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Mahjong Solitaire

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Mahjong

Match pairs of free tiles to clear the board!

How to Play Mahjong Solitaire

Objective

Remove all 144 tiles from the board by matching them in pairs. Clear every tile to win!

Free Tiles

A tile is "free" and can be selected only if it has no tiles stacked on top of it AND at least one side (left or right) is unblocked.

Matching Rules

Click two free tiles with the same face to remove them. Seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) all match each other. Flowers (Plum, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo) all match each other.

Tips

  • Focus on removing tiles from higher layers first
  • Try to keep the board balanced (don't clear one side completely)
  • Use the Hint button if you're stuck
  • Use Shuffle to rearrange remaining tiles
  • Use Undo to reverse your last match

Tile Types (144 tiles total)

Dots 1-9 (x4 each = 36)
Bamboo 1-9 (x4 each = 36)
Characters 1-9 (x4 each = 36)
Winds E/S/W/N (x4 each = 16)
Dragons Red/Green/White (x4 each = 12)
Seasons 4 unique (any matches any)
Flowers 4 unique (any matches any)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mahjong Solitaire

How do I play Mahjong Solitaire?
Click on a tile to select it, then click on a matching tile to remove both from the board. The goal is to clear all tiles from the layout. You can only select tiles that are 'free,' meaning they have no tile on top of them and at least one side (left or right) is open.
What counts as a matching pair in Mahjong Solitaire?
Two tiles match if they have the exact same symbol or image. For suit tiles (dots, bamboo, characters), the number must also match. Season tiles (spring, summer, fall, winter) all match each other, and flower tiles all match each other regardless of the specific type.
Is Mahjong Solitaire the same as traditional Mahjong?
No, they are quite different games. Traditional Mahjong is a multiplayer game for four players involving drawing and discarding tiles to complete sets, similar to rummy. Mahjong Solitaire (also called Shanghai) is a single-player tile-matching puzzle using the same tile set but with completely different rules.
What are some tips for winning Mahjong Solitaire?
Always prioritize removing tiles from the highest stacks first to expose more tiles underneath. Plan ahead before making matches, and avoid removing tiles that will block access to other pairs. If two matching tiles are stacked on top of each other, try to clear tiles around the lower one first.
Is Mahjong Solitaire free to play online?
Yes! PlayBrain's Mahjong Solitaire is completely free to play in your browser. No downloads or registration required. Just open the page and start matching tiles right away.
What is a valid (free) tile in Mahjong Solitaire?
A tile is free and clickable when it has no other tile sitting on top of it, and it has at least one open side (left or right). If a tile is sandwiched between tiles on both sides, or has another tile stacked above it, it cannot be selected until those blocking tiles are removed.

About Mahjong

Mahjong Solitaire is a contemplative tile-matching puzzle based on the traditional Chinese game's beautiful tile set. Tiles are stacked in layered formations, and your goal is to clear the entire layout by finding and matching pairs of identical free tiles. A tile is free when no other tile sits on top of it and at least one side (left or right) is unblocked. Matching pairs disappear from the board, gradually revealing tiles beneath. Strategic players look several moves ahead, avoiding matches that would block essential future pairings. With dozens of unique layouts ranging from simple pyramids to elaborate designs, Mahjong offers hours of meditative puzzle-solving. The ornate tile artwork and calm pacing make every session a relaxing experience.

How to Play

  1. Scan the tile layout and identify free tiles that have no tile on top and at least one open side
  2. Click two matching free tiles to remove them as a pair from the board
  3. Plan ahead to avoid removing tiles that would block access to needed matches deeper in the stack
  4. Clear every tile from the board to complete the layout and win the game