Maya Koegel

Puzzle expert at JSPuzzles

Maya Koegel is the resident jigsaw puzzle expert and lead content curator at JSPuzzles. With a lifelong background in spatial reasoning and cognitive games, Maya has spent over a decade exploring the intersection of mindfulness, cognitive longevity, and puzzle-solving.

Before joining JSPuzzles, Maya spent several years contributing to hobby-craft forums and puzzle communities, building an independent reputation for practical, no-nonsense guidance. She bridges the gap between physical and digital puzzling, specializing in comprehensive, step-by-step guides on puzzle preservation, workspace optimization, and advanced solving strategies.

Whether she is testing the ergonomics of puzzle boards, reviewing custom framing and gluing techniques, or curating themed digital collections, Maya's objective is to help enthusiasts of all skill levels maximize their hobby. Her expertise is grounded in rigorous hands-on experience—having completed and archived thousands of puzzles ranging from 100-piece casual games to 5,000-piece masterworks. Every guide she writes is based on methods she has personally tested, prioritizing practical outcomes over theory.

When she isn't writing guides or curating the next featured album for the JSPuzzles community, Maya can usually be found sorting edge pieces over a cup of coffee.

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Illustration of a nearly finished jigsaw puzzle on a wooden table, with the final piece hovering over the last gap and loose pieces sorted into groups.

Are Puzzles Good for Your Brain? What the Evidence Actually Says

July 2, 202616 min readBy Maya Koegel

Are puzzles good for your brain? A lifelong puzzler reads the actual studies: what jigsaw puzzles genuinely train, what doesn't transfer, and why they're still worth your evening. read more

Illustration of an antique dissected world map on a dark desk, cut along wavy lines in the early hand-cut style, with one piece removed and set aside.

The History of Jigsaw Puzzles: From Dissected Maps to Speed Puzzling

July 2, 202614 min readBy Maya Koegel

Who invented the jigsaw puzzle, and when? The real history: dissected maps in 1760s London, the 1908 craze, the Depression's ten-million-a-week peak, and the hobby's digital and competitive present. read more

Close-up of a puzzle piece fitting perfectly into a complex pattern.

Puzzle Strategy: The Definitive Guide to Solving Jigsaw Puzzles Faster

March 23, 20265 min readBy Maya Koegel

Discover the most effective strategies for solving puzzles faster. Master the methodology of speed solving with our definitive guide. read more

Partially completed 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle on a wooden table.

How Long Does a Jigsaw Puzzle Take? Benchmarks by Piece Count

March 23, 20265 min readBy Maya Koegel

How long does a jigsaw puzzle take? Get realistic completion time benchmarks by size to know exactly what to expect. read more

Sorted jigsaw puzzle pieces organized into distinct color groups on a wooden table.

How to Sort Puzzle Pieces: Methodology for a Faster, Cleaner Build

March 23, 20265 min readBy Maya Koegel

Learn the best methodology for sorting puzzle pieces. Master this critical sub-process to organize your jigsaw and streamline the build. read more

Partially assembled jigsaw puzzle on a wooden table with pieces sorted by color.

Jigsaw Puzzle Tips for Beginners: From First Sort to Finished Image

March 23, 20265 min readBy Maya Koegel

Master your first jigsaw puzzle. This beginner's guide covers the entire process, from sorting strategies to final assembly techniques. read more