How to practice for speed puzzle competition | My training tips for World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship

Jigsaw puzzles are a dear hobby of ours. So it’s not always easy to know how to practice speed puzzling in the most optimal ways. In this video, I go through some important points you could consider in your speed puzzling practices.
0:00 - Intro
3:41 - Practise Speed
6:41 - Increase Durability
9:56 - Know Your Weaknesses
12:50 - The Harder The Better
15:15 - Learn How to Win
NEW VIDEOS ON THESE SERIES:
How to Prepare for Speed Puzzling Competition • How to practice for sp...
Advanced Tips for Speed Puzzling • Advanced Tips: How to ...
EXTRA TIPS (Only here in the description)
- Learn how to complete 500 piece puzzles in the area that is available in the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship. The measures of the table will be 90 cm in length, 80 cm in width, and 74 cm in height - for an individual category when the table is shared with another contestant. Most of us puzzle with more space at home but you can use e.g. tape to limit your puzzling area.
- If you have neck or back pain, I can definitely recommend mobility/stretching videos from Mady Morrison. I do those on a weekly basis, and always before a competition!
Please keep in mind that this video’s whole point is not that this is the only right way to practice. Of course, you will get better by doing any puzzles in general. It’s more about the fact that if a tennis player only plays tennis rather than having separate and different exercises, the development might be slower.
Join my Speed Up! speed puzzling program and become a faster speed puzzler. How? Make sure you have subscribed my channel. After that you should see a 'Join' button on my channel and under my videos. Click that for further details and join by following KZbin's prompts.
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[@puzzlewithemilia]

You asked for a continuation video, here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZTak4GOqN1jnMk - How to prepare for the speed puzzling competition like World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship 2023! The new video also includes comments that Alfonso (the director of the Wolrd Jigsaw Puzzle Federation) sent me after seeing this video, as well, as more tips for training and Q&A! :)

[@puzzlewithemilia]

3. video published: More Advanded Tips for Speed Puzzling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOyl4qrqZqZZrcsi=CkCxWZ18_pnjbl3j

[@alejandrodarias_puzzlestv]

I have to tell you that even if you have participated in 100 speedpuzzling tournaments, you'll never know what is gonna happen at the next competition. That's precisely the point!

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Exactly! And that’s why it’s also called gambling when you bet your money on sports or any other competition. There are no guarantees!

[@Narigari]

I'll be participating in the 2024 WJPC and this is great for me. I have never took speed puzzling seriously but now that I have this goal in mind, I started training to get better. My weakness is that I try to do all at the same time. Flipping pieces, sorting, doing different sections of the puzzle at the same time. I really need to focus and do things in order. Thank you for the tips 😊

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Amazing. I cannot wait to meet you in WJPC this year. And I can feel you with that issue. It’s not really my weakness but sometimes is forgot my own advise of default strategy and start doing that (the video I uploaded today is a ”great” example…)

[@Narigari]

I'm so excited!! This will be my first participation in the WJPC. I see many great puzzlers, like Alejandro or Kristin, and I feel kind of intimidated by them 😅 I hope I get to be in a different group than theirs haha. Do you know if there's any facebook group or something to get in touch with other participants? I would be great to connect before the event and meet in person then 😁

[@dangvukhoi]

I've recently stumbled upon the joy of jigsaw puzzles and I must confess, I had no inkling about how working on smaller ones can actually improve speed, and larger ones can build endurance. The whole concept of 'speed puzzling' was completely alien to me. With your insight, I now see a whole new and exciting challenge waiting for me in this realm of puzzle-solving. Thanks for your wonderful tips. Looking forward to nailing my next jigsaw, thanks to you! Warm Regards, from VN.

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Happy to hear. I was also completely clueless of speed puzzling, and it almost felt like an aha moment for the first time. Have fun with your next challenges!

[@FluffyLlamacorn]

I really like these suggestions! I've been trying out speed puzzling and not really feeling like I get anywhere in my practice. I've been struggling with whether I enjoy the process enough to continue practicing, but I think these alternative ways of practicing will be a great spark of new energy! Thanks :D

[@puzzlewithemilia]

I’m so glad to hear this. Motivation is so important but also so hard to keep up, especially if there’s no development visible or no fun ways to do it!

[@FluffyLlamacorn]

@@puzzlewithemilia I watched your newer video where you suggest speed puzzling 1000 piece puzzles once you can't notice improvements in your 500 piece speed puzzling anymore, so does that mean your suggestion to do 1000 piece puzzles here is just about doing them at all? Maybe preferably several hours in a row? I initially understood it as speed puzzling them as well.

