Frequently asked questions about Mahjong Solitaire
When is a tile free?
A tile is free when no other tile is on top of it, even partially, and either its left or right side has no neighboring tile on the same layer. The top and bottom edges do not count. In the app, a blocked tile has a darker face and cannot be selected.
Can flowers and seasons be paired together?
A flower matches any other flower, and a season matches any other season, even if their designs differ. A flower never matches a season. All other tiles must be exactly identical.
Can every game be won?
Not every game is guaranteed to be winnable. The app searches for a complete removal plan to prepare the deal, but may use a random deal if it cannot find one. Even with a plan at the start, removing pairs in a different order can block the game.
What happens when no more pairs are possible?
The app announces “No more moves” as soon as no pairs of free tiles remain. You can then tap Undo to go back, or start a new game. The remaining tiles are not shuffled.
What does the Hint button show?
It outlines two free tiles that form a pair. The app first chooses the next pair in its own winning plan when that pair is playable; otherwise, it chooses the first free pair found. In the game shown in the examples, playing only the hinted pairs clears the board in 72 pairs.
How many moves can you undo?
All of them: the undo stack stores up to 72 pairs, as many as the board contains. Each tap restores the last pair removed to its original positions, even after the game gets blocked.
What is the game code for?
The code, in the format MJ1-L00-AAAAABL, identifies the layout and the deal. Entering it in the app gives you exactly the same tiles in the same positions: same code, same game.