Kantstycken

Kantstycken is a Swedish term that translates to "edge pieces" or "corner pieces" and is most commonly associated with the game of Jigsaw Puzzles. These pieces are characterized by having one or two straight edges. In a typical jigsaw puzzle, the kantstycken are located along the perimeter of the image, forming the frame of the completed puzzle. Their straight edges are a defining feature that distinguishes them from the more numerous interior pieces, which have no straight edges. Assembling the kantstycken is often the first step in solving a jigsaw puzzle, as it establishes the boundaries and provides a framework for placing the remaining pieces. The number of kantstycken is directly related to the dimensions of the puzzle, specifically the number of pieces along each side. For a puzzle with dimensions n x m pieces, there will be 2n + 2m - 4 kantstycken. The process of sorting and connecting these pieces is a fundamental aspect of jigsaw puzzling strategy.