[@puzzlewithemilia]

​@@FluffyLlamacorn Thank you for bringing up this very important question. I believe the interpretation of this depends a little bit on each puzzler. For example, I don't really have a difference between "normal puzzling" and "speed puzzling" so technically, yes, I do also speed puzzle 1000 piece puzzles. However, I know many puzzlers who are really amazing and fast but who have also stopped doing anything bigger than 500 or at least they don't really track their times on 1000+ piece puzzles. So I think that tip was more related to tracking and reminder that you can also speed puzzle bigger puzzles (for those who have two different "modes" for normal and speed puzzling). Regarding the durability/patience practise tip here is more related to really practising on your patience in a way that if you can do a 1000 piece puzzle with no frustration (whatsoever negative feelings) then you should definitely take it to the next level and do even bigger puzzles like 1500, 2000 or even 3000. Or as you said, multiple 1000 piece puzzles in a row. Doesn't really matter if you speed puzzle them or not if you focus on practising patience. This is a good practise e.g. to situation where even smaller puzzles take longer than you thought and you can still keep it cool, WJPC'23 pairs final puzzle is a great example of a situation where many people lost their patience/durability because the puzzle took longer than expected - me included! :D So yeah, you are right that these both tips kinda go hand-in-hand as I'm talking about 1000 piece puzzles, I think I was more approaching them in different views and purposes (and for different puzzlers) in this video versus the new video. If that makes sense? Obviously I could have always made my points more clear. Thank you for the comment! :)

[@pamelafranzen2771]

Thanks for sharing your video! Many takeaways for the casual puzzler who wants to get better!

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Glad it was helpful! Remember to focus one thing at a time. Lots of tips for speed puzzling nowadays! 😊

[@sallybosch224]

That was very useful, thank you. I puzzle for fun, but you never know...

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you! There are so many aspects to puzzles. Even if you are not competing, you can always develop your skills. Like if you cook for fun, you may enjoy new skills on that!

[@kristab8728]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been looking for these kinds of tips as I hope to try a local competition and was not finding anything that specifically targeted "training", "physicality", etc. I have a few smaller puzzles I've been ignoring, but now I'm going to jump on them, as well as implementing your other suggestions. ;) *new subscriber xo

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Glad it was helpful, and thank you for the comment (and subscribing!!!). Let us know how the practising and competition will go! :)

[@JustMagicMaria]

Interesting! Endurance might be a better work than durability. I'm not super into speed puzzling, but maybe some day!

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you. You might be right with the word. I was thinking about that one too. I’m not native speaker or living in an English speaking country but I do speak only English at home so… it’s a bit annoying to know every mistake I make. 🤣 Like my championships pronounciation sounds like (potato) CHIPS but I just have to keep ignoring it. But as you said, speed puzzling is not for everyone. There are so many ways to enjoy puzzles! :)

[@kaitfedro3302]

Agreed. Endurance or stamina. 😊

[@scientistforscience]

Amazing. I haven't seen these ideas anywhere else. Thank you.

[@puzzlewithemilia]

I’m so glad to hear that. I already got plans to do a continuation video with some extra points (but these are for sure the most important ones for a good base) :)

[@tu7488]

See you in the WJPC! Thanks for the tips. Best regards from Norway.

[@puzzlewithemilia]

I will see you there. I hope you will also find my second video in this series helpful, just posted it! :)

[@Puzzlingwithcats]

Super great tips! I’ve been too afraid to attempt speed puzzling because of how fast everyone else is.

[@puzzlewithemilia]

I’m sure you would do great. And you actually pointed out a very good tip for everyone: not to compare yourself to others too much. 😊

[@maao]

Thank you so much for these great tips! They all make so much sense! I will try them all and am anxious to see my progress. I really like your humor too :)

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you so much Erika! I’m glad to hear I was able to explain them in a way that made sense (definitely not my cup of tea). Remember not to stress too much, you will do great! And thanks again for your nice words. :)

[@puzzlepiece9509]

What a very useful and interesting video. 😃 Speed puzzling is not something that I pursue with any vigour, I prefer to go at a steady pace. 🐌 I might try to see what my puzzle piece per minute is as that would be interesting. With competitions you do indeed need to be prepared for any type of image, including any that would normally be avoided. How you decide to tackle the puzzle can also help your speed. I wish you success in whatever competitions you enter. 😊

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Tahnk you so much. That’s perfectly fine. Even though I’m very focused into competitions, I don’t always take time et cetera. It’s good to have puzzling purely as a hobby (the best hobby ever!). And you are right, strategies are super important as well. :)

[@puzzlinghappiness]

Very good points indeed, thank you Emilia! 🙂 I haven't had ANY progress in the last months, but now I have something to try. ❤️

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you so much. I’m sure you will have that progress very soon!!! I don’t know how often you do puzzles but very underrated method it to actually take a little break if you feel stuck for longer time. It’s much used in sports and personally it has always worked like a charm… I don’t remember researches I also read about it but there definitely is science behind it. But now that you have new stuff to try out I’m pretty sure that will do the trick!

