Jigsaw Puzzles: A Fun and Healthy Hobby for Everyone
Do you enjoy solving puzzles and challenges? Do you want to exercise your brain and relax your mind at the same time? Do you like to explore different images and themes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to try jigsaw puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles are a form of entertainment and education that involve assembling small pieces of wood or cardboard into a complete picture. They are suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, and they offer many benefits for your mental and physical health. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about jigsaw puzzles, including their origin, types, benefits, tips, and online options.
What are jigsaw puzzles and how did they originate?
The definition and history of jigsaw puzzles
A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of often irregularly shaped interlocking and mosaiced pieces, each of which typically has a portion of a picture. When assembled, the puzzle pieces produce a complete picture. The name jigsaw puzzle comes from the tool that was used to cut the wood, although the inventor actually used a marquetry saw.
Jigsaw puzzles were invented in the 1760s by John Spilsbury, a British engraver and mapmaker, who used them to teach geography to children. He mounted maps on sheets of hardwood and cut along national boundaries, creating a puzzle useful for teaching geography. Dissected pictures followed, covering such subjects as history, alphabets, botany, and zoology. The use of popular pictures began in the 1860s and ’70s, in both Great Britain and the United States. The puzzles became extremely popular in the early 1900s and had a revival in the Great Depression of the 1930s as an inexpensive, reusable amusement. Another revival began after World War II, and jigsaw puzzles have remained a popular entertainment since then.
The types and sizes of jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of sizes. Among those marketed to adults, 300-, 500- and 750-piece puzzles are considered \”smaller\”. More sophisticated, but still common, puzzles come in sizes of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,500, 8,000, 9,000, 13,200, 18,000, 24,000, 32,000 and 40,000 pieces. The largest commercially available puzzle has 51,300 pieces and measures 28.5 feet by 6.25 feet.
There are also different types of jigsaw puzzles that add some variation and challenge to the hobby. Some examples are:
- Flat 2D puzzles: These are the most common type of jigsaw puzzles and can feature any image or theme.
- Repetitive design puzzles: These are puzzles that have either the same object repeated over and over in an identical fashion or just a block of color for which you have to rely entirely on your ability to find the right shapes.
- 3D puzzles: These are puzzles that create a three-dimensional object or scene, such as a building, a globe, or a sculpture. They usually have plastic or foam pieces that interlock or snap together.
- Double-sided puzzles: These are puzzles that have two different images on the front and back sides of the pieces, making them twice as hard to solve.
- Shaped puzzles: These are puzzles that have irregular edges and shapes that match the theme of the image, such as an animal, a flower, or a map.
- Mystery puzzles: These are puzzles that do not show the final image on the box, but only give some clues or hints. The solver has to discover the image as they complete the puzzle.
What are the benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles?
Jigsaw puzzles can improve your cognitive skills
One of the main benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles is that they can boost your brain power and memory. Jigsaw puzzles require you to use both sides of your brain: the left side for logic and analysis, and the right side for creativity and intuition. This helps you to improve your spatial awareness, visual perception, concentration, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. Jigsaw puzzles also stimulate the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, motivation, and learning. Furthermore, jigsaw puzzles can help you to prevent or delay cognitive decline and dementia by keeping your brain active and engaged.
Jigsaw puzzles can reduce your stress and anxiety
Another benefit of doing jigsaw puzzles is that they can help you to relax and cope with stress and anxiety. Jigsaw puzzles are a form of meditation that can calm your mind and body. They can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and muscle tension. They can also distract you from negative thoughts and emotions, and provide you with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Jigsaw puzzles can also enhance your mood by releasing endorphins, the natural painkillers and happiness hormones in your body.
Jigsaw puzzles can enhance your creativity and productivity
A third benefit of doing jigsaw puzzles is that they can boost your creativity and productivity. Jigsaw puzzles can stimulate your imagination and inspire you to think outside the box. They can also improve your focus and concentration, which can help you to perform better at work or school. Jigsaw puzzles can also foster your social skills and relationships by allowing you to share the fun and challenge with others. You can work together with your family, friends, or colleagues to complete a puzzle, or join online communities of puzzle enthusiasts to exchange tips and ideas.
