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Mahjong Solitaire is a classic tile-matching puzzle game based on traditional Chinese Mahjong tiles. The game challenges players to clear a multi-layered board by finding and removing matching pairs of tiles. Unlike the traditional four-player Mahjong game, this is a single-player puzzle that focuses on pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and careful planning.
⭐ What Does the Star Mean?
Star-marked layouts are classic, iconic Mahjong Solitaire boards that include the season and flower tiles, making a total of 72 tiles.
The game board consists of tiles stacked in various formations, typically in multiple layers creating a 3D structure. Players must remove tiles in matching pairs, but there’s an important rule: only “free” tiles can be selected.
A tile is free when:
- It has no tiles on top of it
- It has at least one free side (left or right edge is not blocked)
Players click or tap on matching tiles to remove them from the board. The goal is to clear all tiles by systematically removing pairs until none remain.
Mahjong Solitaire is perfect for players seeking a mentally stimulating yet relaxing puzzle experience.
- Endless entertainment with multiple layouts
- Ideal for short breaks or extended gaming sessions
- Immediate gameplay without complicated rules
- Scales from casual players to puzzle enthusiasts
- Improves cognitive skills while you play
A traditional Mahjong set contains 144 tiles divided into several categories:
Suited Tiles (108 tiles)
- Bamboo (Bams/Sticks): Numbered 1-9, 4 of each = 36 tiles
- Circles (Dots/Stones): Numbered 1-9, 4 of each = 36 tiles
- Characters (Wan): Numbered 1-9, 4 of each = 36 tiles
Honor Tiles (28 tiles)
- Winds: East, South, West, North – 4 of each = 16 tiles
- Dragons: Red, Green, White – 4 of each = 12 tiles
Bonus Tiles (8 tiles, optional)
- Seasons: 4 different tiles
- Flowers: 4 different tiles
Remove Top Layers First
Start by clearing tiles from the top layers to unlock more options below
Identify Locked Tiles
Recognize which tiles are blocking others and prioritize freeing them
Don’t Leave Singles
Avoid moves that leave a tile without its matching pair accessible
Focus on Edge Tiles
Pay special attention to tiles on the edges as they’re easier to access
⚠️ Not All Boards Are Solvable!
Due to random tile distribution, not every Mahjong Solitaire board can be completed. Winning probability depends on layout complexity, tile distribution, and player skill.
Typical winning rates for random boards range from 5% to 85%, depending on the layout complexity.
85%
Easy Layouts
Turtle, Pyramid
5%
Hard Layouts
Complex formations
Ancient Origins
Mahjong Solitaire is based on the traditional Chinese game of Mahjong, which dates back to the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century. The tile-matching solitaire version was created much later, adapting the beautiful Mahjong tiles into a single-player puzzle format.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Mahjong holds deep cultural importance in Chinese society, often played during family gatherings and celebrations. The tiles themselves feature meaningful Chinese characters, bamboo patterns, circles, and honor tiles representing winds and dragons.
Global Spread
The solitaire version gained worldwide popularity in the 1980s when it was computerized, particularly after being included in early computer game collections. Today, it’s one of the most recognized puzzle games globally, enjoyed by millions of players across all cultures.
Is the Game Free?
Yes, several Mahjong Solitaire boards are available for free with multiple layouts and difficulty options. The game can be expanded with premium content featuring:
- Additional board layouts and formations
- Extra difficulty levels with unique challenges
- Special themed tile sets (animals, fantasy, seasonal patterns)
- Advanced features and customization options