Play Mahjong Solitaire for free
Play unlimited games of Mahjong Solitaire online for free. On our game you can:
- Reshuffle tiles and track how many times you've shuffled them
- Undo moves in case you're stuck or need to rework your strategy
- Play winnable games only at any time
- Play in full screen mode to help you match tiles even more effectively
The Main Variations of Mahjong Solitaire
The history of Mahjong Solitaire can be traced back to the mid-1800s in Southern China. Despite the criticism it received from scholar-officials, Mahjong Solitaire remained popular and loved by the people. Men and women, the wealthy and the poor alike played and enjoyed some Mahjong Solitaire time. This popular Chinese table game of Mahjong Solitaire has also become a hit internationally, and It's not surprising that many variations of Mahjong Solitaire have been created. The following variants are the most popular:
- Chinese Classical: This version of Mahjong Solitaire is the oldest, and also the basis of the version that was introduced to America. Instead of rolling dice, Chinese Classical Mahjong Solitaire involves the blind selection of the wind tiles to determine the seats. Many variations of the game have been created since then.
- Cantonese: Also known as Hong Kong Mahjong Solitaire, this variant is considered the most popular one. It's similar to the American version of Mahjong Solitaire; the only difference is that it doesn't include the joker tiles or the Charleston.
- Japanese: This Japanese variation is also known as Richii Mahjong Solitaire. While it keeps the game's basic rules, this version features unique rules like the use of richii and dora.
- Western Classical: In the 1920s, Joseph P. Babco*ck introduced Mahjong Solitaire to America by creating a simplified form of the game based on the Chinese classical version. Resembling the card game gin rummy, it has been revised and adapted in the succeeding years.
Play Free Mahjong Solitaire Games Online
From being an ancient Chinese strategy game, Mahjong Solitaire has also turned out to be a popular online game. You have the option to play the game against other players or enjoy a jongg session by yourself online.
The online version of Mahjong Solitaire has two main types:
- Classic Mahjong Solitaire: The classic Mahjong Solitaire version uses traditional rules and tiles. You only have to make identical sets and match pairs from these tiles. Like traditional Mahjong Solitaire, it involves four players, so you can play jongg with family or friends in real time even if you're not in the same room.
- Mahjong Solitaire: This online version also uses traditional Mahjong Solitaire tiles. However, it's a one-player pairing game, so you can play it solo. At the beginning of the game, the tiles are placed in certain positions and you have to match as many pairs of tiles as you can. You can enjoy playing online Mahjong Solitaire games by yourself or with friends and family through a desktop computer or a mobile device like a smartphone, iPhone, or Android tablet.
The Benefits of Playing Free Mahjong Solitaire Games Online
As you can see, Mahjong Solitaire isn't only a social game. Because of game platforms like Solitaired, you can play and enjoy the online version of Mahjong Solitaire by yourself for free. However, if you're not a lover of this game or haven't tried it yet, you may be wondering what makes it a great activity to pass the time. The Mahjong Solitaire tiles and mechanics may not be fun or make sense.
But you'll most likely change your mind once you know the following benefits of playing Mahjong Solitaire or Mahjong Solitaire.
Trains on Pattern Recognition Skills
As a puzzle game, Mahjong Solitaire requires you to identify and differentiate the symbols on every tile. This element of the game requires you to recognize patterns for an extended period. Your brain will learn to sort out what objects are similar and which don't match together. As a result, you can develop and improve your skills to distinguish general patterns faster.
Enhances Concentration
Traditional Mahjong Solitaire is challenging. It requires deep concentration for you to learn and master the game. And playing Mahjong Solitaire is no different. As you recognize patterns and put them into your memory, you need to tune out distractions and maintain focus to win the game. Thus, this is a great and fun way to train your brain to tackle one subject at a time.
