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13 Puzzle Tips

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1. Choose the right puzzle

In the beginning it’s important to choose the right puzzle for your comfort level. If you’re a beginner, it’s best not to select a puzzle with too many pieces. Try starting with 500 pieces and then you can always challenge yourself with more pieces the next time.

2. Choose the right image

The first puzzle rule is to choose an image you really like. You want to stay motivated and be able to make progress. A puzzle image with lots of details and assorted colors and patterns makes it easier to find the next piece you’re looking for.

3. Make room for your puzzle

Note your puzzle’s finished size and choose a table that gives you plenty of space for puzzling. If you need that table for other things, use a separate surface, like the Puzzle Store or Puzzle Stow & Go!, underneath the puzzle that lets you move it to another place any time and continue later. There are plenty of puzzle accessories available for this purpose.



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4. Get Comfortable

Relax while you puzzle! Wear comfy clothes, make yourself a beverage and turn on your favorite music. For more entertainment during puzzling, you might enjoy listening to an audio book or put on a movie in the background.

5. Avoid demotivation

Don’t get scared after opening the puzzle box and seeing all those pieces on your table. It looks much more complicated than it is, and always remember, practice makes perfect! Also, completing the puzzle might take a couple days or weeks depending on your schedule. This is completely normal and no reason for worry.

6. Sort the puzzle

To save time it’s important to first sort all of the pieces face up. You can choose to sort the pieces by color, pattern or position within the image. The only rule you should follow is to separate the straightedge border pieces from the rest. Puzzle Sorters are the perfect way to keep your pieces organized as you build out your puzzles.

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7. Start the right way

After sorting the pieces, you’re ready to start. Begin with the border pieces to establish the frame. This also lets you see how big your finished puzzle is going to be.

8. Puzzle specific objects first

You can choose to continue puzzling by searching for pieces that fit into the finished border or try building outstanding images or patterns first. It doesn’t matter if you puzzle sections in the middle of the puzzle or not. In the end, everything will come together.

9. Know your puzzle

Sometimes it can be hard to place a piece in the correct place. Just use the puzzle box image as your guide. If you find the puzzle is too easy for you, simply puzzle without looking at the box.
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10. Ask for help

Sometimes it seems impossible to find the next piece that fits. Don’t give up – just ask someone to help. Two heads are better than one! If you can’t get help, try to get a different view of the puzzle. Change your angle, the light or even try to view your puzzle from above.

11. Take a break

If none of our tips help you to make progress, it might be time for a little break. From time to time our brain and eyes need to rest for a while. It doesn’t matter if your break is just a coffee break or a couple days. Start again when you feel ready for the challenge.

12. Puzzle together

Too many cooks may spoil the broth, but not while puzzling. You might enjoy doing puzzles alone as a good way to relax and have time for yourself. Nevertheless, puzzling can also be a lot of fun together with your family or friends. You’ll see that more hands can complete the puzzle in no time.

13. The finished puzzle

What to do with you finished puzzle? You can glue your puzzle, frame it and use it as a beautiful wall decoration. Next to making your home more colorful, it will also remind you of your accomplishment and be a motivation for your next puzzle adventure.
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Check out some of our favorite Puzzle Articles!

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