Jigsaw puzzle competitions from the 80s were WILD 🤯

[@KarenPuzzles]

I think it’s so interesting how the time to put together a 500 piece puzzle hasn’t changed all that much in 37 years. Going by my continual 2nd place finishes, there were and are a handful of puzzlers faster than me (and a few extra-fast outliers like Alejandro and the Roiter sisters) but in general, the times are about the same. I guess there’s only so fast it’s possible to solve a 500 piece puzzle!

[@FogyArts]

Ooooooo!

[@KlingonPrincess]

That's so funny, I was just comparing speed puzzling to a sprint and how we have continued to break the barriers. (Well, not me. 😊) I was pondering what the quickest time is that could be achieved. What factors would allow a significant jump? A puzzle savant?

[@zacgallenlover911]

It’s making my data nerd brain wired haha! Love it

[@thePoisonIvynetwork]

more of these kind of videos please

[@findango]

There is something very special about being able to go back in time and compete against a person at their peak. There are very few competitions that you can do that with, where there have not been that many advancements. That's amazing that there were records then, so it is possible to take the same puzzle and compete.

[@dfw-k6z]

I find Karen’s “complaining” very relatable, and it’s done in a lighthearted way, like seeing the humor in the situation. Keep going just like always

[@patmurkland4161]

Exactly, it’s a form of storytelling and humor.

[@kristinagurvich3443]

And we all have felt these frustrations at some point! Team Karen ❤

[@paulined4225]

I've never felt like it was annoying either, she's usually laughing about it at the same time.

[@IQzminus2]

And solving puzzles is atleast to me filled with the ups and downs, of being very frustrated you can’t find that one puzzle piece, to then the great feeling of finally finding it and putting it down. Doing puzzles is frustrating, and fun, but certainly frustrating

[@karenneill9109]

Puzzles are only fun if they’re frustrating!

[@aksez2u]

I don't think of it as complaining. I think of it as a stream-of-consciousness narrative. Especially during a timed competition setting. I like to hear what you're thinking and we can't expect you to make up cheerful banter while trying to beat the clock! 😆

[@andrear9702]

Would definitely be interested in more 80s puzzle competition content! Would be amazing if Larry and Meri would be in the video!

[@KarenPuzzles]

I definitely want to make that happen one day!

[@feuilletoniste]

Came here to second (or one hundred and eleventh, to be precise) that exact thought!

[@denicecaufield8390]

Thanks, Karen, for content. Also, how many 3D jigsaw puzzles are in the background segment with you and your sister?

[@denicecaufield8390]

Oops....KZbin forwarded from your practice vid before Spain II. Nevermind.

[@tjs114]

Back around the time this puzzle was new, my brother and I built a puzzle table for my mother and we put a simple molding edge around the entire top so her pieces couldn't fall off. It has been quite a few years, but she still uses the table which has been modified over time. It now has a drafting table base so it can tilt making it easier for her and a wool felt topper so the pieces don't slide about when she has it tilted almost 60 degrees from horizontal. The most recent change was to make the top with hidden expansion leafs so she can make the table as small as possible. Considering she's in her late 80s and still uses the table nearly daily made it one of the better birthday gifts we even did.

[@jordanwilson6490]

16:30 haha! Karen you definitely deserved the right to complain! I love how in every video you say “this puzzle is a lot harder than I thought it would be” and that’s basically my entire experience with puzzles in a nutshell 😆

[@KarenPuzzles]

haha occasionally I get one that's easier though!

[@peterstucklschwaiger2830]

Agreed 😂 usually waiting for the “what did get me into”… as soon as it is said, I know I'm on the right channel 😉

[@jacquelinerwin6650]

Right? 🎉🎉🎉

[@shinichigojir12]

I love that Larry and Merri are still at it today. Would be great to have their perspective how things have changed from then and up to today.

[@jameshernandez9180]

You can complain all you want, if they don't like they don't have to watch.. I love your show and all of your personality ❤

[@amybooksit7818]

The irony of people complaining that Karen "complains too much" lol

[@JohnDoe-tx8lq]

I'd like to complain about your comment about complaining! 😡 ...ha ha 😁and her 'complaints' are just part of the discussion, all the stuff that are interesting and relatable, she is sooooo positive overall! 😎

[@KingoftheJuice18]

Loved the zebra shirt for the zebra puzzle. Loved the braids. Loved the respect you give to past puzzlers. By the way, I don't agree with those who complained about your "complaining." When you bemoan certain things, I feel it's done with good humor and is realistic.

