Jigsaws are tiling puzzles that require assembly of often oddly shaped pieces. Each piece has a small part of a picture on it and when all the pieces are properly (and patiently!) positioned it produces a complete picture. Jigsaw puzzles are entertaining as well as mentally stimulating for all the ages and like all good puzzles and games we can think of their advantages as under:

• All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (and Jane a dull girl)! In the fast pace of life, we sometimes tend to neglect the ‘play’ part for our kids and for the kid within us. Indeed, correct mix of time spent on puzzles and games, just like on physical exercise, have positive rub-offs on the quality of time spent on studying or working as the brain and overall neurological system gets exercised in the process- more so if these puzzles and games are played ‘physically’ and not electronically!

• Puzzles and games can have varieties and complexity-levels to suit anyone’s interests and abilities while the ‘investment’ and ‘equipment’ required for them can be minimal. They can also be played indoors, solo and without much physical exertion.

• These are good educational tools. They improve physical skills- such as eye-hand coordination and agile, precise movements. They also improve the cognitive skills that aid logical thinking, problem solving, comprehension and memory. Further, they improve emotional skills required to develop patience, concentration, working in teams (and even ability and determination to handle frustration when one finds it difficult to ‘win’!).

• Even as remedial tools, scientific studies have shown how important it is to engage and focus brain cells at any age and how puzzles and games can play part in that in conditions ranging from ADHD (attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder) to Alzheimer’s.