[@IngridLovesPuzzles]

Super interesting video 😊 I didn't think about the puzzle piece per minute and that may really be a start point for me. I am not a speed puzzler(yet), more of a casual one. Thank you for all your points, you gave me so much more ideas on how should I practice 😀

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you! 😊 That’s a great start point, mini puzzles are not only good for speed practice but also super fun. And casual puzzlers might be the silent surprise winners.. 🤫

[@Puzzles_and_Parks_with_Kyla]

This is so interesting and so helpful! I have a competition coming up in October and I'm going to use some of these points for practice. Thanks so much!

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you for the comment. You will do great in October! I’m looking forward to hearing how you will progress with your practise. 😊

[@Vickymakesandbuilds]

This is a great video! I have definitely taken a lot from it - thank you 😃

[@puzzlewithemilia]

That’s amazing to hear, especially from an experienced puzzler like you! 🧩

[@Puzzlerfromsweden]

So good! 👍🏻🧩

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you! ☺️

[@andreagrasselli1169]

Thank you Emilia, very useful tips for speed puzzling!

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you Andrea! Stay tuned for the continuation video. :)

[@andreagrasselli1169]

@@puzzlewithemilia For sure! I love your content and the way you present it.

[@peterfarkas943]

I really like this sport coaching perspective, like tips for runners... coool❤

[@puzzlewithemilia]

I’m glad to hear that, thank you. I have more advanced tips video coming this week!

[@peterfarkas943]

@@puzzlewithemilia I am in love of Lean production philosophy, how to eliminate wastes from a process. Your shortcut methodology is similar to that. Coool. Check 8 wastes, this is good to think about what is the leanest puzzling technique.

[@peterfarkas943]

There is a Value vs non value video on Lean made simple channel. I just think about how it is related to speed puzzling. What is the real value? Normally there are some standard process steps, unboxing, flipping, sorting groups based on edge/non edges or pattern or color. Then assembling small groups, or makeing first the edge. A lots of trial, rotating.... In the ideal world, every piece is flipped, and we know the exact location (no need to lookfor on the image), and can move there. This is the value. What are wastes here? finding, trial, put back, trial again, move small assembled parts, moving flipped and grouped pieces because we have too much inventory and we dont have enough space on table....😀

[@VickyCarterR]

OMG that Moomin puzzle! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🖤🤎

[@puzzlewithemilia]

I have more, moomins are the best 😍

[@LogicMasterSteve]

Very interesting video - I had already planned to do a pure flipping training (now I see that 2:45 is the time to beat for 500 pieces :-), but I would probably not have cared about mini puzzles. Great idea, though! I do, however, solve most of my puzzles multiple times, this also helps to increase my base speed (i.e., hand-brain-coordination). If I may return a tip: Since Ravensburger started with round puzzles recently (500 piece Circle of Colors,...) you might want to try one of those as well. Ravensburger even has 500 piece wooden puzzles. I would not been surprised if one of the quarter-final or semi-final puzzles or even the final puzzle would be a round one this year. I don't expect a wooden one, though. Having practiced at least one of Ravensburger's round puzzles could be valuable to get familiar with their cut - at the moment all their round puzzles have identical cut patterns, I believe. This might change for the 2024 puzzles we will see at Worlds 2023. I am looking forward to learning your solving times (in upcoming videos?) - since I have already done some puzzles of your pile. Emilia-Time * 1.25

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you so much! You are absolutely right. Trusting the "fact" that the competition puzzle would be similar to last years, could be a major mistake. I think they actually competed somewhere (maybe in the USA?) with one of those round puzzles. A wooden one would be quite a surprise!!! I'm planning on ordering one of those round ones, though. I will definitely upload some videos with solving times later on. Currently, you can "stalk" them on my Instagram posts. :)

[@paulazurowski4535]

I watched your Worlds recap video and then came here to see your tips, and like true athlete and competitor, you had some great ideas for puzzling improvement. Well done! Here's a question: as I watched the pairs and group puzzlers, I noticed that they would set the picture box to the side of the puzzle, so that the person doing the top and the person doing the bottom were each looking at the picture sideways. I was wondering if it would help each person, when looking for where a piece goes, if the box were turned so that each person was looking at the picture sideways with the same orientation they had looking down at the puzzle. For example, it I'm doing a puzzle with a group, we usually stand the box so that the top is up. But if I'm working on the top of the puzzle, I'll grab the box and turn it so that I'm looking at the picture upside down, just like I am looking at puzzle. I find it easier to find where a piece goes this way. Is this making any sense? Anyhow, again, I think you did great at Worlds this and your presentation of these training tips was top-notch!

