A Winter Activity Everyone Will Love
When the days are cold and the nights are long, there’s no better way to bring family and friends together than with a little friendly competition. Enter the Speed Puzzle Tournament — a unique, high-energy twist on a classic activity. Whether you're looking to cure cabin fever or spice up your next family game night, this tournament is sure to deliver laughs, fun, and maybe a little puzzle-piece pandemonium.
Here’s everything you need to host your own Speed Puzzle Tournament!
Step 1: Set the Stage
Every great tournament starts with a little preparation. Here’s what you need to get started:
Gather Your Puzzles
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Choose puzzles that are appropriate for the group’s skill level. For younger participants, 250- or 500-piece puzzles work perfectly. For seasoned puzzlers, 1,000-piece puzzles will up the ante. (Check out these fun puzzles!)
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To keep things fair, ensure all teams are working on identical puzzles.
Assemble Your Teams
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Divide participants into teams of 2-4 players. Keep families together or mix things up for added excitement.
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Assign team names to get everyone in the competitive spirit. (Bonus points for punny names like “Piece Keepers” or “Puzzled Minds.”)
Set Up Your Space
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Arrange tables with plenty of space for each team. Good lighting is a must—nobody wants to lose precious seconds hunting for that one edge piece in the shadows!
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Provide snacks and drinks from RONNINGS’ to keep everyone energized and focused.
Step 2: Establish the Rules
A well-run tournament needs clear guidelines. Here are some ideas to keep everything running smoothly:
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Time Limit: Decide if teams will race to complete the puzzle or if you’ll set a timer (e.g., 60 minutes) and declare the team with the most completed pieces the winner.
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No Peeking: Puzzles must remain in sealed boxes until the start signal.
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Hands-Only: No using tools, apps, or extra helpers to speed things up—it’s all about teamwork and quick thinking.
Step 3: Add Fun Twists
Spice up the tournament with creative challenges:
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Blindfolded Round: Each team must choose one player to be blindfolded for 2 minutes while teammates guide them to place pieces.
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Rotation Rule: Every 10 minutes, teams must rotate positions, giving everyone a new perspective on the puzzle.
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Puzzle Piece Hunt: Before starting, hide a few key pieces around the room for teams to find before they can begin.
Step 4: Celebrate the Champions
What’s a tournament without prizes? Reward the winning team with fun items like:
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A homemade trophy or medal.
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Cozy slippers or blankets from RONNINGS for ultimate relaxation after their victory.
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Gourmet snacks or gift cards for a sweet reward.
And don’t forget to recognize the efforts of all participants with a “Best Team Spirit” or “Most Creative Team Name” award.
Step 5: Make It a Tradition
One tournament is fun, but why stop there? Create a family or community leaderboard and make Speed Puzzle Tournaments a regular winter tradition. You’ll have something to look forward to every year, and the competition will only get fiercer.
Why Puzzles?
Puzzles are more than just a fun activity. They encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and communication—all while offering a chance to unplug and connect with those around you. Plus, they’re a perfect fit for long winter nights when you’re looking to stay warm and entertained indoors.
At RONNINGS, we’ve got everything you need to make your Speed Puzzle Tournament unforgettable, from challenging puzzles to cozy gear and tasty treats. Stop by our stores or browse online to gear up for your next great winter event.
Are you ready to host your own Speed Puzzle Tournament? Share your results, photos, and team names with us on social media (@ronningsmn)—we’d love to see how your tournament turns out!
