How to sort jigsaw puzzle pieces

Good sorting is the difference between hunting through 1,000 pieces and hunting through 50. Here are the three sorts that matter, in the order to do them.

Sort 1: edges and corners

While flipping pieces picture side up, set aside every piece with a straight side. Corners have two. This is the fastest sort and it gives you the frame.

Sort 2: colour and pattern

Look at the box picture and pick out the big areas: sky, water, grass, a building, lettering. Give each its own pile. Pieces that mix two areas go with whichever area is easier to build.

Don't over-split: five to eight piles is usually plenty. Too many piles and you lose track.

Sort 3: shape (for plain areas)

For a big area of one colour, sort its pile again by shape. Common groups: two knobs and two holes, three knobs and one hole, and so on. Then try pieces in an area one shape group at a time.

What to sort into

Anything with a rim works: sorting trays, baking trays, paper plates, shallow boxes or the puzzle box lid. Stackable trays help if you need to clear the table between sessions.

Let your phone do the sorting

In PuzzlePal you can scan pieces and have them grouped by colour and area automatically, each group colour-coded on the box picture, so you know which pile belongs where.