What is a Jigsaw Puzzle?
A jigsaw puzzle is a picture divided into interlocking pieces. You solve it by fitting every piece into place until the complete image appears.
Jigsaw puzzles can be made from cardboard, wood, plastic, or other materials. They come in many sizes and difficulty levels, from a small children’s puzzle to a detailed design with thousands of pieces.
A short history of jigsaw puzzles
The first known dissected map—an early form of the jigsaw puzzle—is commonly credited to British mapmaker John Spilsbury around 1766. He mounted a map on wood and cut it along geographical borders as an educational tool.
Cardboard jigsaw puzzles later made the format more affordable and widely available. Today, the same basic idea appears in physical boxes, mobile apps, and browser games.
Why are they called jigsaw puzzles?
The name comes from the jigsaw, a saw used to cut curved shapes. The word “puzzle” describes the challenge of working out where each piece belongs.
How to choose a jigsaw puzzle
- Start with a clear image and distinct colours.
- Choose a piece count that matches the time you want to spend.
- For a greater challenge, try repeated patterns, large areas of one colour, or unusual piece shapes.
Want to try one now? You can play free jigsaw puzzles in your browser or explore jigsaw puzzles online with no download.
