Both games use the same family of tiles, but Mahjong history gave us two very different experiences: classic Mahjong (a four-player table game with turns, melds, and scoring) and Mahjong Solitaire (a one-player matching puzzle). Knowing the difference helps you choose the right game and understand the rules.
Players and Turns
Classic Mahjong is usually played by four people. Each player has a hand, draws and discards tiles in turn, and tries to complete a winning hand (melds and a pair). Mahjong Solitaire has no opponents and no turns: you alone remove matching pairs from a pre-built layout until the board is empty or you are stuck. It is ideal for relaxation and mental focus without scheduling others.
Tiles and Layout
Both use the same tile set: suits (dots, bamboos, characters), honors (winds, dragons), and often flowers and seasons. In classic Mahjong, tiles are in a central pile and in players' hands. In Mahjong Solitaire, all tiles are arranged in a fixed 3D-style layout at the start; you never draw, only match and remove. The layout defines the puzzle; see tile matching for how pairs are chosen.
Goal and Strategy
In classic Mahjong, the goal is to complete a valid hand and score points. Strategy involves reading opponents, discards, and tile counting. In Mahjong Solitaire, the goal is simply to clear the board by matching free pairs; strategy is about which pairs to remove first so you do not block yourself. Our strategy tips and winning strategies focus on this puzzle aspect.