[@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh]

I want to see the Norwegian puzzler who uses only one hand do this Zebra one!!!

[@KarenPuzzles]

I wonder what her strategy would be!

[@msinvincible2000]

Karen, pay no attention to anyone who says that you complain too much. You are such a sweet and positive person, only a grumpy person determined to find fault anywhere and everywhere would say that you complain too much. I don't even like puzzles, but I'm your subscriber because your videos are fun and you are adorable

[@KlingonPrincess]

Yes! Please keep doing the deep dives into the 80s competitions!

[@katecmaloney]

As always, I love how your outfit refers to the puzzle! 🚗 What a fun Easter egg!

[@KarenPuzzles]

I had to really think about which my shirts best said "1980s"!

[@mille_fiori]

@@KarenPuzzles It's not just that it fits into the 1980s, but the black and white shirt matching the zebra puzzle is a funny detail.

[@puzzling_art]

This will become one of my favorite videos. The complaining is part of the charm; you don’t overdo it but make the experience relatable.

[@lindseymyers9643]

As an avid puzzler, I completely understand why you complain about some puzzles. Sometimes it feels as if they are impossible to complete !

[@thenomadicteacher6946]

For the record, you’re not a complainer! This was so fun to watch. I’d love to see more competition puzzles from the past.

[@matildanorberg]

Complaining? No, you’re just letting us in on the process. Have never thought of it as complaining. Don’t change, I love your videos and your ways just the way they are, as do so many of us considering the comments and subscribers ❤️ This was so fun to watch, and of course I would love one of you’re deep dives on this subject 👏

[@teijaflink2226]

Yeah and I like that she's telling how it is, I wouldnt want her to pretend something is fun or easy if it isn't, many want her opinions about the puzzles too.

[@zelamorre1126]

It sounds like while the 500 piece puzzle times haven't changed much over the years, the way puzzle competitions are run have. Like allowing contestants to finish within a time frame vs just ending the competition after the top finishers are done. And maybe some better puzzle selection? That Zebra looked very difficult compared to the puzzles you've shown from more modern competitions.

[@KarenPuzzles]

Yes, I think they’ve moved from just trying to find a winner to being more inclusive and accessible to everyone who wants to participate.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Karen when she heard of the 1986 puzzling champion: “So, you wanna really fight?”

[@carolinayoshida762]

It's so cool that you met people who participated in older competitions, it must be awesome hear their stories!

[@melissabmar10]

Oh my gosh Karen, you just made my day with this video! Since I was little I have had a nemesis puzzle that I was never able to complete at a kid. Just a few months ago I found it at my moms house and decided to bring it back home with me to try again and see if I can finally defeat it. When I pulled it out I noticed the “National Jigsaw Puzzle Championships” logo on it and did a minimal search and didn’t find much. I decided I would look into it further when I finally do sit down to work on the puzzle. Thanks to you with this video, I was able to look on the site you referenced and see that the puzzle I have is the pairs semi finals puzzle from 1987! Now I may have to see if I can find out how the puzzle was acquired by my family. I am hoping all of the pieces are still there, and I am excited to finally know more about it! Thank you as always for your hard work with all of your amazing videos!

[@MakerFishmeal]

I loved this video!! I think it'd be awesome if you could do interviews with the puzzlers from that era, maybe even over a more casual puzzle :)

[@devorahallen4657]

At 24:25, could you have rotated the puzzle so that it was upside down, and the empty half was next to the remaining pieces? Quicker than moving the pieces, unless the puzzle was too prone to falling apart. This was a fun video! EDIT: Oh, I just got to the part where you explained Donna's strategy! Glad to know I had the right idea!

[@monogarden]

I have NEVER thought of you as someone who complains a lot. I really appreciate that you are honest with your thoughts and when you do say critical things, you do it with humor and kindness and always keep a positive attitude!

[@scientistforscience]

The whole speed puzzling genre is fun and dramatic. The history also gives the puzzling hobby a depth in a cultural and historical sense. Maybe some people in World's can be contacted about puzzling history in other countries.

[@LizSchmidt-w7g]

I vote for deep diving into puzzle competitions. Also, I want to thank you for recommending donating puzzles to my local library. I get a lot of pleasure thinking about other people enjoying the puzzles at no cost to them.

