Categories

The puzzler spectrum, from casual to obsessed. Just like any passion, the world of puzzling has its hierarchy of dedication. While everyone who enjoys fitting pieces together is a "puzzler," some take their hobby to extraordinary levels. 

Here are a few common categories, ranging from the budding enthusiast to the truly devoted:

Categories of Puzzlers

• • Beginner: This is someone who has recently completed their very first jigsaw puzzle, and perhaps one or two more. They're just dipping their toes into the hobby.

  • Novice: A puzzling novice has completed a handful of jigsaw puzzles over the past year. They are actively gaining experience and building their skills.

  • Enthusiast: A true puzzling enthusiast regularly engages with puzzles for relaxation and enjoyment. It's a consistent and cherished pastime in their life.

  • Geek: A puzzling geek shows a deep, almost obsessive, interest in puzzles. They frequently work on them and find themselves constantly thinking about their next puzzle project.

  • Nerd: A puzzling nerd possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of all things puzzles. Their passion is consuming, sometimes at the expense of developing broader social skills, making them appear awkward to others.

When You've Exceeded Mere Enthusiast Status: Signs of a True Dissectologist

So, how do you know if you've moved beyond being just a casual enthusiast and stepped firmly into the realm of a dedicated (or perhaps slightly obsessed) dissectologist? If these scenarios sound familiar, congratulations—you've reached a new level of puzzling devotion!

• • The Dedicated Puzzle Sanctuary: You boast an entire room, or a significant dedicated space, overflowing with puzzles, every conceivable brand of puzzling accessory, and perhaps even a custom, hand-built, exotic wood puzzle table.

  • The Pursuit of Premium: Common puzzles, even the most difficult ones, no longer satisfy your craving. You constantly seek out the rarest, most unique, and often most expensive premium puzzles on the market.

  • Chasing the Sunrise: It's almost dawn, but you're still determined to fit "just one more piece" before you finally allow yourself to go to bed.

  • The Unbreakable Bond: You can't bear to disassemble a completed puzzle. Breaking it apart and boxing it feels like committing a crime. To alleviate the guilt, you keep it, perhaps convincing yourself you'll do it again, adding it to your growing hoard of cherished completed (or semi-completed) works.

  • Puzzling on Every Device: When a physical puzzle isn't readily available, you seamlessly transition to working on digital puzzles on your laptop or phone.

  • The Endless Scroll: Your free time is spent endlessly scrolling the internet for anything puzzle-related, even watching videos of other people assembling puzzles.

  • Official Dissectologist Status: You proudly consider yourself a dissectologist and are likely a lifetime member of the Benevolent Confraternity of Dissectologists (BCD).

  • The Unyielding Party Guest: You're at a puzzle party with friends, and despite the late hour, you adamantly refuse to leave until the puzzle is finished, no matter how long it takes.

  • Visions of Pieces: You dream of puzzles. Like Beth Harmon visualizing chess moves in "The Queen's Gambit," you see floating puzzle pieces above your head, planning your next moves even in your sleep.

  • Christmas Eve Anticipation: The waiting for a newly ordered puzzle to arrive is akin to Christmas Eve, leaving you sleepless with anticipation.

  • The Grand Reveal: When a new, highly anticipated puzzle finally arrives, you host a special "puzzle-reveal party" to share the excitement.

  • Excuses: Your go-to excuse for declining social invitations is often a vague but firm, "Sorry, I have something important I have to finish," implying your current puzzle takes precedence.

Final Thoughts

No matter what terminology is used to define your dedication to puzzling, all that matters is whether or not you enjoy puzzling and it's not interfering with your life or your relationships with others.