Tension and focus, but above all a lot of fun in the NK Puzzles introductory tour in Obdam

A FULL ROOM OF NO LESS THAN 42 FANUALS Teams of Four: It’s been a busy afternoon at the preliminary round of NK Jigsaw Puzzles at De Brink in Obdam. Mission: Complete the Jan van Haasteren puzzle as fast as you can. There are sixteen such preliminary rounds, and only the top three from each round advance to the Grand Final. This made it very exciting.

Rene came up with the event and did the presentation. He stands at the door excitedly and welcomes all teams. When all the teams are ready—one with a glass of wine, the other with the puzzle just rolled up on the table—Rene announces the national anthem.

After that everything really starts. There is a countdown and at zero the teams get the wrapping paper from the puzzle to see what puzzle they have to put together today. “Oh, it’s the big leak,” says Saskia van Haasteren, Jan’s daughter. “Yeah, it’s not easy.”

When we ask what makes a puzzle difficult or easier, Saskia explains that a puzzle with many different colors is less difficult because it is easier to sort. This is one of the tactics.

The right tactics

A lot revolves around tactics when solving a puzzle you don’t know quickly. If you have a good tactic, you have a good chance. The team that won in a previous edition certainly does not want to reveal its tactics.

Saskia says she sees many tactics. The tactic in which the division of tasks within the team is clearly visible and where there is good communication has the best chance of reaching the final.

Tension, but also fun

There is a lot of confusion going on in the background. Very serious, but there is also a lot of room for socializing. Good vibes prevail and “social mysteries” sparkle with Dutch hits. But this will be different in the final. “This is really a step forward,” says Saskia. “Then you really see that everyone is going to win, and today there are also teams that just want to participate for fun.”

The Grand Final will take some time, because it’s only the beginning of May. Then the puzzle becomes completely new. “I already know the subject, but I’m not going to spoil anything,” Saskia smiles. The great Jan van Haasteren will also be there that day. And the winner? Get the challenge trophy and eternal fame. On behalf of this preliminary round for North Holland, The Puzzling Sisters participate anyway, because they turned out to be the winners of the day.