Mahjong Rules: Complete Guide to All Variants & Gameplay

Mahjong rules differ significantly depending on which version of the game you are playing. This page is the authoritative reference for all major Mahjong rule formats, with the EazeGames version (Tropical Tiles) covered in the most detail. If you are new to the game and want a step-by-step walkthrough, start with the how to play Mahjong guide. This page focuses on rule definitions, tile specifications, win conditions, and format comparisons.

What this page covers: The complete rules for Tropical Tiles, EazeGames' 100% skill-based Mahjong Solitaire variant. A scannable key rules reference table. A high-level overview of traditional Mahjong. How tiles work across all formats. Win conditions explained per variant. The most common rule confusions, answered directly. A side-by-side variants comparison table.

What Are the Rules of Mahjong?

What are the rules of Mahjong? Mahjong rules depend on the format. In Mahjong Solitaire, players select free tiles from a stacked board and match identical tiles to remove them. In traditional Mahjong, four players draw and discard tiles to build a complete winning hand. The two formats share the same tiles but have entirely different rules and objectives.

The confusion around Mahjong rules starts with the name, it covers two completely different games.

• Mahjong Solitaire: a tile-clearing puzzle (single-player or competitive head-to-head). This is what most online Mahjong sites offer. EazeGames offers a 100% skill-based variant as Tropical Tiles.
• Traditional Mahjong: a 4-player strategy game with drawing, discarding, hand-building, and complex scoring. Governed by regional rulesets.

This page covers both, clearly separated. Tropical Tiles (EazeGames) is covered first and in the most detail.

Mahjong Solitaire Rules: Tropical Tiles on EazeGames

What are the rules of Mahjong Solitaire? In Mahjong Solitaire, tiles are arranged in a stacked layout. Players select free tiles, tiles not covered from above, and match identical tiles to remove them. In Tropical Tiles on EazeGames, three identical tiles are needed for a match (not two), and matched tiles clear via a holding row with a maximum capacity of nine tiles.

The tile layout

Tiles are arranged in a multi-layer stacked formation. Some tiles sit on top and are immediately accessible. Others are buried and become available only as tiles above them are cleared.

Free tiles: the core eligibility rule

A tile is free and selectable when the following condition is met:

• It is not covered from above by any other tile

Visible tiles that are covered cannot be selected. This rule applies across all Mahjong Solitaire formats.

The three-tile match rule

Key rule for Tropical Tiles: You need three identical tiles in the holding row to complete a match, not two. Classic Mahjong Solitaire uses two-tile pairs. On EazeGames, it is always three. This is a fixed rule of the format, not an option.

The holding row

When you select a free tile, it moves to the holding row at the top of the screen. The holding row holds a maximum of nine tiles.

• Three identical tiles in the row: automatically matched and removed, points scored.
• Nine tiles in the row without a completed match: game ends immediately.

Managing the holding row is not a difficulty setting; it is a rule constraint that applies to all players and modes.

Special and bonus tiles

Special and bonus tiles appear on the board during play and are subject to the same free-tile eligibility rules. They fall into two categories with distinct effects. Special tiles grant power-ups when matched: matching three of the same special tile type can remove a tile triplet from the board for free, add extra slots to the holding row, or grant an Undo action. Bonus tiles activate a temporary score multiplier: matching three of the same bonus tile type doubles your points for a set duration (5 to 20 seconds depending on the tile type). Both categories reward deliberate selection timing over impulsive play.

Scoring

Points are awarded per completed match with exact values: three standard tiles earn 100 points, three special tiles earn 200 points, three bonus tiles earn 150 points plus activate a score multiplier. A speed bonus adds up to 10 additional points per tile match for quick play, and completing a level earns 10 points per second remaining on the clock. The player with the higher cumulative score at the end of the match wins.

End of game

A game ends when:

• The board is fully cleared
• The holding row fills to nine tiles without a match
• Time expires

Key Rules at a Glance: Tropical Tiles

Rule	Definition
Tile eligibility	Uncovered from above
Match requirement	Three identical tiles in the holding row. Two tiles do not form a match.
Identical tiles	Same icon
Holding row capacity	Maximum nine tiles. Reaching nine without a completed match ends the game.
Scoring	Points per tile match: 100 (standard), 200 (special), 150 + multiplier (bonus). Speed bonus up to 10 pts/match. 10 pts per second remaining on clock.
Win condition	Higher cumulative score at the end of the match. Both players face the exact same board under identical conditions.
Special tiles	Appear on the board. Grant power-ups when matched (triplet removal, extra holding row slots, or Undo). Subject to standard free-tile rules.
Face-down tiles visible	All face-down and hidden tiles are shown face-up to both players before the level starts, and can be shown face-up with the VIEW button. Every decision is based on complete information.
Identical boards	Both players in a competitive match face the exact same tile layout and sequence.
Game end conditions	Board cleared / holding row fills to nine / time expires.
Free practice	Full ruleset: same boards, same rules, same scoring as competitive play.

Traditional Mahjong Rules: Overview

What are the rules of traditional Mahjong? Traditional Mahjong is a 4-player game played with 144 tiles. Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles to build a complete hand, typically four sets plus one pair. The first to complete a valid hand declares Mahjong and wins the round. Scoring varies significantly by regional ruleset.

