Last updated: April 30, 2026
Let me start with a confession: I’m not a particularly fast jigsaw puzzle solver.
I don’t rush. I don’t time myself. I’m drawn more to the quiet rhythm of it—the feeling of finding the right piece, the texture of the board, the way an image slowly reveals itself. At Mango Puzzles, that attention to detail is part of how we think about everything we create.
But not everyone approaches puzzles this way.
Some people love the challenge of getting faster. Of improving. Of solving with intention.
And the truth is puzzling is a skill. Like any skill, you can get better at it.
Here are seven practical ways to improve, whether you’re aiming for speed or simply a smoother, more satisfying experience.
1. Start by sorting pieces strategically (not just randomly)
Most people know they should “sort pieces” but how you sort matters.
Start broad:
- Group by dominant colours (sky, greenery, buildings)
Then refine:
- Break colours into subgroups (light blue vs deep blue, shadows vs highlights)
This reduces visual noise and helps your brain recognize patterns faster.
2. Don’t always start with the edges
“Start with the edges” is common advice but it’s not always optimal.
If the border is:
- One solid colour
- Low detail
- Repetitive
…you may actually slow yourself down.
Instead, look for:
- High-contrast areas
- Distinct objects
- Recognizable patterns
Ask yourself:
Where is the most information in this puzzle?
Start there.
3. Use pattern recognition, not just colour matching
As you improve, puzzling becomes less about colour and more about shape and pattern. Highly detailed artwork like our Jules Monson puzzles can help improve this skill.
Look for:
- Texture differences (brush strokes, fabric, shadows)
- Directional lines
- Repeating structures
This is one of the biggest shifts between beginner and advanced puzzlers.
4. Sort by shape toward the end
When you’re down to the final pieces, colour stops helping.
This is where shape becomes powerful.
Create small groups like:
- 2 outies / 2 innies
- 3 innies / 1 outie
- Unique edge variations
This dramatically reduces guesswork and speeds up the final stretch.
5. If you’re puzzling with others, divide roles
Group puzzling can either be chaotic—or incredibly efficient.
Try assigning roles:
- One person sorts pieces
- One builds sections
- One searches for specific pieces
This mirrors how competitive teams operate and prevents overlap.
6. Get comfortable with being wrong (and moving on quickly)
One of the biggest time-wasters in puzzling is forcing a piece.
Improvement comes from:
- Testing quickly
- Letting go quickly
- Moving on without hesitation
The faster you abandon wrong paths, the faster you find the right ones.
7. Practice with intention
Like anything else, you get better with repetition but intentional repetition matters more. Different puzzle styles can train different skills like our Jules Monson collection which is great for pattern recognition.
To improve faster:
- Try different puzzle styles (art-heavy vs landscape vs abstract)
- Notice your weak spots (colour confusion, shapes, etc.)
- Challenge yourself with slightly harder puzzles over time
Bonus Tip: Stay flexible
Even experienced puzzlers get stuck.
If something isn’t working:
- Change sections
- Re-sort pieces
- Step away briefly
A fresh perspective often solves what brute force can’t.
Final thoughts
You don’t have to become a speed puzzler to get better.
For some, improvement means finishing faster.
For others, it means feeling less stuck and more immersed.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself, explore our collection of 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles.
Either way, puzzling is something you can develop over time.
And that’s part of what makes it so satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get faster at jigsaw puzzles?
To get faster, focus on sorting pieces efficiently, recognizing patterns instead of just colours, and avoiding spending too long on incorrect fits.
What is the best strategy for solving a jigsaw puzzle?
The best strategy depends on the puzzle, but generally includes sorting pieces, identifying high-detail sections first, and working in smaller clusters.
Is doing puzzles a skill you can improve?
Yes. With practice, you improve pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and speed making puzzling easier and more enjoyable over time.
Should I always start with the edges?
Not necessarily. If the edges are repetitive or low-detail, starting with a more visually distinct section can be faster.