Sorting Puzzles Pieces

Effective sorting methods can truly supercharge your puzzle-solving skills, whether you're a casual puzzler or a competitive enthusiast aiming to set world records like Deepika Ravichandran, who solved 18 pieces per minute! While there's no single "right" way to solve a puzzle, strategic sorting streamlines assembly and enhances the entire experience.

Prepare Your Workspace

Before diving into the pieces, setting up an organized workspace is crucial. A clean, clutter-free area can reduce stress and help you focus.

• • Lighting: Ensure you have good lighting. For darker puzzles, a more direct light source, such as an overhead lamp, may be necessary.

  • Surface: Use a flat surface large enough for your finished puzzle, plus extra room for sorting. A 1,000-piece puzzle is typically around 27" x 20".

  • Puzzle Boards/Mats: To keep pieces secure and portable, consider a puzzle board or mat. Removable mats allow you to roll and store your puzzle, while sturdy boards provide a flat, stable surface.

My Sorting Method

Before discussing the various sorting strategies, let's examine my method for performing the initial sort. Over the years, I have refined my sorting into a simple, well-honed approach to flipping and sorting puzzle pieces. Its efficient and systematic approach leverages multiple surfaces to keep things organized and moving quickly, which is key when tackling larger puzzles. It gets the boring work done quickly, so you can get started assembling the puzzle sooner. Here is how it works:

Supplies Needed

•  Large Sorting Boards: I use 17" x 22.5" bulletin boards from Walmart. They have a plastic frame to help keep pieces from falling off and a cork side, and a cardboard backside. I prefer using the cardboard side. Each board accommodates 500 pieces easily.

• A Small Sorting Board: I use a piece of 9" x 12" thick, stiff cardboard that is white on one side and black on the other side. Which side I use depends on the colors and design of the puzzle image. The small board lies on top of the large board, slides around easily,  and is easy to pick up.

• Puzzle Box Lid: I use the box lid or a sorting tray to sort the edge pieces into.

Reasons This Method Is So Effective

• • Multi-Stage Sorting: You're not just flipping; you're simultaneously pre-sorting the critical edge pieces. This saves a lot of time compared to flipping everything first and then sorting again, looking for edges.

  • Ergonomic and Efficient Hand Use: Using both hands to pick up and orient pieces maximizes your speed.

  • Using Box Lid for Edges: Designating the box lid for edges keeps the sorted edge pieces separate.

  • Using Small Board as a "Buffer/Review" Zone: Placing general pieces on the small board before sliding them to the large one acts as a secondary quick scan. If you initially miss an edge piece, it stands out on this smaller, more focused surface, allowing for immediate correction.

  • Batch Processing: Taking "handfuls" and then sliding pieces from the small board to the large, and swapping large boards, breaks down the monumental task into manageable, repeatable batches. This prevents mental fatigue and maintains momentum.

  • Continuous Flow: The entire process is designed for nonstop action– pick, flip, sort, slide, repeat. There's minimal wasted motion.

  • Large Board for Bulk Sorting: This is your main staging area for the non-edge pieces, providing ample space to spread them out for easy viewing.

The Sorting Process

If the border is entirely one color or pattern, it might be more effective to save the edges for later and start with the interior pieces.

• Initial Scan: Perform an initial scan of the pieces in the box, looking for pieces with one or two straight sides, especially those lying face-down (their shape is often easier to discern).

• First Pass: Quickly pull out visible edge pieces.

• Agitate and Repeat: Gently shake the box or stir the remaining pieces to reveal more edges, and repeat the pulling process.

• Flip and Sort: Begin flipping and sorting the pieces using the following steps:

  • Begin with a large sorting board in front of you on the puzzle table, with the small sorting board lying on it, with the box of pieces and the lid sitting next to it.

  • Remove a handful of pieces from the box and place them on the large board in front of the small board.

  • Begin sorting the pieces by using both hands to pick up pieces and place them face up on the small board while simultaneously checking for edge pieces.

  • Toss the edge pieces into the box lid, and the others go onto the small board.  If you miss an edge piece initially, it is noticeable lying on the small board, so toss it into the box lid. Repeat the process until the small board begins to fill, and then slide its pieces onto the large board. When the large board fills, swap it for another. This process allows you to flip and sort all the pieces to the sorting board quickly while simultaneously sorting the edge pieces.

  • When finished with the sorting, dump the edge pieces onto the puzzle board, flip and sort them. and begin border assembly.

This sorting method is a prime example of how "proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance," and makes the initial, often tedious, phase of puzzling much more enjoyable.

Use Sorting Trays or Containers

Investing in dedicated sorting trays or containers can revolutionize your sorting process.

• • Power of Trays: They provide dedicated space for categorizing pieces, accelerating assembly.

  • Multiple Compartments: Trays often have multiple slots, allowing you to create distinct sections for different groups (color, pattern, shape).

  • Customized Labeling: Label compartments for easy reference and quick retrieval, saving time and minimizing frustration.

  • Streamlined Search: No more rummaging through mixed piles; simply scan labeled compartments.

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Adjust compartment size/number to match puzzle complexity.

