"Mahjong" refers to a family of games that share the same tiles but differ in rules, number of players, and goals. From the classic four-player game to the single-player puzzle, variants suit different moods and settings. Here is a short overview; for the puzzle we host, see Mahjong Solitaire vs classic and Mahjong Solitaire rules.
Classic Mahjong (Four-Player)
The traditional game is played by four people. Each player has a hand, draws and discards in turn, and tries to complete a winning hand (melds plus a pair). Rules and scoring vary by region: Chinese, Japanese, American, and other origins each have their own conventions. It is social, strategic, and often played with physical sets. History and culture are part of the experience.
Mahjong Solitaire (Shanghai Solitaire)
This single-player variant uses a pre-built 3D-style layout. You match free pairs of identical tiles and remove them until the board is clear or no move remains. No dice, no turns, no opponents. It is the game we offer on this site and is ideal for relaxation and online play. Layouts can vary (turtle, fortress, etc.), but the core tile-matching rules stay the same.
Other Solitaire-Style Variants
Some games use different tile sets, special power-ups, or timed modes. The underlying idea—match free pairs to clear the board—remains. If you enjoy our version, you may like trying other layouts and themes; the strategy tips and winning strategies still apply. Pick the variant that fits your mood: competitive classic or calm Solitaire.