Personalities

Just like any hobby, puzzling attracts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique approach. Over time, puzzlers have even coined playful names for some of these distinctive styles. 

Here are a few "puzzler personalities" that you might recognize—or even identify with:

• • The MVP (Most Valuable Puzzler): This individual is the specialist. They swoop in, expertly tackle a specific, often challenging, part of the puzzle (like borders, tricky solid color areas, or complex sections), complete it flawlessly, and then may step back, leaving the rest to others. They have a particular puzzling forte and execute it with precision.

  • The Aspirer: This person aims high, often taking on puzzles that are currently beyond their skill level. While it's admirable to challenge oneself, an "impossible" puzzle might be a bit too aspirational, serving as something to strive for in the future rather than to conquer now.

  • The Stealer: A mischievous puzzler who surreptitiously hides a crucial puzzle piece, only to dramatically "find" and place it themselves, often for the satisfaction of laying the final piece.

  • The Concentrator: Deeply engrossed in the puzzle, this individual is oblivious to their surroundings. They might be in a room full of people, with music playing and conversation flowing, yet remain utterly absorbed in their task, seemingly disconnected from the rest of humanity.

  • The Performer: This puzzler strategically leaves unopened puzzle boxes prominently displayed around their home or on shelves, aiming to project the image of having a dedicated, intellectual hobby, even if the puzzles rarely, if ever, get assembled.

  • The Snacker: Never seen puzzling without an accompanying array of snacks. This individual is so intensely focused that, in moments of deep concentration, they might unconsciously, accidentally, or even purposefully nibble on a puzzle piece.

  • The Quitter: This puzzler, sadly, rarely sees a puzzle through to completion. While anyone can abandon a puzzle, for the Quitter, it's a consistent pattern of starting many and finishing few.

  • The Fashionista: Always dressed for the occasion, this puzzler coordinates their attire with the puzzle's theme. Working on a football-themed puzzle? Expect them to be decked out like a fan at a game.

  • The Starer: This puzzle solver possesses an almost photographic memory. They'll intensely stare at the entire puzzle layout, absorbing all the information in one hypnotic viewing. Then, suddenly, their hands fly into action, placing pieces at lightning speed until the puzzle is complete.

  • The Mechanic: This puzzler is methodical and focused. They meticulously examine the puzzle section by section, fully absorbing details in one area before calmly moving on to the next.

  • The Refuser: These individuals are resistant to engaging with the puzzle, particularly when others are present and participating. They express disinterest or an unwillingness to join in the puzzling activity.

Final Thoughts

These personalities were coined by puzzlers to describe their own personalities and those of other puzzlers. This is the sort of thing puzzlers think about late at night while puzzling.