If you love jigsaw puzzles as much as I do, then you already know that solving them faster feels amazing. Speed puzzling is part skill, part focus, and part strategy. Whether you are just starting out or looking to shave off a few more minutes from your best time, I’m here to share some of my favorite speed puzzling strategies that actually work.
These ideas solving jigsaw puzzles fast are tried and tested. Many of them are explored in more detail at at my blog Speed Puzzling Tips, a site full of tools and tips to help you become a better and faster jigsaw puzzle solver. So grab a cup of something warm, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of speed puzzling.
Table of Contents
Speed Puzzling Strategies Begin with Setup
Before you touch a single puzzle piece, you should start with a smart setup. One of the best speed puzzling strategies is to prepare your space before the timer starts. Make sure your puzzle table is clear, your light is bright, and the surface is smooth and flat.
Many puzzlers like using a puzzle mat or board that can be moved around. That way, you are not stuck in one spot and can rotate the puzzle for better angles.
Sort with a Purpose
Sorting puzzle pieces is where speed gains can really begin. One of my favorite speed puzzling strategies is to sort beyond the basic edge and color technique. I also separate by pattern, texture, and even shape. The more details you notice while sorting, the faster you will move later.
Sorting should be fast but thoughtful. If you take too long, it slows your momentum. Practice makes perfect here. I break down sorting steps in more detail in some of my other longer article on sorting when aspeed puzzling as this is an important part of puzzle competitions.
Focus on Edge Pieces First
While this one seems obvious, there is a reason the border is the go to starting point. It sets your frame, gives you puzzle boundaries, and helps train your eyes for color zones.
Still, not all puzzles are created equal. Some border pieces are sneaky. If they do not come together quickly, skip them and move on. Speed puzzlers must be willing to pivot. That is part of the game.
Build Small Puzzle Islands
This method is one of the most useful speed puzzling strategies I use in every competition. Instead of working one section at a time, build multiple small puzzle groups or islands. These mini builds make it easier to connect large sections later.
Puzzle islands keep your momentum strong and help you move quicker through zones of similar colors or patterns.
Shape Recognition is a Game Changer
As you get more advanced, the pieces stop being just colors and become shapes. Piece shape recognition is one of the most overlooked speed puzzling strategies for new puzzlers. Learning to identify knobs, holes, corners, and tabs by shape will cut down your time drastically.
Try picking five random pieces and matching them by shape alone. Practice like this helps your brain see form faster than color. It sounds silly, but it works very well when it comes to training your brain. It’s a subtle action that everyone should consider.
Use a Timer for Practice Sessions
If you want to get serious about your speed puzzling strategies, start using a timer when you practice. This can be a digital stopwatch, a phone timer, or even an old kitchen timer. Tracking your progress shows where you are improving and where you are getting stuck.
Speed puzzling is part competition and part self improvement. Watching your own time improve is incredibly motivating.
A list of recommended practice timers can be found at our timers page, but the best timer is one you feel comfortable about using.
Eyes on the Pieces, Hands Always Moving
One of the best speed puzzling strategies I learned was to never stop moving. Even if you cannot find the right piece right away, keep your hands sorting, your eyes scanning, and your brain working. Stillness is the enemy of speed. Jigsaw puzzles might be laying flat on the table, but you can definitely move as you get more focused on the puzzle.
Sometimes I even stand while puzzling just to stay active. The more involved you are physically and mentally, the better your results. Another tool I use is swaying with music as I use the beats to move and groove.
Compete Against Yourself
If you are not ready for live competition, that is okay. Compete against your last time. Use a timer to track how long it takes to complete certain sections. Break the puzzle down into zones and set goals for each one.
This helps train your brain to push a little harder every time. It also builds confidence. Which is key in competition.
For more self competition ideas, check out our ideas on how to practice and get started with your focus on times before you go to the jigsaw puzzle competitions
Stay Positive and Have Fun
Speed puzzling is fast and fun. But it can also be stressful if you let the clock get in your head. The most powerful speed puzzling strategies include a positive attitude and a clear mind. If you get stuck, walk away for one minute. Reset. Then come back strong.
Enjoy the process. Celebrate the small wins. That is the heart of speed puzzling.