[@cindymorrison7116]

Yes! More competition puzzling please! You did really well 😀

[@morcelluswallace5942]

Yes, releasing compétition puzzles with the records (and other times) would be great !

[@dsmith8937]

This was so fun to watch. And Karen, it was refreshing to see you get frazzled, the way we all do, even though you are a total professional. How cool were those old competitions and yes, tell us more!

[@monicaelena1627]

The semi final puzzle is so beautiful, loved the video and please make more of this kind of content. I know it's not so relaxing but rather stressful because you're racing, but since you are at this point in your career exploring puzzle competitions it's great practice!

[@finnegan_]

It's so fun to think about vintage puzzles in this context!

[@SantosZox]

Awesome video and use of music as well! The history and seeing you race the previous puzzlers is really compelling and the way you edit/present it is captivating!

[@KaylaStanfield96]

I’m also someone that doesn’t think you’re complaining, I want to hear your thoughts/experiences and that’s why I watch your videos. Ignore any super rude comments and keep making your awesome videos, we love them!

[@chibiLROX]

the infant on the table at 0:14 is making me laugh more than it should

[@johnschmude5852]

I love it when you complain ...that little sigh and laff.......GOLD!

[@zagapione]

I like idea of doing racing against the past competitions. I really enjoy your videos!

[@jd-zr3vk]

When you said, "No snacks for me until the puzzle is done. That is the life I've signed up for. " I thought the music was going to switch to "It's a Hard Knock Life ".

[@porterspnwadventures610]

I’d love to see more of you going against the winning times from different competitions and using those puzzles!

[@ad6449]

Yes to more 1980s competition videos. I’d love a deep dive! Larry kept great records too; so interesting.

[@dnetlayton3456]

I’ve watched so many of your videos, and the thought that you complain too much has never crossed my mind once. You are delightful to watch and listen to!

[@rishibeauty8889]

If you have to ask us if we want more deep dives, then you dont know us. 😆 Of course we want more!!! Great vid!!❤❤❤

[@badgerrambler]

This is so fun! I just signed up for my first local puzzle competition because of you!

[@rosa733]

Good luck..

[@KarenPuzzles]

I love that! Have fun!

[@mrsoph28]

Keep doing what you’re doing Karen! I feel like it’s not complaining, you’re talking us through your thoughts and feelings while puzzling. I like it!

[@lauriekirouac4661]

I don’t think your complaining. Your only saying out loud what we are all thinking while doing a puzzle. Please don’t stop because you just crack me up. I love watching you, keep up the great job!! 😊😊❤

[@maitreduhuit]

This is such a great idea for a video... and with that t-shirt it's a great concept. 15min into the video couldn't help myself and comment before the end.

[@Lyntintin1]

I would love to see a deep dive into the 80s puzzle competition! And I would love to hear more from Larry. How cool that he still speed puzzles!!!

[@vickbenice]

I actually *really* liked seeing you "compete" against previous winners! I think it's really cool and allows you (and by extension, us) to connect with Puzzler's past!

[@IntenserestLllamaLiss]

Yes, please do a deep dive on 1980s puzzle competitions! Any time frame would be cool, I love this video. Also, you do not complain too much - I love your authenticity and how you bring us on the journey with you!! You're amazing and I'm so happy I found your videos!!! 🤩🥰

[@celestinoiiicaneca5657]

IT'S SO AMAZING TO FIND OUT THAT YOU ACTUALLY COMPETED AGAINST LARRY AND MERI

[@jeanettealbrecht9542]

I love it when you "complain". You are so funny because we all "complain" to ourselves, if we are honest with ourselves. You laugh at yourself and have such a positive attitude. You are a delight. :-)

[@alikigeorgiou8499]

Great video Karen - that Zebra one looked really hard! Don't let anyone put you down - if you want to complain about a puzzle just do it - I'm sure we all get to that place during our puzzling at some point! You're lovely and your videos are always so much fun to watch - thank you! 🥰

[@rickymojica8]

i loved learning so much about these competitions, i wouldn't even have thought this was a thing. a great way to pass down history and made for a great video

[@rosa733]

Please race more and deep dive. One of my favourite ideas of yours, and that is a tough field to beat.

[@angeliqueazul8670]

Loved this video, Karen! I would be very interested in more videos about puzzle competitions from the 80's! Thank you for all your lovely puzzle content - it got me excited to start speed puzzling. :)

[@sunlightcat6974]

I love the braids because now she means business!!! Love your vids Karen!!!

