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How to Play Microsoft Solitaire Mahjong

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A digital rendering of a Mahjong Solitaire game in progress with a space theme. Two pairs of glowing pink tiles are highlighted on a stack of white tiles with various scientific symbols, set against a backdrop of a nebula, stars, and stylized planets. A banner at the bottom reads "CHALLENGE YOURSELF!". Metallic, futuristic cables are visible at the very bottom edge.
Credits: Xbox

Table of Content

  1. The Basics of the Game
  2. The Fundamental Rules
  3. Strategies to Win
  4. What to Do When You Are Stuck
  5. Some Benefits of Playing
  6. Conclusion

Microsoft Mahjong is the modern version of the popular Mahjong Solitaire patience game, which uses Mahjong tiles. 

It is a relaxing yet challenging game that tests your observation and strategy skills. If you are new to the game, this guide will help you understand the rules and improve your abilities.

The Basics of the Game

The goal of Microsoft Mahjong is to clear the board by removing all pairs of identical tiles. The game uses 144 tiles, arranged in a variety of layouts, such as "Turtle," "Waterfall," or "Dragon."

There are four types of tiles, and each has its own unique features:

  • Suit tiles: These include Bamboos, Circles, and Characters, numbered from 1 to 9.
  • Honor tiles: These include the Dragons (Red, Green, and White) and the Winds (East, South, West, and North).
  • Seasonal tiles: The four Season tiles, which are Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring.
  • Flower tiles: The four Flower tiles, which are Orchid, Plum, Chrysanthemum, and Bamboo.

All tiles (with the exception of the flowers and seasons) have four identical copies.

The Fundamental Rules

The main challenge of Mahjong is that not all tiles are available to be matched. To remove a pair of tiles, they must follow two essential rules:

  1. Be "free": A tile is considered free if there is no other tile on top of it.

    A screenshot of Microsoft Mahjong Solitaire showing a turtle-shaped layout of tiles. The background is a Japanese garden scene with bamboo and a pine tree. Some tiles are highlighted in green, and the game interface displays information such as the number of remaining tiles (144), matches made (13), and the game time. Options for "New", "Reshuffle", "Hint", and "Undo" are visible at the bottom.

  2. Have an "open" side: The tile must have at least one of its sides (left or right) without a neighboring tile.

    A screenshot of Microsoft Mahjong Solitaire displaying a turtle-shaped tile arrangement against a backdrop of a Japanese garden with bamboo and a pine tree. One "East Wind" tile is highlighted with a white arrow pointing to it. The game interface shows "Tiles 144," "Matches 13," "Time 00:00," and "Score 0." Buttons for "New," "Reshuffle," "Hint," and "Undo" are visible at the bottom.

Understanding these rules is crucial. A tile may be on the edge of the layout, but if there is a tile stacked on top of it, it cannot be used. 

Similarly, a tile can be at the top of a stack, but if it is surrounded by other tiles on both sides, it also cannot be removed.

Strategies to Win

To win at Microsoft Mahjong, you need more than just luck. A good strategy is essential.

  1. Start from the top down: Prioritize removing tiles that are in the upper layers. This is important because by clearing these tiles, you reveal the ones underneath, increasing your matching options.

    A split-screen comparison of a Microsoft Mahjong Solitaire game. The left side shows the board before a move, with two identical tiles (one with the number 3 and a blue circle) highlighted by a white arrow, along with other highlighted tiles. The right side shows the same board after the move has been made, with the two matching tiles removed. The score and time counters have updated, and another arrow points to the newly revealed tile. The background is a serene Japanese garden.

  2. Keep an eye out for hidden pairs: Microsoft Mahjong has a highlight feature that shows available tiles. Use this to your advantage, but try to look beyond the obvious. A tile that appears to have no match may have a corresponding one buried under other tiles.
  3. Avoid removing random pairs: Try to think a few moves ahead. If you have a choice between two pairs, select the one that will free up the greatest number of other tiles. For example, if a tile is blocking access to an entire stack, that should be your priority.
  4. Seasonal and floral tiles are valuable: Remember that seasonal and floral tiles are special. They can be matched with any other tile of the same type. For example, a "Spring" tile can be matched with a "Winter" tile. Keep an eye on them to unlock strategic moves.

    A side-by-side comparison of a Microsoft Mahjong Solitaire game. The left side shows the game board with a 'Spring' flower tile highlighted in light blue, along with its matching tile. The right side shows the same layout after the matching 'Spring' tiles have been removed. The game's statistics, including "Tiles," "Matches," "Time," and "Score," have been updated on both sides to reflect the progress of the game.

What to Do When You Are Stuck

Microsoft Mahjong offers some useful tools if you find yourself in a dead end:

Hints

The game can highlight a pair of tiles that can be removed, which is great for beginners or when you cannot find a move.

A screenshot of a Microsoft Mahjong Solitaire game displaying a circular, ring-shaped tile layout against a background of a Japanese garden with a pathway and bamboo forest. A white arrow points to the "Reshuffle" button at the bottom left. The game stats at the top show "Tiles 140," "Matches 12," "Time 04:07," and "Score 0.

Shuffle

If there are no more possible moves, the game allows you to shuffle the tiles. Use this option with caution, as shuffling can make the situation worse or even lead to a new dead end.

A screenshot of a Microsoft Mahjong Solitaire game displaying a pyramid-shaped tile layout against a background of a Japanese garden with a pathway and bamboo forest. The game is in progress, with some tiles highlighted in blue, and a white arrow points to the "Hint" button in the bottom right corner. The user interface at the top shows the game's current status: "Tiles 140," "Matches 12," "Time 04:07," and "Score 0.

Some Benefits of Playing

Playing Microsoft Mahjong offers a range of benefits, mainly related to mental health and cognitive skill development.

Improves focus and concentration

To win, you need to pay attention to details and quickly identify available tiles. 
This requires a high level of concentration and, with practice, helps improve this skill in other areas of your life.

Enhances memory and pattern recognition 

The game requires you to memorize the location of tiles and quickly identify identical patterns. 

Over time, this repetition strengthens your short-term memory and the brain's ability to recognize and process visual information more efficiently.

Reduces stress and anxiety 

Being a slow-paced game, without the pressure of a time limit (unless you activate this option), Mahjong Solitaire is an excellent tool for relaxation. 

The repetitive and methodical nature of the game can be quite calming, helping to reduce daily anxiety and stress.

Stimulates problem-solving and decision-making 

Every move in Microsoft Mahjong is a decision. You need to decide which pair to remove to avoid blocking future moves. 

This strategic part of the game trains your brain to think logically and plan ahead, improving your problem-solving skills.

Conclusion

Mastering Microsoft Mahjong goes beyond simple entertainment. It's a rewarding experience that sharpens your cognitive skills, from focus and memory to strategic planning. 

By understanding the core rules and applying smart strategies like prioritizing top tiles and looking ahead, you can significantly increase your chances of clearing the board. 

Caio Vinicius

About Caio Vinicius

Founder and writer of the Games Catalogue blog. I have a particular interest in horror and action games, as well as a touch of science fiction.

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