Jigsaw puzzles are regaining popularity, following vinyl record albums, colouring books, and conventional board games. Perhaps it’s because it’s an opportunity to unplug and give yourself and your family a break from the constant barrage of information that permeates our lives.
A Jigsaw Puzzle is a tiling puzzle; it consists of different pictures or shapes that need to be assembled. It consists of printed pictures on wood or cardboard of different shapes. It can improve visual-spatial reasoning and concentration power; it is also good for the brain.
Jigsaw puzzles can help one improvise their short-term memory and problem-solving skills. Sometimes similar colouring, repetition of shapes and other challenging things make it difficult to solve, which hits the dopamine and soothes one’s brain.
Now without wasting further time, let’s find out a few fantastic details about it.
1) Invention
Though many people claim to be the inventor of this jigsaw puzzle, most historians believe it was invented in 1760 by John Spilsbury. Back then, it was known as “dissections” or “dissected puzzles.” As a tool, the Jigsaw wasn’t invented until 1873. It was then used as a dissected map to teach geography.
2) Rich Man’s Game?
According to the Ceaco, in the 19th century, these puzzles were rich people’s games. They used to use it as an educational tool. The material used to produce jigsaw puzzles were hardwoods like mahogany, making it a deluxe puzzle.
3) Can help with Autism and Depression
These puzzles are appealing to children who have autism. Autism is a disorder that affects one’s nervous system. Studies show that puzzles offer children visual stimulation and improvised problem-solving skills. Autistic children can often relate to the pictures rather than the words. On the other hand, it has been noted from the study of Bob Armstrong that puzzles can help people in their darkest days. It can be a great distraction during tough times.
4) Benefits:
Puzzles are not only hobbies; they can benefit humans, like improving memory mood, reducing depression, etc. These are:
- Good mental exercise
- Better Visual-Spatial Reasoning
- Greater Attention to Detail and Improved memory
- Increase your IQ, problem-solving ability and thus productivity
- Learns collaboration and teamwork
- Decrease stress level
5) Why are Puzzles Hard to Solve?
There can be many reasons that a puzzle is hard to solve; one of the first and foremost reasons can be the higher number of pieces. Obviously, with a higher number of pieces, one has to invest more time finding the exact piece that fits with the other piece. Especially in the jigsaw puzzle, some pieces do not even have an edge or corner, which makes it even harder. Also, most people who have lower sense of spatial or visual intelligence will always find it tougher to solve the large jigsaw puzzles.
6) Puzzle With No Solution!
It may sound impossible, but in 1989, an American company named Stave Puzzles created a Jigsaw Puzzle which does not have any solution. It was uniquely designed and had only five pieces. They created the world’s most complex and best Jigsaw with no solution or endpoint.
7) World’s Most Difficult Puzzle
The world’s most challenging product is double-sided, printed on both sides. It was designed by Paul Lamond Games, which has 529 pieces. Each side of the puzzle needs to be assemble according to its colour, shape and image. It may look easy, but even an expert will face challenges to solve this.
8) Museum of Jigsaw Puzzle
In the Guinness World Records, the Puzzle Mansion of the Philippines has been recognized for having the most extensive collection of the Jigsaw Puzzle. Apart from this, there are many places a jigsaw puzzle nerd can visit to explore, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Strong National Museum of Play and many more.
9) Fans of Jigsaw Puzzle
Every year 1.8 billion jigsaw puzzles are sold in the USA. It is pretty popular among Americans. To celebrate its popularity in 1995, toy companies launched International Puzzle Day. Hugh Jackman, Patrick Steward Even Bill Gates is known as Puzzlers.
10) Fastest Jigsaw Puzzle Solver
The crown or fastest jigsaw puzzle solver belongs to a 15-year-old girl named Deepika Ravichandran. Deepika from East Hampton has solved a puzzle of 250 pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, which means putting 18 pieces just in one minute. The complete puzzle was solved within thirteen minutes and seven seconds.
Wrapping Up
These are only a few common points about Jigsaw puzzles. There is a lot of other information about these fun games and many more benefits. Many people have found solace, been relaxed and gained confidence through this game.
