Is mahjong solitaire the same as the four-player mahjong game?

No. The traditional game is a social four-player game where players draw, discard, and compete to build a winning hand, often with betting. Mahjong solitaire is a single-player puzzle that only borrows the tiles. You play alone, with no opponents and no wagering, simply removing matching pairs until the board is clear.

How do I know which tiles I can remove?

You can only remove tiles that are free. A tile is free when nothing covers its top and at least one of its left or right sides is open. Pick two free tiles that show the same image to clear them. Tiles that are covered on top, or boxed in by neighbors on both the left and right, must wait until you free them up.

Which tiles match each other?

Most tiles only match an identical twin, so the four of dots matches the four of dots and the east wind matches the east wind. The two exceptions are the bonus tiles: any flower matches any other flower, and any season matches any other season, even if the pictures differ.

Is it really free, and do I need to download anything?

Yes, it is 100% free, with no purchases or subscriptions, and there is nothing to download. The game runs entirely in your web browser, so you do not need to install an app or create an account. Just open the page and start playing.

Can I play on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely. The game works in any modern browser on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. On touch devices you tap the tiles, and on computers you click them. No separate app is required.

Is every board actually solvable?

Yes. Every board is generated to guarantee at least one valid solution, so a win is always possible if you play carefully. If you ever get stuck, the Shuffle button re-deals the remaining tiles into a new arrangement that is also guaranteed to be solvable.

What do the Hint, Undo, Redo, and Shuffle buttons do?

Hint highlights an available matching pair when you cannot spot one. Undo reverses your last move, and Redo restores a move you undid. Shuffle re-deals the remaining tiles into a fresh solvable layout, which is handy when the board has locked up or you want a change of pace.

What is the Daily Challenge?

The Daily Challenge is one shared board per day that is the same for every player on that date. It is a fun way to build a small daily habit and to face the exact same puzzle as everyone else. A new challenge appears each day.

How many layouts are there?

There are more than 1,000 layouts, ranging from classic geometric shapes like the Turtle, Pyramid, Tower, Fortress, and Bridge to themed designs based on animals, the zodiac, nature, holidays, and more. You can browse the full gallery and pick whichever shape appeals to you.

Do I need any prior experience with mahjong to play?

Not at all. You do not need to know the traditional four-player game or be able to read the Chinese characters on the tiles. The matching rule is easy to learn in a minute, and recognizing identical pictures is all the skill you need to begin. You will pick up strategy naturally as you play.