Fitting Puzzle Pieces

Sometimes, a puzzle piece seems to fit, but you are not sure of the fit. When this occurs, here are some things to check:

Check the Fit

• More Light. If you aren’t sure if a puzzle piece fits, look at the pieces under a light source and see if the light shines through. If the line shines through, there is a gap, and that piece probably isn’t the correct piece.

• Check Edges. On edge pieces, check the alignment of the straight edges. All the pieces across the puzzle edge should be in perfectly straight alignment.

• Measure. Sometimes, you find you have used all the edge pieces, but there is still a gap in the puzzle border. Measure the sides of the border to see if the opposite sides are equal. If they are equal (accounting for the one-piece gap), then you have a missing piece. If one side is longer than its opposite side, then you have a piece on that side that does not belong; it is the missing piece.

Have you ever worked on a puzzle and reached the point of trying to force a puzzle piece into a spot where it didn't belong? 

If It Doesn't Click, Don't Force It  

• Correct Pieces Fit Easily: A well-cut puzzle piece will slide into its proper spot with minimal effort. High-quality puzzles often have a satisfying "snap" or "click" when pieces interlock perfectly.

• Forcing Indicates a Mismatch: If you have to push, bend, or twist a piece, it's almost certainly not the right one for that spot. Trying to force it can damage both the piece and the surrounding puzzle.

• "Convincing Yourself" is a Trap: The human tendency to rationalize why a piece might fit, despite visual evidence of a gap or poor alignment, is a common pitfall. It leads to wasted time and potential damage.

Final Thoughts

If the piece doesn't belong in a spot, it will soon become apparent.