[@fernbrisot325]

Such an enjoyable video. I really love the historical (hysterical?) details from this era.

[@hmmurray]

Your complaining is valid and relatable, as no puzzle is easy by any means. They all have their own quirks. Thank you for showcasing some older puzzles from the 80's and sharing all of the information you dig up to go along with these kinds of videos. I learn a lot.

[@ksbrook1430]

I enjoy the variety of themes you have for your videos - whether it be a difficult image, a very large puzzle, or a race. You be you, we will come along for the ride.

[@mattslaboratory5996]

I was almost shouting, "Just turn the darn puzzle around!!!" And the struggle with the shrink wrap is so aggravating -- you need a strategy for that. Very entertaining video as always. Keep complaining.

[@KarenPuzzles]

It seems so obvious now 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@xchriissyx]

I love hearing about all these older competitions and I can't wait to see you do more of these puzzles! I'd personally love to give the zebra one a shot actually.

[@KarenPuzzles]

Does anyone have any other strategies they can think of to solve the zebra puzzle? How would you have approached it?

[@macicowata]

Amount of black and white on the pieces!

[@BrooksMoses]

One thing that occurs to me, with that one, is that you've got shape _and_ orientation for the pieces. So I might have adjusted the shape sort to put all of the stripes vertically and distinguish (for example) H shapes from 90-degree-rotated H shapes. Other than that, I'd have probably done it pretty much the same way ... just a lot slower!

[@macicowata]

Tbh I LOVE when you complain on your videos, content creators never do that and its so refreshing to see (hear)! I really enjoy this type of videos 🥰 please do deep dive on competitions! Maybe you can race pair with Katie?

[@KarenPuzzles]

I am going to be doing the Pairs puzzles, but not with Katie. Stay tuned! 👀

[@janerussell3931]

Heck yes more races!! Love the completion stuff too.

[@karenneill9109]

We had a round puzzle in the 80’s. It was solid black, with stylized neon butterflies on it- a repeating circular pattern. The lines of the butterflies were really thin, so it was basically black with little lines on a lot of the pieces. It was SO difficult. There were huge black parts, one piece at a time, fitting by shape. Wonderful!

[@rhyssaunders9863]

Yes, I would love a deep dive in the 80s competitions! And seeing you race more of the old times.

[@LemonC00kies]

This was so fun. I just got into puzzles. You are opening my eyes to this wonderful hobby and it’s history! Thank you 😊

[@melissawingfield8666]

I love the speed racing videos ... would love to see more!

[@vg4413]

Thank you for doing all the research about these competitions and the puzzles. It is very interesting.

[@laurapayeur9751]

I'm interested in seeing you do more old speed puzzling

[@JohnDoe-tx8lq]

Love the attention to detail and enthusiasm! So interesting to hear about the 80's comps along with the photos. Not being able to enter both the individuals and doubles! 😩 So crazy and, is not allowing more people to finish with a time just means you have a huge number of your best customers leaving feeling kinda flat rather than really pleased with how they did... it's a suppose to be PROMOTIONAL event!! 😄 I've only just 'discovered' your channel from an old episode of 'Lateral with Tom Scott' 😎👍

[@E5va]

definitely looking forward to the next speedpuzzling/competition video! for some reason i find them fun even though the puzzles are usually so... normal. but wow! who really thought back in the 80s that the zebra puzzle is a good fit for competition puzzle 😱

[@jeannietrapnell1000]

An official puzzle release would be a great idea! It would be fun to get a little detail about a puzzle I chose to buy and work on. And yes, I would love more videos about former competitions! Still hope to make it to a competition myself some day. And yes, stopping the competition after the top winners would be a bummer. I think the most recent competitions with time limits is a much better idea! Also on your complaining - I would be right there along with you. I talk to myself all the time - and even answer myself back occasionally. That just makes the videos more realistic. Always enjoy your videos!

[@ashabutterworth7231]

I would love more ‘80s competition content! Springbok made a 1984 puzzle of and about Nationals, and it’s adorable. Would love to see you do that one while chatting with Meri and Larry! I bet they have some fun memories.

