Here are quick answers to what people ask most often. If yours is not here, please ask us.
Questions people ask
What is mahjong?
A tile game that began in China in the 1800s. Four players draw and discard tiles, trying to be first to complete a winning hand.
What are the basic rules of mahjong?
Each player holds 13 tiles and takes turns drawing and discarding. In most styles, you win with four sets and a pair. American mahjong uses hands from a yearly card.
Why is mahjong so difficult to learn?
You have to learn new tiles, sets, turns, and scoring together. Taking them one at a time, starting with the tiles, makes it much easier.
Is Mahjong Solitaire real mahjong?
No. It is a single-player matching game that uses mahjong tiles. Four-player mahjong has very different rules.
Is this site really free?
Yes. All games, lessons, trainers, and printables are free. The site is funded by advertising.
Do I need an account?
No. Your progress is saved on your device. To move it to another device, create a save code in the game's settings.
Can I play offline?
Yes. After your first visit, the game can work without a connection. You can also install it to your home screen.
Why am I stuck with no moves left?
No free tiles match. You can undo, shuffle, or start a new game. Each deal here can be cleared when it begins, so an earlier match blocked the way.
Can I play in another language?
Yes. Use the language button at the top of any page. English remains the reference, and translations are automatic.
Does this site reproduce the National Mah Jongg League card?
No. We never list or describe its hands. Our practice hands are original, and they do not replace the card, which you can buy from the League.
Is there real-money play here?
No. There is no gambling of any kind on this site, and it does not link to betting or casino sites.