Improves Memory Recall
As a strategic game, traditional Mahjong Solitaire or Mahjong Solitaire doesn't only require pattern recognition skills. Although you don't have to remember the Mahjong Solitaire tiles in detail, you need to be mindful of their distinguishing features. This means a certain degree of memorization is also necessary. As you look at the board carefully and try to recall the position of Mahjong Solitaire tiles, the game helps improve your memory recall.
Boosts Mental Health
Based on a study from the University of Georgia, playing Mahjong Solitaire was beneficial in boosting mental health among older Chinese people. Although social participation in the game is linked to better mental health, the online version of Mahjong Solitaire can provide the same benefit. Like other online games, playing Mahjong Solitaire is relaxing and can give you a feeling of belonging, which is essential for mental health.
How to Play Online Mahjong Solitaire Games as a Beginner?
Depending on the variations you choose to play, there might be slight differences in Mahjong Solitaire rules. However, every Mahjong Solitaire game may have all the basic principles. If you're a beginner who wants to learn how to play online Mahjong Solitaire, here are some key things you need to know.
Components
Like playing card games, Mahjong Solitaire is composed of matching or identical tiles. Such tiles also have suits: Character, Dot, Season, Dragon, Wind, and Flower. You may find a complete set of 144 tiles at the beginning of the game when you're playing Mahjong Solitaire online. However, depending on the variation and style you choose to play, some tiles might be optional, and the function of the flower and season tiles may vary. In Mahjong Solitaire, the four Flowers and Seasons don't need to be matched. Because there's only one of each, you can use them like Joker cards in card games.
Game's Goal
The game's primary goal is to get a Mahjong Solitaire, which comprises four sets of three tiles and one pair of tiles. A complete set can be a pung, meaning three identical tiles, or it can be a chow, three consecutive numbers of the same suit in a row. The gameplay of Mahjong Solitaire is to remove matching tiles from the playing area while opening new possibilities to match.
Depending on the version of Mahjong Solitaire, you can have the following options:
Reshuffle the Mahjong Solitaire tiles
Undo and redo moves
Select winnable games only
Change the sets of tiles and patterns to flower tiles, jewels, or other items that are easier to pair.
Play unlimited games or a series of different layouts
Scoring and Points
The simple scoring of Mahjong Solitaire is based on whoever achieved the Mahjong Solitaire and got the winning hand. In Mahjong Solitaire, you can earn points based on how many tiles you removed and the speed at which you completed the game. The points you get may depend on the version of Mahjong Solitaire you play. If you can remove all of the matching tiles, you will be awarded a bonus. The good thing about playing free Mahjong Solitaire online is that the platform automatically calculates the score. It's always best to review the scoring criteria of the game before playing so you can find out how it is done.
Tips and Strategies When Playing Online Mahjong Solitaire
One move can be enough to win the Mahjong Solitaire game or make it unsolvable. This is why you need to strategize when playing the game. Here are some tips and strategies you might want to consider:
- Always think a step ahead. This means having a clear plan of attack before making any move. Consider the next potential moves you'll make and remain flexible.
- Be more focused on matching tiles on horizontal lines as they are often more challenging to remove. If you match the wrong pair, you can get into an unsolvable situation.
- Have a patient eye. Try to survey the pieces carefully before you shuffle the Mahjong Solitaire tiles.
Frequently asked questions on Mahjong Solitaire
Are there different difficulty levels in Mahjong Solitaire games?
Mahjong Solitaire games can have different difficulty levels. Depending on the version, app, or gaming site, you can select your desired difficulty level. But note that the more complex the game, the more you need to plan your moves carefully.
Are all games in Mahjong Solitaire winnable?
Most games of Mahjong Solitaire are possible to win. However, it depends on how the game was generated. In Solitaired, you have the option to choose only winnable games.
How long does it take to play a complete Mahjong Solitaire game online?
The duration of Mahjong Solitaire games online also depends on the version you play. But unlike traditional Mahjong Solitaire, which can take around four hours to complete, it takes less time to play a complete game of online Mahjong Solitaire.