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Thank you so much. I hope you will enjoy my videos in future as well! That’s a great question. There might be a chance that not both are actually looking at the reference image. For example with me and my pair (the other) Emilia, we have different strenghts. She puzzles without the reference and I basically look at the reference all the time. That’s why I always do the the puzzle from the ”correct” side and she from the other side. Also related to the placement. We place the reference on the side where we ”store” the pieces. Because then we can see the pieces and the image at the same time. Instead of being owls and turning our heads to all directions🤣 And one more point is that there is very limited amount of space on that table so the puzzle box must be upwards (is this a word?!). Otherwise it would take too much space. Not sure if that also answers to your question. I was thinking about sharing tips for pairs and teams for the next year when we get closed the WJPC 2024! :)

[@martakulpa8372]

Hi, Emilia! Thank you so much for this video. It was really interesting. Nice tips. I think I'll make use of them as I'm trying to prepare for the WJPC... I can't get under an hour with speed puzzling myself. I've been trying, but, somehow, just, it's not easy. It's shocking that Alejandro can build a puzzle within like 30 min or so. It's remarkable. Surely, he's been speed puzzling for many years and so, learnt to build puzzles fast. The Worlds will be my very 1st puzzle competition. I hope I don't faint 🙈Anyway, I guess I won't have a good place in the individual round. I'm trying to prepare for that. Puzzling at leisure is one thing, and speed puzzling is another. Learning it takes time. Also, sometimes just the images are too challenging or not your "style." So, for me, landscape puzzles and those with lots of details (like e.g. Aimee Stewart images) are problematic. I definitely do better with large sections of colour. So, I am scared of busy images that can't really be sorted. I wouldn't like to search for the placement of every single piece on the box image... Do you have some tips at tackling such puzzles? I'd appreciate any. Thanks again for the video. Marta (@marta.puzzles)

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Hello! I’m looking forward seeing in the Worlds. And don’t worry, I cannot make all puzzles under one hour either. The interesting thing is that thise Aimee Steward images are my fastest times I have ever achieved so it seems we are opposites on that! Have you tried out any of those Aimee Steward puzzles that have shelves (with books or other items, there are quite many puzzles like this from her)? Those look very chaotic but there are some ”sortable” areas because eg the shelves and the walls behind each levels are different colors. They are not the easiest to identify from the image but they are definitely there! Also. So you look at the reference image a lot ir are you one of those you barely use it? (Both ways are working for different people)

[@martakulpa8372]

@@puzzlewithemilia Hi, again 😊 Wow, so yes, we're opposite. I've done quite a few Aimee Steward images (I wasn't speed puzzling them), both 1000 and 2000-pieces... Her images are so intricate. And, yes, those with shelves. From my experience, you cannot sort those puzzles much. You need to usually work a lot with the image. And there are plenty more images like that in which a lot is happening. I'm really concerned at the Worlds we might get something like that... Well, I usually just glance at the image once for a while, but, with speed puzzling, you need to have it close and study it. In my experience, the better you know the image, the faster you build a puzzle. I, for one, don't mind solid areas of colour, so I like doing the sky and all sorts of shaded textures. I'm good at piecing puzzles together by the shape of the pieces... Of course, I have my limits, so I can't have all puzzle like that. But, when the image is split between some detailed parts and some areas of let's say one colour, I like such images for speed puzzling. So, in teams event, together with my friend, we'll be puzzling upside down every "one colour" texture while my other two friends will be dealing with detailed areas. We will use each other's strengths 😊 Are you going to take part in all 3 categories?

[@puzzlewithemilia]

@@martakulpa8372 We have a similar strategy with my pair who doesn’t really look at the image and I do. I’ll participate in individual and pair. World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation also asked me to be a commentator for the official livestreaming so I will be doing that when I’m not competiting :)

[@martakulpa8372]

@@puzzlewithemilia That's so cool! 😊I hope to see you there, Emilia!

[@irismooninthecity]

These are good tips! I hadn’t thought about increasing speed by doing smaller/mini puzzles, or endurance by doing larger ones. Question: at the start of the competition, when you first see and open the puzzle, do you spend any time examining the image so that you’re familiar with the details, or do you just get started right away and see the details as you go?

[@puzzlewithemilia]

You have an excellent question. While filming another new video today I actually came to realise that there seem to be two type of puzzlers; those who barely look at the reference image and those who relay on it a lot (I’m part of this group!) So I personally do set up the image up right away even before flipping the pieces. I flip pieces without any sorting so I guess I analyze the image as well while doing that. I think this goes to the category of what are your personal strenghts/weaknesses. I know many people who do almost the whole puzzle without the image. 😅 That’s def my weakness so I should do those mystery puzzles where I cannot use the image!

[@irismooninthecity]

@@puzzlewithemilia thanks for the reply! I am also someone who relies on the reference image to look at while I’m puzzling. I guess that’s something I could work on… 😉

[@moosiemoose501]

Cool points

[@puzzlewithemilia]

Puzzles are the coolest🤩