[@zacgallenlover911]

LOVED this video!! Been hoping you would do it since you showed the puzzles in a haul! Really enjoyed your ad as well… Felt like a little craft short not an ad❤

[@jacquelineandrade3281]

Would love more info! Would even love to see puzzle competitions through the decades! :)

[@coolbeans6895]

I enjoy you’re complaining! It’s part of what makes the video enjoyable. Also, absolutely need a deep dive video on 1980s competitions! I love your deep dive videos

[@coffeeivdrip]

Karen, I love watching all of your videos. Your editing is top notch, and you are so genuine and friendly, I pop on one of your videos and it feels like I'm hanging out with a bestie! Keep doing what you're doing, and we'll all keep watching and getting our dopamine hits with each puzzle piece placed. 😂 Every day I check to see if there are any new uploads from you! Much love, and thank you for bringing us amazing content. ❤ Oh, and of course I'd love to see more races against past tournament winners!

[@michelledavis3424]

Love the idea of puzzles with competition winners and times on the back. Love the facts about the competition.

[@ijlayugan4149]

The deep dives are my favorite. Like, theres so much history and research, I just love to know more!

[@ambierona]

Oh wow, when you moved all the pieces I was thinking you could just spin it around, so it's exciting that I think like a puzzle champion! And yes, I'd love to hear more about the old competitions!

[@bobair2]

Hi,Karen I really enjoyed this video and just recently finished a puzzle for the first time since the 1970s and it was a 1000pc puzzle. Keep up up the good your videos rock!!!

[@janetsmith5172]

Fantastic. That zebra puzzle would have made me swear not just complain! You don’t complain too much. Love to see more competition puzzles.

[@user-Carrie3601]

Love the matching t-shirts. Right on theme. Thanks for another great video.

[@Kyu_97]

I loved this video idea, it would be cool to know more about those competitions, and maybe you can get in touch with more participants, even bring them to the channel for some insight... Love your videos ❤🧩

[@vorpal120]

Yass, more 80s puzzles would be great! The 80s was all about little competitions/events for every hobby. I will totally watch you tear through the teams puzzles..... but who will be your partner?

[@lindaoharris]

I love watching you and cheering you on!!🙏🏻

[@JJCHAU]

I’ve watched so many of your videos and not once did I ever think you were complaining 🤷🏻‍♀️ I love that you were able to get the semifinals’s puzzle to do as well! 🧩

[@Mellie9876]

It’s so nice to see the beautiful zebra’s face slowly emerging ❤

[@lavernehodge3320]

I would really enjoy more deep dives into the 80's. I enjoyed the history background.

[@leonatati]

Please continue with the history lessons! I’m loving this 😍

[@critically.panned]

After hearing the winner’s strategy, I feel so validated in shouting (quietly whispering) at the video “just turn the puzzle” when you started moving all the pieces hahaha. Meant to be read as very lighthearted.

[@Thundero13]

We love your 'complaining', don't let the haters win 😂 Such a fun video, very cool that you've met Meri and Larry, so cool to have different generations of puzzle lovers working together 😁

[@thomaschezzy3308]

defo want a deep dive, i love all your speed puzzling vids

[@polskarine]

I went to the US for short vacation (Canadian here) and I founded some Springbok vintage puzzles for 1$ at a thrift store!! I also found a 1950's vintage puzzle for the same price. A lot of pieces where missing form this one, but it was really a funny experience! Thank you for introducing me to the world of vintage puzzles. Oh, I also went to the Barnes ans Noble store to get your last one... what an amazing trip!! Oh the beaches and lobsters was awesome too (went to Maine) LOL. Love xx

[@jlilley73]

28:48 I love that 14-year-old Donna said she plans to pursue a career in either veterinary medicine or ... baseball umpiring :grinning_squinting_face: I wonder what field she ended up in?

[@paulined4225]

I'd love to see more of this type of video, it was really interesting, Thanks :)

[@MommyDontSeeMe]

Loved this - absolutely more on these competitions!

[@ashwyze]

I dont see it as complaining and i cant wait for more of these!

[@Alsadius]

Regarding "People in 1986, why did you do this?" at 14:50 or so, my parents got a puzzle in the mid 80s that was Oreo cookies and a glass of milk, and I think it was even on a black tablecloth. Pure black and white, very samey textures, and they definitely said it was the hardest puzzle they'd ever bought. (I doubt that it was specifically 1986, given that I was born in late 1985, but it'd be somewhere around there.) But yeah, there was no internet, and only like half a dozen TV channels. The standards for entertainment were different back then. (Puzzles are still great, don't get me wrong, but they'll have fewer fans because of all the alternative time sinks we have today.)