  • Organized Workspace: Keeps your area tidy, enhancing focus and providing peace of mind.

  • Efficient Collaboration: Each person can have their own tray or share, promoting teamwork.

  • Assembly Aid: Empty compartments can temporarily hold partially assembled sections, maintaining organization.

Sorting Strategies

Sorting takes time, but it's invaluable for familiarizing yourself with the pieces and identifying different sections. Turning every piece picture-side up is the first tedious but necessary step. After that, you can sort them according to various criteria.

Sorting by Edge Pieces

This is an excellent starting point for most puzzles, especially for beginners or those who prefer a structured approach.

• • Establishing Boundaries: Separating and assembling the edge pieces provides a clear visual frame, helping you organize the remaining interior pieces more effectively.

  • Structured Approach: It narrows down the initial focus, making the process less overwhelming for large puzzles.

  • Sense of Progress: Completing the frame offers a tangible milestone, providing motivation, especially for complex puzzles.

  • Building Confidence: Working with edges familiarizes you with the puzzle's overall image and border patterns, boosting your problem-solving skills.

  • Facilitating Collaboration: It provides a shared goal for group puzzling, encouraging teamwork.

Sorting by Color or Shade

Grouping pieces by color or shade leverages the puzzle's visual cues for efficient matching.

• • Importance: Color is fundamental; sorting by color allows you to quickly identify and match pieces with similar hues.

  • Look for Distinct Colors: Begin by scanning for vibrant sections (e.g., blue skies, green foliage) that create "anchor points" for your sorting.

  • Gather Corresponding Pieces: Create separate piles or groups for each color/shade. This reduces search time significantly.

  • Efficient Matching: This method helps you notice patterns, gradients, and subtle variations within color groups, speeding up assembly.

  • Quick Progress and Motivation: Connecting pieces within color groups provides immediate visual progress.

  • Tackling Complex Images: Especially effective for vibrant or multicolored puzzles, as it breaks down complexity into manageable segments.

  • Adaptability: Combine color sorting with other techniques (e.g., shape) for a refined approach.

Sorting by Pattern or Design

For puzzles with intricate patterns or specific designs, sorting by these elements can be transformative.

• • Embracing Intricacies: It allows you to immerse yourself in the puzzle's detailed elements.

  • Identifying Patterns: Scan for repetitive motifs, unique textures, or specific objects that stand out (e.g., text, architectural features, distinct animal patterns).

  • Grouping Similar Patterns: Create separate piles or compartments for each pattern or design group.

  • Efficient Section Work: Focus on complex areas by quickly locating pieces belonging to a specific pattern group, reducing search time.

  • Unveiling Hidden Connections: As you work, you'll discover how patterns merge and textures align, enhancing the mystery-solving aspect.

  • Enhancing Focus: This method sharpens your concentration on the puzzle's details, honing observation skills.

  • Combining Techniques: Integrate with color sorting, shape sorting, or piece size sorting for optimal results.

Sorting by Piece Shape

The unique shapes and connector types of puzzle pieces are crucial. Sorting by shape helps identify compatible pieces more efficiently.

• • Importance: Leveraging distinct shapes brings you closer to completing the puzzle.

  • Identifying Distinctive Shapes: Look for pieces with rounded edges, tabs, knobs, or other unique characteristics.

  • Grouping Similar Shapes: Create separate piles or sections for each shape category (e.g., "2 blanks," "2 tabs").

  • Guiding Assembly: Refer to your shape-sorted piles to find potential matches, acting as a roadmap.

  • Combining Shapes and Connectors: Consider connector types (tabs, knobs, interlocking designs) in addition to overall shape for perfect matches.

  • Embracing Challenge: Shape sorting adds a layer of critical thinking and visual analysis, making successful connections rewarding.

  • Flexibility: Combine with color, pattern, or size sorting.

Sorting by Size or Piece Count

For puzzles with varying piece sizes, sorting by dimensions can be a game-changer, especially for irregularly shaped puzzles or those with many small pieces.

• • Embracing Diversity: Harness the unique attributes of each piece for targeted assembly.

  • Identifying Different Sizes: Categorize pieces into large, medium, and small groups based on their dimensions.

  • Grouping by Size: Create separate piles for each size category for quick retrieval.

  • Efficient Section Work: Start with larger pieces to establish a foundation, then work through medium and small pieces.

  • Bonus Pieces/Mini Puzzles: This method is essential for puzzles containing bonus pieces or mini-puzzles, as they often have distinct dimensions.

  • Discovering Hidden Connections: Working within size groups can reveal how pieces of similar dimensions fit together naturally.

Combine Sorting Methods for Success

The most effective puzzle-solving strategy often involves combining different sorting methods based on the puzzle's specific characteristics and your personal preference. For example, you might start by sorting edge pieces, then further sort those by color. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt your approach as you go. Combining methods creates a more dynamic and customized sorting process, leading to increased efficiency and overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these sorting tips, you can elevate your jigsaw puzzle-solving abilities, reduce search time, and significantly enhance your satisfaction. Embrace sorting as an integral part of your puzzling journey!