compare
Is mahjong solitaire real mahjong?
Four-player draw-and-discard versus a one-player matching puzzle that only borrowed the tile art.
Why the names collided
Western computers shipped 'mahjong' as Shanghai-style solitaire for decades. East Asian tables kept the four-player game. Tilehaus ships both and names them separately.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what people search — for Google, voice, and assistants.
Is mahjong solitaire real mahjong?
No. It is a one-player matching puzzle that borrowed the tile font. Real mahjong is four players building four melds and a pair from a wall.
Why do apps call matching tiles “mahjong”?
Western computers shipped Shanghai-style solitaire as “mahjong” for decades. Search still collapses both games. Tilehaus ships both and names them separately so you open the table you meant.
Which should I play, mahjong or mahjong solitaire?
Solitaire if you have five minutes and one seat. Four-player mahjong if you want a social meld game. Winning at solitaire will not teach pong, chow, or hu.