When to Pause in Color Block Jam: Use State Changes as Checks

Why pause after a state change?

The board’s constraints have changed. A route that was blocked may now be open, while a space you planned to use may be occupied. Continuing automatically means applying an old plan to a new puzzle state.

Which pauses are most valuable?

Pause after a key unlocks a door, an obstacle changes, a group leaves a shared lane, or a destination becomes reachable. These moments create clear checkpoints for both play and walkthrough verification.

What should you ask at the pause?

Ask which destination is now most constrained, which space must remain open, and whether the previous priority still holds. Then make the smallest move that answers those questions.