Mahjong Solitaire is a popular solitaire matching game that uses a set of Mahjong tiles instead of cards. The computer game was originally created by Brodie Lockard in 1981 and named Mah-Jongg after the game that uses the same tiles for play. Lockard claims that it was based on a centuries-old Chinese game called “the Turtle”. However, it wasn’t until Activision released Shanghai in 1986 for the Macintosh and Apple IIgs that the game gathered momentum.
The game’s popularity continued to grow, and a version was included in the Microsoft Entertainment Pack for Windows 3.x in 1990, known as Taipei. It was later included in the Best of Windows Entertainment Pack. Premium editions of the Windows Vista operating system and Windows 7 also feature a version of the game called Mahjong Titans. As with any successful game, millions of clones have been created on various platforms.
Our version of Mahjong Solitaire offers a unique experience with 60 different layouts in a tiny download package. In the game, a tile is considered exposed if it can be moved left or right without disturbing other tiles. Exposed pairs of identical tiles, including Flower and Seasons tiles in the same group, are removed from the layout one at a time, gradually exposing the lower layers to play. The objective is to clear the layout by pairing up all the tiles.
The game is finished when either the layout is empty, or there are no exposed pairs remaining. With its engaging gameplay and varied layouts, Mahjong Solitaire is a game that will keep you entertained for hours. Give our version a try and experience the fun and challenge of this classic game!

Mahjongg Solitaire is the web adaptation of an ancient Chinese board game, where strategy and skill come together to challenge players. The objective is simple yet engaging: remove all the tiles from the board.
Mahjong solitaire (also known as Shanghai solitaire, electronic or computerized mahjong, solitaire mahjong or simply mahjong) is a single-player matching game that uses a set of mahjong tiles rather than cards. It is more commonly played on a computer than as a tabletop game, although it can be played using physical tiles using a special wooden frame for its lengthy set-up process.
Although named after the four-player tile game mahjong, the method of gameplay is unrelated.
- Removing Tiles: Click on two tiles with identical symbols to remove them from the board.
- Free Tiles: Ensure the tiles you select are free on at least one side (left or right).
- Zooming Out: If the game board is too large, press Ctrl and – to zoom out and view the entire layout.
Tips for Success - Plan Ahead :Think strategically about your next moves to maximize your score.
- Focus on Freeing Tiles: Prioritize removing tiles that are blocking others to create more opportunities.
- Use Hints Wisely Utilize the “Hints” feature to identify possible moves and get out of tricky situations.
Get Ready to Challenge Yourself
With its rich history and engaging gameplay, Mahjongg Solitaire is a game that will keep you entertained for hours. Can you remove all the tiles and achieve a high score? Give it a try and find out!
The game offers various options to enhance your experience. You can start a new game, choose a different tileset or layout, or restart the current game. Additionally, you can undo your moves one by one if you need to backtrack. The game also provides helpful features, such as displaying the number of currently possible moves and offering hints to guide you through challenging situations. These options allow you to customize your gameplay and strategy
The objective of the game is clear: remove all 144 tiles from the board by matching pairs. For every pair of tiles you successfully match and remove, you’ll earn two points. Your goal is to clear the board and maximize your score.

The gameplay of Mahjongg Solitaire is straightforward. To remove tiles, simply click on two tiles with identical symbols, starting from the sides or the central tile at the top of the pile. When you match two identical tiles, they will disappear, and your score will increase. However, tiles must be free on at least one side to be selected – if a tile is sandwiched between two tiles on the same level, it can’t be chosen. There are some special matching rules to keep in mind: the four season or queen tiles match each other, regardless of their design, and the four flower or king tiles match their respective counterparts.
If you enjoy Mahjong Solitaire, you might want to explore other related games on our website. We offer a variety of Mahjong games, including the iconic Mahjong Titans, Nile Tiles, and Master Qwan’s Mahjong. You can also try Mahjong Dimensions, a 3D version of the game that adds a new level of challenge and excitement. Additionally, our Mahjong Connect game features the same Mahjong tiles but with different rules, providing a fresh and unique experience.
The idea for Mahjongg Solitaire originated from the (link unavailable) competition, which took place from 2000 to 2002. This competition aimed to promote lean, efficient, functional, original, and aesthetic web programming. Notably, a version of Mahjongg Solitaire that was less than 5KB in size participated in the 2002 contest.
If you’re interested in exploring more Mahjong games, our website offers a variety of options. You can play iconic games like Mahjong Titans, Nile Tiles, and Master Qwan’s Mahjong. We also feature Mahjong Dimensions, a 3D version of the game, and Mahjong Connect, which uses the same tiles but with different rules. These games provide a range of experiences and challenges for Mahjong enthusiasts.