How to do jigsaw puzzles like an expert?
Choose a puzzle that suits your skill level and interest
The first step to doing jigsaw puzzles like an expert is to choose a puzzle that matches your skill level and interest. You don’t want to pick a puzzle that is too easy or too hard for you, as it might bore you or frustrate you. You also want to pick a puzzle that has an image or theme that appeals to you, as it will motivate you to finish it. You can find jigsaw puzzles in various categories, such as animals, landscapes, art, movies, cartoons, sports, etc. You can also customize your own puzzle by uploading a photo or image of your choice.
Prepare a suitable workspace and accessories
The second step to doing jigsaw puzzles like an expert is to prepare a suitable workspace and accessories. You want to have a flat surface that is large enough to accommodate the size of the puzzle and the loose pieces. You also want to have good lighting and ventilation in your workspace. You might want to use some accessories to make your puzzle-solving easier and more enjoyable, such as:
- A puzzle mat: This is a roll-up mat that allows you to store and transport your puzzle without breaking it apart.
- A puzzle board: This is a rigid board that provides a stable base for your puzzle.
- A puzzle sorter: This is a set of trays or boxes that helps you to organize your pieces by color, shape, or pattern.
- A puzzle glue: This is a special glue that helps you to preserve your finished puzzle by bonding the pieces together.
- A puzzle frame: This is a This is a frame that allows you to display your finished puzzle as a wall decoration.
Use effective strategies and tips to solve the puzzle
The third step to doing jigsaw puzzles like an expert is to use effective strategies and tips to solve the puzzle. There is no one right way to do a jigsaw puzzle, but some general guidelines are:
- Start with the edges: The easiest way to begin a puzzle is to find and assemble the edge pieces, which have at least one straight side. This will help you to create a border and a reference for the rest of the puzzle.
- Sort by color and shape: The next step is to sort the remaining pieces by color and shape. You can use a puzzle sorter or your own containers to separate the pieces into different groups. This will help you to find the pieces that belong to the same area or section of the puzzle.
- Look at the picture: The final step is to look at the picture on the box or online and use it as a guide. You can compare the shapes, colors, patterns, and details of the pieces with the picture and try to match them. You can also look for clues such as words, numbers, letters, or symbols that might help you to locate the pieces.
Some additional tips that might help you to solve the puzzle faster and easier are:
- Work on one section at a time: Instead of trying to complete the whole puzzle at once, you can focus on one section at a time, such as a corner, a side, or a specific object. This will help you to avoid getting overwhelmed and confused by too many pieces.
- Use trial and error: Sometimes, the best way to find out if a piece fits is to try it. You can test different pieces and see if they match with the shape, color, and image of the adjacent pieces. If they don’t fit, you can move them to another place or group.
- Ask for help: If you get stuck or need some motivation, you can ask for help from someone else. You can work together with another person or join an online community of puzzle solvers. You can also use online tools such as hints, solutions, or cheats if you really need them.
Where to find and play jigsaw puzzles online?
The advantages of online jigsaw puzzles
If you don’t have access to physical jigsaw puzzles or want to try something different, you can also find and play jigsaw puzzles online. Online jigsaw puzzles have some advantages over traditional ones, such as:
- Variety: Online jigsaw puzzles offer a wide range of images and themes that you can choose from. You can also customize your own puzzles by uploading your own photos or images.
- Convenience: Online jigsaw puzzles are easy to access and play anytime and anywhere. You don’t need any special equipment or space, just a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
- Challenge: Online jigsaw puzzles can provide different levels of difficulty and challenge that you can adjust according to your preference. You can also compete with other players or yourself by tracking your time and score.
- Eco-friendly: Online jigsaw puzzles are more environmentally friendly than physical ones, as they don’t require any paper, wood, or cardboard materials that might end up in landfills.
