Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (Types)

Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces

The majority of puzzles are "fully interlocking," meaning that their adjacent pieces connect in a way that when you move one piece horizontally, all connected pieces move together, maintaining their linkage. The majority of fully interlocking puzzles feature uniformly shaped pieces with rounded tabs on opposite ends and corresponding gaps on other sides to fit with adjacent pieces. While most jigsaw puzzle pieces have four sides, some puzzles have irregularly shaped pieces. Among them, the puzzles with uniform-shaped, fully interlocking pieces are considered the most challenging to solve due to subtle differences in shapes and sizes between the pieces. In contrast, there are puzzles with non-interlocking sides, often slightly curved with complex shapes, which are considered the easiest to solve.

The majority of jigsaw puzzles come in square, rectangular, or round shapes, with edge pieces having one side that is either straight or smoothly curved to form the puzzle's outline. Square or rectangular puzzles usually have four corner pieces. However, some puzzles have edge pieces that are cut similarly to the rest of the interlocking pieces, lacking a smooth edge to add more difficulty. Additionally, certain puzzles are designed so that the whole puzzle, when completed, forms a recognizable figure, such as an animal, leading to more variations in the edge pieces.

Throughout the history of jigsaw puzzles, manufacturers have continuously strived to create new cutting styles to distinguish their products. Even in modern, mass-produced puzzles, there is considerable variation in the size, shape, and complexity of individual pieces.

The method of cutting puzzle pieces differs from one product line to another.

Typically, two puzzles of the same size and series from the same manufacturer share the same cut, as creating cutting dies is complex and expensive. Consequently, this allows different puzzles to be combined in unusual ways. Larger puzzles are often divided into two or more sections for convenience.

In recent times, advanced technology like computer-controlled laser and water-jet cutting machines has been utilized to produce a broader range of interlocking designs using various materials like wood.

Online jigsaw puzzles, like the ones on Daily Jigsaw Puzzles can offer both interlocking and none-interlocking piecese in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can even change the numer of pieces with just one click and you will never lose any of the pieces. Give them a try. Choose a puzzle from below, set your difficulty level (the number of pieces), toggle random pieces rotation on or off and enjoy!

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