Mahjong

Free Online Mahjong Solitaire Game

About the Mahjong Game on TheMahjong.com

Mahjong is more than just a game; it is a cultural heritage that traces its roots to ancient China. Originating during the Qing dynasty, Mahjong has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Its unique combination of strategy, calculation, and an element of chance makes Mahjong a true test of intellect and skill. Over time, Mahjong has evolved in many ways. Its European adaptation, Mahjong Solitaire, has gained particular popularity, introducing new game mechanics, formats, and layouts such as 'Turtle', 'Fish', 'Butterfly', and many more.

On TheMahjong.com, you will find a unique adaptation of this classic game. We offer a wide variety of layouts that allow you to experience the beauty and elegance of Mahjong. Whether you are a seasoned Mahjong player or just starting out, our website provides everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

We invite you to join a centuries-old tradition by playing Mahjong on TheMahjong.com. Enjoy the carefully designed interface and features, and immerse yourself in the world of strategy.

How to Play Mahjong

• The first rule of Mahjong Solitaire.

  

  Find a pair of matching tiles and click both to remove them. Once you remove all pairs and clear the board, you win Mahjong Solitaire!

• The second rule of Mahjong Solitaire.

  

  You can only remove a tile if it is open on either its left or right side. If a tile is blocked on both sides, you cannot remove it.

• The third rule of Mahjong Solitaire.

  

  Each tile type appears four times on the board. Choose wisely which ones to match first.

• The fourth rule of Mahjong Solitaire.

  

  Four Seasons tiles are unique. There is only one of each, but any season tile can match with another season tile! The same applies to the Four Noble Plants tiles – they can also be matched with one another.

For more information about the rules and strategy of Mahjong, visit the Game Rules section.

Play more than 160 mahjong solitaire layouts:

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  Step Pyramid Mahjong game

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  Butterfly Mahjong game

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  Turtle Mahjong game

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  Fish Mahjong game

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  Temple 2 Mahjong game

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  Kyodai 23 Mahjong game

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  Free Mahjong game

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  Wavelets Mahjong game

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  Angel Mahjong game

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  Traditional Reviewed Mahjong game

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  Irish Harp Mahjong game

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  Fish face Mahjong game

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  Hurdles Mahjong game

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  Snail Mahjong game

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  Hourglass Mahjong game

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  Full Vision 2 Mahjong game

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  SunMoon Mahjong game

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  Rugby Mahjong game

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  Abstract Building Mahjong game

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  Crown Mahjong game

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  Eight Stacks Mahjong game

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  Victory Arrow Mahjong game

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  Game Mahjong game

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  Cross Mahjong game

And much more — click "Layouts" in the game or visit the page with all layouts .

Mahjong Tips and Tricks

• Take a moment to examine the layout.

  Before making your first move in Mahjong Solitaire, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the board layout. You will likely spot some strong opening moves. Pay special attention to the locations of the unique Mahjong tiles (Seasons and Flowers) — they can be a great advantage.

• Look for moves that uncover more tiles.

  Always try to match pairs that reveal the most new tiles. Some pairs don't open up any new possibilities, so it's often best to keep them in reserve and match them later.

• Found three matching tiles? Think it through!

  If you see three identical, free-to-match tiles, choose a pair that opens up the most new tiles or look for a way to free the fourth one and match all four.

• Four matching tiles? Don’t miss your chance!

  If you spot four identical, free tiles, you're in luck! Match them right away to maximize your progress.

• Clear long rows to avoid getting stuck.

  Prioritize matching tiles at the edges of long horizontal rows. Leaving these rows intact can quickly lead to problems.

• Focus on tall stacks — they hide tricky pairs.

  Tall stacks of tiles should be a key priority in Mahjong Solitaire. Not only are they difficult to dismantle, but they may also contain two identical tiles stacked directly on top of each other. If no matching tiles exist outside the stack, you may find yourself stuck.

• Don't hesitate to use hints and undo!

  Make the most of TheMahjong.com features like Undo and Hint to enhance your gameplay.

Simple Controls and Custom Settings for a Comfortable Mahjong Experience

How Mahjong Supports Cognitive Health

Playing mahjong regularly is not only entertaining but also provides significant benefits for cognitive abilities. Research shows that mahjong and similar puzzles, including mahjong solitaire, stimulate brain activity, enhance memory, and improve concentration. It is an excellent way to train strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Mahjong also fosters social interaction by creating an environment for sharing experiences and strategies with other players. Such interactions can strengthen interpersonal relationships and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Additionally, the game is an effective way to reduce stress. Immersing yourself in the game helps distract from daily worries and anxieties, providing a sense of relaxation and tranquility. It is a great alternative to meditation for those seeking peace through active engagement.

