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Puzzle enthusiast or puzzle newbie, there’s always room to grow when it comes to improving game skills. To take your jigsaw puzzle skills to the next level, there are particular strategies you can take to get there.
In this blog, we'll be exploring some tried-and-true tips and tricks to help you solve those puzzles faster and more efficiently. We’ll highlight several points including:
- Color analysis
- Familiar details
- Smaller section breakdown
- Distinct features
Stay tuned as we dive into each of these as well as a few bonus strategies to help you up your puzzle game.
1. Focus on color and uniforms
Begin by identifying the main colors of the sports team's uniforms, as these will help you distinguish different players and sections of the puzzle.
Sports jigsaw puzzles often feature a wide range of colors, such as team uniforms, logos, and other sports-related elements. To make the process of solving the puzzle more efficient, start by grouping pieces based on their primary colors. This can help you quickly identify and match pieces that belong to the same area of the puzzle. For example, if the puzzle features a football player wearing a blue jersey and white pants, you can separate the pieces into two groups: blue and white. This will make it easier to find matching pieces and assemble the player's uniform.
Additionally, you can further subdivide the groups based on secondary colors or patterns, such as stripes or logos. By focusing on color, you can significantly reduce the time spent searching for matching pieces and make the overall puzzle-solving process more enjoyable. Remember to also consider the background colors of the puzzle, as they can help you identify pieces that belong to a specific section, such as the sky or grass.
2. Look for familiar details
If the puzzle features well-known players or team logos, focus on these areas first to create a sense of accomplishment and make the puzzle more manageable.
For example, if the puzzle features a soccer player wearing a jersey with a unique team logo, you can look for pieces with that logo and group them together. This will make it easier to find the correct pieces for that section of the puzzle. Additionally, you can look for other unique features, such as a player's number, team crest, or equipment details like the shape of a helmet or the design of a ball.
By paying close attention to these unique features, you can quickly identify and match pieces, making the overall puzzle-solving process more efficient.
Remember to also consider any unique background elements, such as stadium designs, advertisements, or other sports-related details that can help you locate and match pieces more easily.
3. Break the puzzle into sections
Divide the puzzle into smaller sections based on the sports field, stands, or other distinct areas. This will make it easier to find and assemble the pieces for each section.
You may want to utilize teamwork. If you're working with a partner or group, dividing the puzzle into smaller sections and assigning each person a specific area to focus on can simplify the process. To begin, decide on the sections of the puzzle that each person will work on. This can be done by dividing the puzzle into equal parts, or by assigning each person a specific area based on their interests or expertise. For example, if one person is particularly knowledgeable about a certain sport, they can focus on the players and equipment, while another person can work on the background or other elements.
Once the sections have been assigned, each person can work on their area independently, searching for matching pieces and assembling the puzzle. Periodically, team members can check in with each other to ensure they are on track and to share any tips or strategies they've discovered.
By utilizing teamwork, you can make the puzzle-solving process more efficient and enjoyable, as each person can focus on their assigned area and contribute to the overall completion of the puzzle.
Remember to communicate regularly with your team members and offer support and encouragement to keep everyone motivated and engaged.
4. Prioritize the edges
Start with the edge pieces to establish the outline of the puzzle, then work your way inward. This will help you create a framework.
5. Use reference material
If you're struggling to identify a particular piece or section, refer to the image on the box or any other reference material provided. This can help you better visualize the final puzzle and make it easier to find the right pieces.
To make the most of your reference material, follow these steps:
b. Break down the image into sections: Divide the reference image into smaller sections, such as individual players, equipment, or background elements. This can help you focus on specific areas of the puzzle and make it easier to find matching pieces.
c. Compare the reference material to your puzzle: As you work on the puzzle, regularly refer back to the reference image to ensure you're on the right track. If you're having trouble finding a particular piece, use the reference material to help you visualize the final puzzle and identify the piece you need.
d. Use the reference material to guide your strategy: Based on the reference image, you can develop a plan for assembling the puzzle. For example, you may choose to start with the border, then move on to specific players or equipment, and finally work on the background.
*Additional or bonus tips and tricks
Take breaks:
To avoid frustration and maintain your focus, take short breaks throughout the puzzle-solving process. This can help refresh your mind and give you a new perspective on the puzzle.
Pay attention to the background:
Sports jigsaw puzzles often feature a variety of background elements, such as stadiums, crowds, or landscapes. These elements can provide important clues for identifying and matching pieces, so don't overlook them.
Use a puzzle mat or board:
A puzzle mat or board can help you keep the pieces organized and prevent them from getting lost or mixed up. This can be especially helpful for sports jigsaw puzzles, which often have a large number of small pieces.
Take progress photos:
As you work on the puzzle, take photos of your progress to document your achievements and to help you remember where specific pieces go. This can be especially useful if you need to take a break from the puzzle and want to quickly pick up where you left off.
Celebrate your achievements:
Finally, all of the strategies in the world won’t mean anything if you don’t have fun. Completing a sports jigsaw puzzle can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it should also be relaxing. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments and share your finished puzzle with friends, family, or fellow puzzle enthusiasts.
Source:
Tips for a beginner completing a 1000-piece jigsaw? Reddit.com
Jigsaw Champions Reveal How to Solve a Jigsaw Puzzle Fast. Reader’s Digest.com