1. Home
  2. The Puzzlers Blog- Blog Page
  3. What is Virtual Speed Puzzling?

What is Virtual Speed Puzzling?

Virtual speed puzzling is a competition or challenge where participants try to assemble a jigsaw puzzle as quickly as possible, typically using online platforms or tools that allow for real-time interaction and recording of completion times. This often involves online video conferencing or other virtual collaboration tools to ensure fair play and verification of puzzle assembly. Key aspects of virtual speed puzzling:

  • Online Platform:Competitions are often held on dedicated websites or platforms that provide a virtual space for puzzles, timekeeping, and recording of results. 
  • Real-Time Collaboration:Participants may use video conferencing to have their puzzle-solving process recorded and monitored, ensuring fair play. 
  • Time-Based Challenges:The primary goal is to complete the puzzle as quickly as possible, with participants often competing against each other and trying to beat their own personal bests. 
  • Recording and Submission:Virtual events usually require participants to record their puzzling process, often through time-lapse videos, and submit their completion times to be verified and ranked. 
  • Prizes and Recognition:Speed puzzling competitions can offer prizes for fastest completion times, often with categories for different puzzle sizes and types. 

How a virtual competition works:

  1. 1. We mail puzzles to the contestants. Do not open the package!

  2. 2. Close to competition day, we email a Zoom link to the contestants.

  3. 3. On competition day, at your assigned time, log on to the Zoom call.

  4. 4. We go over rules together, and the packages are opened on camera.

  5. 5. Time starts, people put puzzles together as quickly as possible!

Source-USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association 

https://www.usajigsaw.org/virtual-competitions


USAJPA Virtual Contest Rules

Contest participants in each division are given identical puzzles to be completed as quickly as possible.

  • NO PEEKING! Competitors are not allowed to open the box containing their puzzle to view it until instructed. The design must remain a mystery until the contest begins.
  • Organizers will check in with everyone at the beginning of the contest to verify that your puzzle package is unopened and to verify that your setup is adequately visible.
  • We will have everyone open outer packaging on camera during the Zoom call as well as the puzzle box's cellophane wrapper just prior to the contest start to ensure the box is being opened for the first time.
  • Tools will be allowed for opening the outer packaging on camera.
  • Participants in the Zoom call must be on camera in a setting and setup that allows contest organizers to clearly see your puzzling space for the entire competition.
  • Participants should have a timer on hand that is clearly visible on screen and be prepared to start the timer in unison with the organizers and other participants. Cell phone timers are allowed. (Quick tip - in your display settings, change auto-lock to “never” so you don’t have to reopen your phone to hit the stop button.)
  • Once the competition begins, the only tools allowed are sorting trays and box top holders. Any other potential puzzle assistance devices are not allowed. This includes spatulas or cell phones to photograph the box cover for additional reference.
  • We’ll do a countdown and start our timers together. Only after the timer starts can you open your box and begin puzzling.
  • Participants must mute their microphones so as not to distract other puzzlers during the competitions. AFTER the last piece has been inserted into the puzzle - stop the timer. Unmute briefly and announce to the group that you are DONE. You can then fill out the time sheet included in your package and hold up the time sheet for organizers to record your team’s information and finishing time. (We will do our best to track, but it can be difficult to keep an eye on multiple teams if finishing times are close.)
  • Time should be recorded like the following example: 1:35:12.06 (1 hour:35 minutes:12 seconds.06 hundredths). If your timer does not record to the hundredth degree, seconds will suffice.
  • Check the chat to verify the time we have recorded for you or your team.
  • Once you have completed the puzzle and shown the time sheet, turn off your camera so organizers can focus on puzzlers that are still competing. You’re welcome to stay on the call to watch and use the chat feature. Please keep your microphones muted.


For Pairs & Teams:

  • Team members can change prior to the contest start, but once the contest begins no substitutions or changes can be made.
  • Assistance from non-team members is not permitted to be eligible for prizes.


Breaks

  • There will be no official breaks once the competition begins. However, please keep your volume turned on in case there is an announcement or technical difficulty that would interrupt the flow of the competition. For example, if your camera turns off, we may need to alert you to address the issue.


Winning and Awards:

  • The puzzlers that complete the puzzle first, second and third will be awarded prizes.
  • In the event that finishing times are extremely close, it may take USAJPA organizers a while to verify winners by comparing times or reviewing a recording of the contest.
  • Puzzle assembly will continue and we will monitor the finishing times of all participants unless completion exceeds the amount of time allotted for the Zoom contest. In that case, competitors are welcome to continue puzzing and monitor their own time to submit their finish to the USAJPA for inclusion in the official results.
  • Decisions of the judges/contest organizers are final.


Examples of virtual speed puzzling activities:

speed puzzling virtual speed puzzling what is virtual speed puzzling virtual speed puzzling rules
Speed Puzzling written by EB Caron