What Is Speed Puzzling?
Speed puzzling is the high-energy, fast-paced cousin of traditional jigsaw puzzling. Unlike the leisurely, meditative approach many puzzlers take, speed puzzling is all about completing puzzles as quickly and efficiently as possible—whether solo or in teams. It combines time pressure, strategy, spatial awareness, and a bit of adrenaline to transform puzzling into a competitive, goal-oriented pursuit.
In recent years, speed puzzling has grown from a niche hobby into a full-blown competitive scene. Online tournaments, in-person championships, and global puzzle clubs are drawing attention to the skills and strategies behind rapid puzzle-solving. But you don’t have to be a seasoned speed puzzler to get started—in fact, it’s more accessible than you might think.
This article serves as your introduction to speed puzzling: its origins, techniques, benefits, and how to get involved.
The Origins and Rise of Competitive Puzzling
From Solo Pastime to Team Sport
Jigsaw puzzles have existed for over 250 years, primarily as solo activities. But the idea of competing to see who could finish a puzzle fastest started catching on in the mid-20th century. Over time, what began as informal challenges at local puzzle clubs evolved into organized events. Today, speed puzzling is recognized worldwide, complete with standardized rules, team divisions, and international championships.
Tournaments and Community Growth
The World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship (WJPC), launched in 2019 in Spain, helped legitimize speed puzzling on the global stage. Events now span solo, pairs, and team categories, attracting puzzle enthusiasts from across the globe. At local and virtual levels, many puzzling communities host weekly challenges, offering newcomers an easy entry point into competitive puzzling.
Why Try Speed Puzzling?
Mental Agility and Focus
Like chess or sudoku, speed puzzling sharpens the mind. The time pressure forces you to think quickly, organize visually, and stay focused under stress. You’ll learn how to spot patterns faster, enhance your short-term memory, and build your ability to concentrate for extended periods.
Teamwork and Social Connection
If you prefer group activities, speed puzzling is a fantastic team-building exercise. In team events, communication, delegation, and coordination are key to success. It’s also a fun way to meet like-minded people, both online and offline.
A Fun, Healthy Competition
Whether you're trying to beat your personal best or competing in a live event, speed puzzling is an energizing way to bring excitement to your puzzle hobby. It’s fast, fun, and surprisingly addictive.
Speed Puzzling Techniques and Strategies
1. Choosing the Right Puzzle
Not all puzzles are created equal—especially when time is a factor. Speed puzzlers often prefer puzzles with:
- Clear color contrasts
- Defined shapes and borders
- Less abstract or repetitive imagery
Most competitions use a standard puzzle (usually 500 pieces) supplied just before the event, so familiarity with different styles is helpful.
2. Efficient Sorting
Sorting is the foundation of speed. Most experienced speed puzzlers follow a two-step process:
- Edge Pieces First: Quickly identify and sort edge pieces into one pile.
- Color/Pattern Sorting: Divide inner pieces into general color groups or sections based on distinct patterns.
Some puzzlers even use multiple trays or boxes to streamline sorting.
3. Communication (for Teams)
In team settings, clear communication is crucial. Each person is usually assigned a task: someone works on the border, another tackles a specific section, and others continue sorting. Overlapping duties can slow you down, so roles need to be well-coordinated.
4. Visual Scanning and Piece Recognition
Practicing your visual scanning skills helps you identify the right pieces faster. Experienced puzzlers develop a mental map of what they’re looking for and filter through pieces with laser-like focus.
5. The Power of Practice
The more you puzzle, the faster you’ll become. Try timing yourself regularly and experiment with different sorting methods. Watching experienced puzzlers on YouTube or Twitch can also offer insight into advanced strategies.
How to Get Started
Join Online Puzzle Communities
Websites like the World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation, Reddit’s r/Jigsawpuzzles, and Facebook puzzle groups often post about upcoming speed events and informal challenges. Engaging in these communities is a great way to learn, get inspired, and find encouragement from others.
Practice with Timed Challenges
Set a timer and challenge yourself to complete a 500-piece puzzle as quickly as possible. Log your times and track your progress. Try to refine your sorting technique or layout with each attempt.
Start a Speed Puzzling Club
If you're more social, start a speed puzzling club in your community. You don’t need a huge group—just a few puzzle lovers and a few competitive spirits. Regular practice sessions and small local competitions can be both fun and fulfilling.
Tips from the Pros
At Puzzle Merchant, we’ve connected with many experienced puzzlers who’ve shared their go-to tips:
- “Don’t over-sort.” Some beginners spend too much time organizing. Speed is about momentum.
- “Work the corners first.” They’re easy to identify and create structure early.
- “Use your whole table.” Spread out the pieces so you can see everything at once.
- “Look for the ‘gimme’ pieces.” These are obvious, stand-out pieces that can act as anchors.
- “Stay calm.” Stress leads to mistakes. Breathe, refocus, and keep moving.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge
Speed puzzling isn’t just about the clock—it’s about pushing your limits, refining your process, and celebrating the joy of quick thinking. It brings a fresh, thrilling dynamic to a traditionally slow-paced hobby.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your solo puzzle sessions or dive into team competitions, speed puzzling offers a fun and fulfilling path forward. So why not give it a try? Pick up a puzzle, set a timer, and see how far (and fast) you can go.
Happy puzzling—from your friends at Puzzle Merchant.
About the writer: Will Roya is a lifelong gaming and puzzle enthusiast. He is the founder of Puzzle Merchant and author of the book Card Night.
Last update date: 4/23/25