Amber and Kara’s Puzzle Stories:

Amber has been puzzling since childhood and competing since 2014, and Kara was not a puzzler until she first had the opportunity to do a competition in 2017, and became hooked on finding more events. The first time their team for the 2021 USAJPA Unofficial National Championship ever puzzles together, was during that competition! (Although Amber and fellow teammate, Michaela Keener, have puzzled together for about 5 years.) It’s amazing that their team “Ope, Just Gonna Scootch Right Pasty Ya”, placed 1st in their first competition!  

Q&A Time:

What’s your favorite part of puzzling?

Amber: “I enjoy busting out a brand new, beautiful, colorful, and satisfying puzzle, and completing it all in one sitting. I enjoy the process from start to finish, and I love finishing and admiring a new and beautiful puzzle.”

Kara: “I'm really visual-focused, drawn to design and art. I think I enjoy puzzling because it's immersing yourself in the visual realm. Time engaged in colors, patterns, compositions, and re-creating a complete image.”

What’s your advice to get faster?

Amber: “Practice a LOT, and try to use both hands as much as possible.”

Kara: “Keep your eyes moving and ‘zoom out’ regularly, see the big picture.”

What’s your favorite part about puzzling as a team?

Amber: “I enjoy the social aspect of team puzzling, because you can chat, but you’re also focused on a task. Speed-puzzling is a nice low-stakes social setup, which I find to be much easier and more comfortable than sitting in a room with someone, drinking coffee, looking at each other, and hoping that your conversation props up the situation.”

Kara: “I admit, the nerdy strategy talk. And the fun traveling to a variety of towns with my puzzle friends for a day or weekend.”

Connect:

Amber can be found through Instagram at @puzzlepromqueen

Kara can be found through Instagram at @norsestarspuzzling