Puzzle Palooza 2025 Rules
Puzzle Palooza 2025
Competition Rules & Overview
Event Lineup
| Division | Date | Time | Team Size | Brand | Piece Count | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Sat, July 12 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | 1 person | Cobble Hill | 500 | 2.0 hours |
| Pairs | Sat, July 12 | 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm | 2 people | Eurographics | 500 | 1.5 hours |
| Teams | Sat, July 12 | 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm | Up to 4 people | Ravensburger | 1000 | 2.5 hours |
| Teams | Sun, July 13 | 10:00 am to 11:30 am | Up to 4 people | Vermont Christmas | 550 | 1.5 hours |
| Family | Sun, July 13 | 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm | Up to 4 (min. 1 child under 13) | MasterPieces | 400 | 1.5 hours |
| Chess | Sun, July 13 | 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | 1 person | Ceaco/Buffalo Games | 100 | 2.0 hours |
Competition Rules
General Rules For All Divisions
- Competitors must not open or tamper with the opaque puzzle bag before the judge starts the timer.
- Raise your hand or give a verbal cue when you're close to finishing to alert a judge nearby.
- Fully raise both hands in the air when done. Judges will verify the completed puzzle.
- If no team/individual completes the puzzle in the allotted time, the winner will be the one with the most correctly assembled pieces.
- A "correct group" = 3+ connected pieces, even if unattached to the main section.
- Missing pieces penalty: If you are missing a piece you have 10 seconds to find the piece, or take the 10 second penalty if the puzzle piece is not found. (applied only if the puzzle is otherwise complete).
Individual Division
- Up to 60 individuals total
- 30 tables with 2 puzzlers per table - please be respectful and do not interfere with other puzzler
- Each receives the same 500-piece puzzle, stand, and opaque bag
- Time Limit: 2 hours
Pairs Division
- Up to 60 pairs - 30 tables
- Share table with another pair - please be respectful and do not interfere with other team
- Same 500-piece puzzle, stand, and opaque bag per team
- Time Limit: 1.5 hours
Teams Division (Sat + Sun)
- Up to 30 teams, max 4 people per team
- Each team at its own table
- Saturday: 1000-piece puzzle (2.5 hours)
- Sunday: 550-piece puzzle (1.5 hours)
Family Division
- Up to 4 people per team, including 1 child under 13
- Puzzle size: 400 pieces
- Time Limit: 1.5 hours
Accessory & Setup Guidelines
| Accessory | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sorting Trays | Yes | Max 2 for individuals and pairs, Up to 4 per team, any style/brand but due to safety puzzle trays are not allowed to be placed on the floor |
| Timers | Yes | Discreet use only-no alarms |
| Box Top Stand | Yes | 1 stand will be provided for each event by the sponsor Puzzle Peak |
| Tripods | No | Due to space constraints tripods for filming are not permitted. If you have an overhead phone mount that clips to the table, you are allowed to use this as long as the device does not hinder your neighbors space. |
| Lights | No | Outside lighting is not allowed. The lighting inside the warehouse is pretty uniformed and bright. |
| Box Cutters | No | Stickers/Cellophane on all the boxes will be pre cut prior to the competition |
Puzzle Chess Rules
Each puzzle will be 100 pieces. Without being timed, separate and assemble the border of the puzzle together with your opponent. Place all other pieces face up around the border. Prepare your chess timer on a device- we recommend Chess Clock by Chess.com, available on Android or iOS.
The player who puts in their first puzzle piece to the created border starts the round and the clock starts on the timer. Taking turns, each opponent will place in a piece to the border and flip the timer.
On your turn you must connect a piece to the puzzle, no floating islands are allowed. There is no penalty for mistakes, but you must make a correct connection before flipping the timer.
The round ends when the puzzle is complete, or a player's timer runs out.
The winner is the person that spent the least amount of time working on the puzzle- e.g. the person with the MOST time left on their timer, or in the event that one player's timer runs out the person with time remaining on their timer is the winner.
In the event of a missing piece the puzzle is considered completed once the last available piece on the table has been connected.
Photo Release
By participating in Puzzle Palooza, you grant Puzzle Warehouse permission to use your photo/video likeness for promotional purposes on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and others. You will not be compensated for this use, and you waive any right to approve final content.
"I understand I am participating as a volunteer and releasing Puzzle Warehouse from all claims of harm or liability. I have read and agree with this release."