Doing a puzzle is not a casual pastime.
Especially for beginners, it might seem like trying to assemble the pieces randomly is the easiest way. In reality, having a method makes the experience much more enjoyable .
That's why we at StoPuzzle want to offer you a clear and practical guide to help you assemble the pieces with an effective strategy : you will save time, reduce frustration and learn to love the world of puzzles even more .
Effective puzzle strategy
Many approach this hobby without following a precise method, but for beginners, it can be complicated and daunting. With a few tricks, however, fun is guaranteed.
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Turn all the pieces over on the table: Many people start by turning all the tiles picture side up to better assess the shapes and colors.
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Extract and build the edge: Immediately separating the pieces with the edges and building the outline of the puzzle creates a solid and visually reassuring initial structure.
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Find and assemble easily identifiable parts: After the edge, locate easily identifiable elements (such as buildings, trees, animals, clear details) and build them separately.
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Sort pieces by color or pattern (if necessary): If you get stuck, grouping pieces by color or pattern can help speed up completion of less obvious areas.
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Proceed in sections without obsessively looking at the reference image: Most puzzlers proceed by assembling the easiest parts first, leaving uniform or monotonous spaces (such as sky or areas of similar colors) for later.
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If you're completely stuck, group secondarily by shape: When you have only a few pieces left and things are slow, sorting by shape (like a jigsaw puzzle) can help you get things moving at the end.
BONUS TIPS :
🧩 Use small trays or containers to organize the pieces
Dividing the pieces by color or shape into separate containers helps you work more orderly and avoid wasting time searching through hundreds of tiles scattered on the table.
🧩 Work from the outside in
Once you've completed the border, focus on sections close to it: it's easier to connect already defined areas than to start from isolated areas in the center.
Doing a puzzle is much more than just a pastime : it's an exercise in patience, concentration, and personal satisfaction . With these little tricks, each piece becomes easier to fit together and you'll be able to put together each image with less effort.
