Jigsaw

A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of numerous small, often oddly-shaped, interlocking and tesellating pieces. Each piece has a small part of a picture on it; when complete, a jigsaw puzzle produces a complete picture. People solve jigsaw puzzles as a hobby. more...

Jigsaw puzzles were originally created by painting a picture on a flat, rectangular piece of wood, and then cutting that picture into small pieces with a jigsaw, hence the name. John Spilsbury, a London mapmaker and engraver, is credited with creating the first jigsaw puzzle around 1760.

Most modern jigsaw puzzles are made out of cardboard, since they are easier and cheaper to mass produce. An enlarged photograph or printed reproduction of a painting or other two-dimensional artwork is then glued onto the cardboard before cutting. The pieces are punch-cut with complex metal dies.

Typical images found on jigsaw puzzles include scenes from nature, buildings, and repetitive designs. Castles and mountains are two traditional subjects. However, any kind of picture can be used to make a jigsaw puzzle; some companies offer to turn a personal photograph into a puzzle.

Variations

Jigsaw puzzles typically come in 500-piece, 750-piece, and 1,000-piece sizes; currently the biggest commercially available size is 18,000 pieces. The most common layout for a thousand-piece puzzle is 38 pieces wide by 27 pieces, for a total count of 1,026 pieces. The majority of 500-piece puzzles are 27 pieces by 19 pieces.

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