How to Tackle a Jigsaw Puzzle

Do you love jigsaw puzzles but have trouble completing them? Here are some simple steps to improve your completion rate whether you do them online or on your kitchen table.

· Start with the edges. These pieces are easier to find as at least one side is straight. Completing the edges first will give you a boundary and show you the completed size of the puzzle.

· Start with an odd color or pattern. Pick a color that reflects one small portion of the puzzle. For example if the only purple color in the entire puzzle is in the upper right hand corner of the picture, you'll have a great starting point. It also makes it easy to locate the pieces for that section.

· Pay attention to nuances in color. A picture of a sunset may start at the top with dark orange hues and end with paler oranges at the bottom. Separate all of those orange pieces into dark, medium and light colors. This makes for easy assembly.

· Assemble objects. If there's a boat or a cow in the puzzle, assemble that object. Don't worry about where it connects to the background. You'll be able to connect it later.

· Connect object edges. If the picture is of a large object against a background, try putting connecting the edges of the object only. You'll have an easier time filling in the item than trying to piece together the entire item at once.

· Group pieces by shape. If you group pieces by shape, you'll have an easier time finding pieces to fit in certain spaces. This is especially helpful if the coloring is similar throughout the entire puzzle.

· Do only puzzles you like. Only do puzzles when you like the picture. Nothing's worse than pushing yourself to do a puzzle when you don't find the picture interesting. The fun of assembling puzzles is in the image.

OK, you've got some great starting and finishing points here. Happy puzzling!