The best websites and apps for online jigsaw puzzles
There are many websites and apps that offer online jigsaw puzzles for free or for a fee. Some of the best ones are:
| Name | Features | Website/App |
|---|---|---|
| Jigsaw Planet | – Over 50,000 puzzles in various categories – Customizable difficulty, shape, rotation, and number of pieces – Ability to create your own puzzles and share them with others – Leaderboards and achievements – No registration required |
Jigsaw Planet |
| The Jigsaw Puzzles | – Over 10,000 puzzles in various categories – Customizable difficulty, shape, rotation, and number of pieces – Ability to create your own puzzles and share them with others – Daily puzzles and challenges – Registration required for some features |
The Jigsaw Puzzles |
| Jigsaw Puzzle Collection HD | – Over 5,000 puzzles in various categories – Customizable difficulty, shape, rotation, and number of pieces – Ability to create your own puzzles and share them with others – Weekly puzzles and tournaments – Registration required for some features |
Jigsaw Puzzle Collection HD |
| Magic Jigsaw Puzzles | – Over 25,000 puzzles in various categories – Customizable difficulty, shape, rotation, and number of pieces – Ability to create your own puzzles and share them with others – Daily puzzles and quests – Registration required for some features |
Magic Jigsaw Puzzles |
| Jigsaw Puzzles Real | – Over 2,400 puzzles in various categories – Customizable difficulty, shape, rotation, and number of pieces – Ability to create your own puzzles and share them with others – Daily puzzles and rewards – No registration required |
Jigsaw Puzzles Real |
| Jigidi | – Over 200,000 puzzles in various categories – Customizable difficulty, shape, rotation, and number of pieces – Ability to create your own puzzles and share them with others – Online multiplayer mode – Registration required for some features |
Jigidi |
Conclusion
Jigsaw puzzles are a fun and healthy hobby for everyone. They can improve your cognitive skills, reduce your stress and anxiety, enhance your creativity and productivity, and provide you with hours of entertainment and satisfaction. You can find jigsaw puzzles in different sizes, types, images, and themes, or create your own custom puzzles. You can also play jigsaw puzzles online on various websites and apps that offer a variety of features and options. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, jigsaw puzzles are a great way to challenge yourself and enjoy yourself.
FAQs
What is the world record for the fastest completion of a jigsaw puzzle?
The world record for the fastest completion of a jigsaw puzzle is held by Joellen Beifuss from the USA. She completed a 500-piece puzzle in one hour, one minute, and 29 seconds on July 7th, 1989.
What is the most expensive jigsaw puzzle ever sold?
The most expensive jigsaw puzzle ever sold is a hand-cut wooden puzzle made by Par Puzzles in the USA. It features a painting by Jackson Pollock called Convergence and has 331 pieces. It was sold for $27,000 in November 2015.
What is the best way to store a jigsaw puzzle?
The best way to store a jigsaw puzzle depends on whether you want to keep it assembled or disassembled. If you want to keep it assembled, you can use a puzzle glue to bond the pieces together and then frame it or hang it on a wall. If you want to disassemble it, you can use a puzzle mat to roll it up or a puzzle board to slide it under a bed or sofa. You can also use ziplock bags or plastic containers to store the pieces separately.
How long does it take to do a jigsaw puzzle ?
The time it takes to do a jigsaw puzzle depends on several factors, such as the size, type, image, and difficulty of the puzzle, as well as your skill level, experience, strategy, and motivation. However, a general estimate is that it takes about one minute per piece to complete a jigsaw puzzle. For example, a 500-piece puzzle would take about 500 minutes or 8 hours and 20 minutes to finish. Of course, this is just an average and your actual time may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
What are some of the most famous jigsaw puzzles in the world?
Some of the most famous jigsaw puzzles in the world are:
- The World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle: This is a 51,300-piece puzzle that features 27 wonders from around the world. It measures 28.5 feet by 6.25 feet and weighs 42 pounds. It was created by Educa Borras in Spain in 2017.
- The World’s Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzle: This is a 529-piece puzzle that has the same image of colorful confetti on both sides, but rotated 90 degrees. It was created by Buffalo Games in the USA in 1992.
- The World’s Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzle: This is a subjective category, but one of the most popular and stunning puzzles is a 1,000-piece puzzle that features a photograph of the Mont Saint-Michel island in France. It was created by Ravensburger in Germany in 2010.
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