Playing mahjong also helps slow down brain aging and maintain cognitive health over time. Regular mental exercises like mahjong can prevent or delay cognitive decline associated with aging.

In addition to these benefits, regular mahjong play promotes patience and perseverance. By mastering complex combinations and strategies, players learn to be more attentive and focused, which is useful in daily life and tasks that require prolonged concentration.

Classic Mahjong and Mahjong Solitaire: A Comparison of Two Game Types

Classic mahjong and mahjong solitaire differ in several key aspects. Classic mahjong is a traditional Chinese game played with four players, where the objective is to form winning tile combinations. It uses 144 tiles, including characters, bamboo, circles, winds, dragons, and additional tiles such as flowers and seasons.

Mahjong solitaire, on the other hand, is a single-player game where the goal is to clear the board by matching pairs of identical tiles. This version of the game uses the same tile set as classic mahjong, but its objectives and rules are entirely different.

Various tile layouts in mahjong solitaire add uniqueness and variety to the game. From classic formations to more intricate and unconventional shapes, each layout presents unique challenges and strategies for clearing the board. These diverse configurations not only increase the difficulty but also allow players to explore new strategic approaches to the game. This variety makes mahjong solitaire not only an engaging puzzle but also a great way to train cognitive skills such as spatial awareness and planning.

The main difference between the two versions lies in the number of players and the gameplay style. Classic mahjong requires strategic thinking, the ability to analyze opponents' moves, and planning ahead. Mahjong solitaire focuses on visual memory and the ability to quickly spot matching tiles.

The difficulty of classic mahjong varies based on the players' experience and the complexity of the chosen winning combination. Mahjong solitaire offers different difficulty levels depending on the initial tile layout and restrictions on time or moves.

Both versions of mahjong enhance focus, concentration, and cognitive skills, but each does so in its own way, providing unique challenges and gameplay experiences.

Interesting Facts About Mahjong

• The Origin of the Game’s Name:

  Originally, the game was called 麻雀 (máquè), which means 'sparrow,' and this name is still used in some Chinese languages, primarily in the south, such as Cantonese. It is believed that the sound made by shuffling the tiles resembles the chirping of sparrows. Another theory suggests that the name originated from the development of an earlier card game called Madiao, from which mahjong tiles were later adapted. In Chinese, the term 麻雀戰 (máquè zhàn) refers to a form of guerrilla warfare tactics, informally called 'sparrow tactics.' In other dialects, such as Sichuanese and Shanghainese, the game is now called 麻將 (májiàng), which is an Erhua-modified form of the original name.

• Modern Variations of the Game:

  Over time, mahjong has undergone transformations, leading to various versions such as Chinese classical mahjong, American mahjong, Japanese riichi, and mahjong solitaire. Each version has its own unique rules and features.

• Cultural Heritage:

  Mahjong holds a significant place in cultural heritage, especially in China, reflecting deep historical roots and traditional values.

• Popularity After Inclusion in Microsoft:

  The popularity of mahjong solitaire significantly increased after its inclusion in Microsoft operating systems, making the game accessible to a wide audience and contributing to its global spread.

• The Emergence of Shanghai Mahjong:

  The original computer version of mahjong solitaire, known as Shanghai Mahjong, was created by Brodie Lockard in 1981. This version used the standard set of traditional mahjong tiles and was later included in Microsoft operating systems.

• Difference Between Shanghai Mahjong and Mahjong Solitaire:

  Shanghai Mahjong is considered one of the variations of mahjong solitaire, distinguished by its unique level designs. The main difference lies in its specific visual style and, in some cases, additional rules or game modes, such as different difficulty levels and layouts. Both versions share the objective of removing pairs of identical tiles from the game board.

• Contribution to Mahjong’s Popularization:

  The inclusion of mahjong solitaire in Microsoft operating systems contributed to its global popularity, while Shanghai Mahjong played a role in spreading the game both in China and beyond, allowing players to engage with traditional Chinese culture.

• Mahjong by Microsoft:

  Microsoft Mahjong, first introduced as part of the Windows Entertainment Pack in 1990 and included in later Windows versions, significantly boosted the popularity of mahjong. This version of mahjong solitaire features visual themes, hints, undo options, and difficulty ratings, making the game accessible to a wide range of players.

• Difficulty Levels:

  Various versions of mahjong, including Microsoft Mahjong, offer multiple difficulty levels, reflected in the number of tile layers, their arrangement, and time constraints. This approach allows players to gradually improve their skills and strategies.

• Variety of Layouts:

  One of the appealing features of mahjong is the variety of tile layouts. These range from traditional pyramids to complex configurations that present unique strategic challenges.

Mahjong layouts of the Day

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  Okie's Nitemare

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  Stage 2

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  Temple 2

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  Aqab's