple 240-piece pattern. It is very important to progress to a 1000-piece puzzle only when you feel ready for it. Like any other mental sport, it takes time and lots of practice to become a great master.
When you feel you are ready for a 1000-piece puzzle, pay attention to the image pattern.
Extra tip: at the beginning, avoid single-color puzzles or complex images in predominantly dark or predominantly light shades.
Explore the adult puzzle collection at Roovi and choose from a wide range of themes: landscapes, city scenes, tourist attractions, wild animals in their natural environment and many others. Adult puzzles in these collections have a medium difficulty level and are suitable for beginner puzzlers.
Also, choose to begin with rectangular-shaped puzzles. Even if round puzzles have few pieces, they are much more difficult. So don’t let yourself fall for it.
2. Smart sorting for a good start
When you open the box, the first thing to do is to turn all the pieces face up. A rectangular puzzle is easier to solve if you first match the edges and corners. So separate the border pieces from the middle pieces.
If you have a lot of different colored parts, at this stage you can separate the middle pieces by shades. Once you have done all these steps, take some time and analyze the whole picture. You might notice certain similarities and differences between the pieces and you will even be able to see how some of them fit together.
3. Frame your puzzle
Once your pieces are grouped into categories, it’s time to build the puzzle frame. The corner pieces will guide you to do this fast. Generally, this stage runs quite fast and introduces you to the relaxed and meditative state of the jigsaw puzzle.
The puzzle frame gives you the first sense of the success of your work. Furthermore, it encourages you and makes you optimistic that you will complete the image in a short time.
4. Work on small parts of the puzzle
If you have already sorted the pieces by shades, you can start working on small portions and then put them together in the correct order. When you get stuck, move on to another section and then return to the previous one. Be flexible and don’t block yourself if you can’t advance in one direction. Just change the way or check the image from a different perspective.
At this stage, you may sometimes feel that you are missing pieces or that you will never be able to find the logic of the puzzle in front of you. If you get at this point, you should follow tip number 5:
5. Take short breaks
Puzzling isn’t about stressing yourself, it’s about living each moment mindfully and enjoying the whole process. So when you feel you need a break, just take it and truly embrace it.
Once you’ve had your favorite cup of tea, you’ll get more clarity, and figure out your next move.
6. Don’t be intimidated by the center
Even if the central area is more difficult in a 1000-piece puzzle, don’t panic. After you have assembled several segments, attach the matching ones to the puzzle frame first. Already the number of pieces has dropped significantly, and the middle part no longer looks so scary, does it?
Try to match as many parts as possible, twist them around, and look at the puzzle picture on the box several times. You may have missed some small details, and now is the time to notice them.
7. Call for help
If puzzling seems a difficult task to solve alone, you might consider calling for some help. Solving a 1000-piece puzzle with your pair can help strengthen your relationship, and even improve couple communication.
Also you can start solving puzzles as a family activity, with your children. Several minds together can find the right solution faster. And everyone is having a fantastic playtime!
Children are eager to spend time with you. They will train their sharp minds and enjoy every moment together. Celebrating success with loved ones creates family bonds and precious memories to be remembered for years to come.
8. Never give up
Yeah, I know, easy to say, hard to do. But if you always keep in mind that it’s just a leisure activity, you won’t feel so much pressure on your shoulders. And the more relaxed you are, the faster you’ll be able to put all the pieces together.
Finding the last missing piece gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It’s well worth your time and work, and in the end, you’re grateful you didn’t give up when everything seemed hopeless.
9. Be kind to yourself
When it comes to puzzles, patience is required. Therefore, take all the time you need and try not to be too hard on yourself if you can’t solve the 1000-piece puzzle right away. Your puzzling skills increase over time once you have completed a lot of jigsaws.
Your attention, concentration, and logical thinking skills will all improve as you progress to the next level of puzzle solving..
10. Keep a positive attitude
Attitude is everything, even in puzzling. Be optimistic, no matter how messy you find each puzzle you choose. After all, it’s a relaxing activity and if you take it as such it can bring you lots of smiles and unexpected satisfaction.
Keep in mind that there are no secret moves, or laws to be obeyed. Just be yourself, relax and enjoy puzzling.
I hope these tips will guide you through the hundreds of puzzle pieces and will inspire you to solve all the puzzles from your list.
Have you chosen your favorite ROOVI puzzle? Share with us your experience and challenges from the very beginning of this amazing adventure!
