Just For Fun: How to Pretend You're Good at Jigsaw Puzzles Without Even Trying
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How to Pretend You're Good at Jigsaw Puzzles Without Even Trying
Jigsaw puzzles are a popular pastime, with their soothing, meditative qualities and sense of accomplishment once completed. However, there are times when we may feel the need to impress others with our puzzle-solving skills, or perhaps we're in a social setting where we want to appear adept at them without necessarily spending hours hunched over a puzzle. If you're wondering how to pretend you're good at jigsaw puzzles without even trying, this guide will help you appear like an expert with minimal effort. By following a few strategic tips and tricks, you can create the illusion of puzzle proficiency and have fun in the process.
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1. Choose the Right Puzzle (Size and Image Matter)
The first step to pretending you're good at jigsaw puzzles is to choose a puzzle that makes you look skilled from the get-go. A 1000-piece puzzle might seem impressive, but selecting one with a simple design will make it easier to tackle. Opt for a puzzle with clear, distinct sections that are easy to differentiate, such as landscapes with easily identifiable features or simple abstract patterns. Avoid overly complex puzzles that are filled with tiny pieces of similar colors or designs—these will be too difficult to piece together quickly and may give away the fact that you're not as adept as you want to appear.
Additionally, try to find a puzzle that’s visually striking but not too overwhelming. Something like a scenic beach with a few key elements (water, sky, sand) or a colorful cityscape is easier to tackle and will give you the appearance of competence.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
2. Start with the Edges
One trick that will instantly make you look like an expert puzzle solver is to begin by working on the border. Most jigsaw puzzles have straight edges that make it easier to create a defined frame. By starting with the edges, you not only create a sense of progress but also show that you understand the most basic approach to solving puzzles.
You can even ask others for help with the border to keep the conversation going and pretend to be collaborative. People tend to believe that if you’ve completed the edges, the rest of the puzzle is easy to solve, which is a great illusion to create.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
3. Sort the Pieces Before You Begin
Sorting the pieces is a critical step in any successful puzzle-solving strategy. Even if you're not actively solving the puzzle, simply arranging the pieces into groups based on color, pattern, or shape will give the impression that you're well on your way. Start by separating the edge pieces from the interior ones. Then, group the pieces by color or other features (for example, sky, greenery, or buildings).
This approach shows others that you're methodical and organized—qualities that make you look like an experienced puzzler. Bonus points if you do this in a way that seems efficient, like grouping all the blue pieces for the sky or all the green pieces for trees. It’s a simple move, but it will give you an edge in seeming like a pro.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
4. Work on One Area at a Time
While it might be tempting to jump around and try to work on different sections of the puzzle, resist the urge to scatter your attention. Instead, focus on one section at a time. As a pretend puzzle expert, choose a section that has the most recognizable features (a large building, tree, or distinct colors) and work on it in isolation. If people are watching, they will think you're focused and strategic, both signs of puzzle expertise.
You can even subtly indicate that this is your method by saying things like, "I usually like to work on the most identifiable part of the puzzle first." This will make your approach seem deliberate and intentional, even though it's a simple trick.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
5. Engage in the Process Without Overexerting Yourself
One of the most important ways to appear good at jigsaw puzzles is to remain calm and composed. If you’re visibly straining, huffing, and puffing over the puzzle, it will be obvious that you’re struggling. The key to pretending you're good at it is to remain cool and collected, even if you have no idea where a particular piece fits.
You can achieve this by casually working on the puzzle, adjusting pieces with nonchalance, and offering small comments like, "I think this piece might fit here..." even if you're unsure. Such behaviors will signal to others that you’re an experienced puzzler who trusts your instincts and doesn’t need to overthink the process.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
6. Use the “I’ll Get There” Mentality
Another great tactic is to embrace the “I’ll get there eventually” mentality when a tough part of the puzzle stumps you. If you're unable to find a piece that fits, you can simply walk away from that section and tackle something else. If someone comments on the fact that you're stuck, respond with confidence: "Yeah, it's just a bit tricky, but I know I’ll find the right piece eventually." This approach lets others believe that you’re working through the puzzle logically, even when you’re taking a break or avoiding the harder parts.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
7. Employ the Art of Distraction
If you’re stuck or unable to figure out where a piece goes, distract others from the fact that you’re struggling. Engage in conversation or casually point out other things about the puzzle, like the design, the piece shapes, or the fact that you're working on a challenging part. This will shift attention away from the puzzle itself and onto your seemingly deep analysis of it. You could even offer a little joke, like “Puzzles are like life—sometimes you have to wait for the right pieces to come along,” to maintain the appearance of being in control.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
8. Pretend to Know About Puzzle Strategies
If you’re around puzzle enthusiasts or those who seem knowledgeable, it’s useful to drop a few puzzle-related terms or strategies into conversation. Talk about “edge piece strategies” or how you “like to build out from the corners.” You don’t need to go into detail—just throw out enough buzzwords to make it seem like you know what you’re doing. If anyone asks, you can elaborate a little further, but only enough to seem knowledgeable without getting into the weeds. Mentioning the importance of sorting pieces by color or shape, or how certain puzzles are easier based on image complexity, can all contribute to your guise of being a jigsaw aficionado.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
9. Know When to Step Back
The key to making it look like you’re effortlessly good at puzzles is knowing when to step back. If you’re working in a group setting and someone else is getting more involved in the puzzle, don’t hesitate to step away for a moment. If the puzzle is nearly complete, take a few steps back and casually point out pieces that may be missing, implying that you’re one step away from finishing. Even if the puzzle is only halfway done, giving the impression that you're just about to complete it will reinforce your image as a puzzle-solving pro.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
10. Let Others Do the Work (and Take Credit)
If all else fails and you find yourself overwhelmed by the puzzle, let others do the work for a while. You can stand by and observe, casually offering comments like, "That’s a tricky section. I think we’ll get it in a minute." Once others solve a difficult part, swoop in at the last moment, slap the final piece in, and declare, "We did it!" This allows you to take credit for the finished puzzle while not putting in much effort yourself.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven
Conclusion
Pretending to be good at jigsaw puzzles doesn’t require an innate ability to solve them quickly. By following these strategic moves—choosing the right puzzle, starting with the edges, sorting the pieces, staying composed, and employing distraction techniques—you can create the illusion of puzzle expertise. Remember, the key is to maintain a calm, confident demeanor and be methodical in your approach. Whether you're trying to impress friends, family, or casual acquaintances, these simple tricks will help you appear like an experienced puzzler without breaking a sweat.
Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven