Tenpai · Understanding Mahjong
Understanding Mahjong
A board full of tiles, two matching designs, and a choice: which move will open the next path? Discover Tenpai's rules and the stories behind its tiles.
Which Mahjong are you playing here?
Tenpai is Mahjong Solitaire. You play alone, removing matching pairs of free tiles from an open layout. You win when the board is empty. Play directly in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer; you do not need an account to play Solitaire.
Classic Mahjong is a different game: several players draw and discard tiles to build particular combinations. Its suits and designs also shape the tiles used in Solitaire. The names Mahjong, Mah-Jongg and Mahjongg are different spellings you may encounter.
The rules described here apply to Tenpai Solitaire, also called Mahjongg Solitaire. A classic multiplayer mode is not yet available to play.
Two conditions for every move
A tile must be uncovered by any other tile. It must also have a free side on the left or right. You can remove a pair only when both tiles meet these conditions and carry the same design.
A free pair is an opportunity, not yet a sure path to victory. Look at which tiles underneath or alongside it will become free. The illustrated rules show the difference between a free tile and a blocked tile.
Play at your own pace
There is no time limit that ends your game. When needed, you can highlight a possible pair, undo a move or shuffle the remaining designs. The KIRI, Exklusiv and Jade tile sets change the appearance, but not the matching rule.
Your game and settings are saved on this device, where your browser allows it. When you return, you can continue an existing game. This does not synchronise your game between a phone and a computer.