Traditional Mahjong is not available on EazeGames. This overview is for reference only, players seeking full traditional rules should consult a format-specific guide.

• Players: Four (some variants allow 2-3).
• Tiles: 144 tiles, Circles, Bamboo, Characters, Winds, Dragons, and Bonus tiles.
• Objective: Complete a valid hand of 14 tiles, four sets (sequences or triplets) plus one pair.
• Turn structure: Draw a tile, optionally claim opponents' discards, discard one tile. Repeat until a hand is complete.
• Winning: Declare Mahjong when the hand is complete. The hand is verified before the round ends.
• Scoring: Hand-based and complex. Values depend on hand composition, how tiles were obtained, and regional rules.

How Tiles Work in Mahjong

How many tiles are in Mahjong? A standard Mahjong set contains 144 tiles: 108 suited tiles (Circles, Bamboo, and Characters, numbered 1-9 with four copies of each), 16 Wind tiles (East, South, West, North, four of each), 12 Dragon tiles (Red, Green, White, four of each), and 8 Bonus tiles (four Flower, four Season). Japanese Riichi Mahjong uses 136, Bonus tiles are omitted.

The three number suits

• Circles (Dots): Numbered 1-9, four copies of each. Identified by circular pip patterns.
• Bamboo (Sticks): Numbered 1-9, four copies of each. Identified by bamboo stalk patterns.
• Characters (Wan): Numbered 1-9, four copies of each. Identified by Chinese numeral characters.

Honour and bonus tiles

• Wind tiles: East, South, West, North, four of each (16 total).
• Dragon tiles: Red, Green, White, four of each (12 total).
• Bonus tiles: Four Flower tiles and four Season tiles. In Tropical Tiles, these function as special tiles with additional point values.

Matching rule: what counts as identical

For a match in Tropical Tiles, tiles must be strictly identical:

• Tiles can be cleared by matching three identical tiles.
• Toucan tiles can add extra spaces to the matching bar.
• Crab tiles can add extra spaces to the matching bar.
• Cocktail tiles can temporarily double your points.
• Guitar tiles can temporarily double your points.

Winning Conditions Explained

Winning in Tropical Tiles

The winner is the player with the higher cumulative score at match end. Both players face the identical board, so score differences reflect decision quality, not luck.

There is no single 'declare Mahjong' moment. The match ends under one of the three end conditions, and scores are compared automatically.

Winning in traditional Mahjong

In traditional Mahjong, a player wins a round by completing a valid hand and declaring Mahjong. The hand is verified, then scored based on its composition and applicable bonuses.

Traditional Mahjong is played over multiple rounds. The player with the highest cumulative score across all rounds wins the full game.

Common Rule Confusion

‘Do I need two tiles or three to match?’

Classic Mahjong Solitaire uses two-tile pairs. Tropical Tiles on EazeGames uses three-tile matches. On EazeGames, the answer is always three.

‘Can I select any tile I can see?’

No. A tile must be free, uncovered from above. Visible tiles that are covered cannot be selected.

‘What happens if the holding row fills up?’

If the holding row reaches nine tiles without a completed match, the game ends immediately. The row cannot be reshuffled or reset. Prevention is the only approach; manage it continuously.

‘How is scoring different in Solitaire vs traditional Mahjong?’

In Tropical Tiles: cumulative match points, speed-influenced, bonus points, compared at the end. In traditional Mahjong: hand-based scoring with complex multipliers and round conditions, a completely different system.

Mahjong Variants Compared

Feature	Tropical Tiles (EazeGames)	Classic Mahjong Solitaire	Traditional Mahjong	Japanese Riichi
Players	2+ (head-to-head)	1 (solo)	4	4
Total tiles	Varies	144	144	136
Match type	3 identical tiles	2 identical tiles	Sets of 3 + 1 pair	Sets of 3 + 1 pair
Objective	Score higher than opponent	Clear the board	Complete hand first	Complete hand (Riichi)
Board	Stacked: identical for both	Stacked: random	Drawn from a wall	Drawn from a wall
Holding row	Yes: nine tile maximum	No	No	No
Luck element	None	High	Significant	Significant
Scoring	Cumulative match points	Completion only	Hand-based, complex	Hand-based, point-limit
On EazeGames?	Yes	No	No	No

Play Mahjong on EazeGames

Tropical Tiles is available in your browser, no download, no account required to start. Free practice uses the full ruleset: same tile layouts, same three-tile matching, same holding row rules, same scoring as competitive play.

When you are ready, competitive matches put you head-to-head against others on an identical board. EazeGames generates revenue through the service fee charged on entry fees. Prize details are shown before entry. For strategy and decision-making guidance, see the Mahjong strategy guide. For comparison, the solitaire rules page covers another skill-based card game on EazeGames with its own distinct rule structure. Ready to play? Visit the Mahjong main page to start free practice.

Practise the rules in a real game. Free practice on EazeGames uses the complete Tropical Tiles ruleset, the fastest way to understand how tile eligibility, the holding row, and three-tile matching work in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mahjong Rules