Check these two conditions before selecting a pair
- Look above the tile. Another tile overlapping it at a higher layer blocks it, even if you can still see part of its face.
- Look left and right. At least one side must be open. A tile enclosed on both sides is blocked.
- Repeat for the other tile. Both members of a matching pair must satisfy the rule at the same time.
| Nothing above? | Open left or right? | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Free |
| No | Yes | Blocked by the upper layer |
| Yes | No | Blocked on both sides |
Which faces match?
Ordinary tiles match an identical face. Flowers are a special family: any flower can match another flower. Seasons work the same way within the season family. A flower does not match a season just because both have decorative pictures.
A pair can be visible but unusable
Imagine two identical circle tiles. One sits on the top layer with its left side open; the other is partly covered by a tile above it. You can select the first, but the second cannot complete the pair yet. Remove a different legal pair that exposes the covered tile, then recheck the original pair.
If four matching tiles are available, the choice of pair matters. Removing two that expose upper stacks or open a long edge may create more future options than removing two isolated edge tiles. Inspect what each candidate pair uncovers.
Classic, Connect and Triple Tiles use different rules
| Mode | Matching rule | Main constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Two matching free tiles | Upper layers and blocked sides |
| Connect | Two identical tiles with a clear connecting path | The path may turn at most twice |
| Triple Tiles | Three identical tiles collected in the tray | The tray has seven spaces; side neighbours do not block selection |
These are single-player tile puzzles. They are not the rules for four-player Mahjong with hands, discards and scoring combinations.
What to do when you get stuck
Check the Moves count and use Hint to see a legal pair. In this version, a hint highlights both members. Undo lets you revisit a choice; Shuffle rearranges the remaining tiles. These tools help you learn why a pair works, but using them can affect the score. Do not use a Connect path rule to judge a Classic tile.
Common questions
Why can’t I select two matching tiles?
One or both may be covered from above or closed on both sides. Recheck each tile’s position, not just its face.
Do tiles need both sides open?
No. One open side is enough, provided the tile is not covered from above.
Is this a multiplayer Mahjong game?
No. The linked game offers solitaire-style tile puzzles.
