Big Tiles Mahjong: mahjong you can read at a glance
Many players love mahjong solitaire but find the tiles on a classic 144-tile board too small, especially on a tablet or phone. Big Tiles Mahjong solves that. It uses a smaller board of 56 tiles in two layers, so every tile can be drawn much larger and clearer. The tile faces are the traditional designs, with strong colours and crisp characters that are easy to tell apart.
It is a relaxed game. There is no time limit, hints and undo are free and unlimited, and every deal can be cleared. It is a gentle way to enjoy mahjong, and a good choice for older players, for anyone with tired eyes, and for younger players learning the tiles.
How to play
- Find a free tile. A tile is free when no tile lies on top of it and its left or right side is open. Blocked tiles look a little darker.
- Tap it, then tap an identical free tile. The pair leaves the board.
- Keep matching until the board is empty.
- Need help? Press Hint to see a pair you can take. Press Undo to take back a match. If no pairs are left, Shuffle re-deals the remaining tiles so you can carry on.
Make the tiles even bigger
Press Full screen above the game. The board then fills your whole screen, with the buttons in a bar along the bottom, and the tiles grow as large as your display allows. On a tablet held sideways they become very large indeed. On a phone, turn it sideways for the biggest tiles.
The tiles, explained
Mahjong tiles come in three suits and some special tiles:
- Dots (circles), numbered 1 to 9.
- Bamboo (sticks), numbered 1 to 9. The 1 of bamboo is traditionally drawn as a bird.
- Characters, numbered 1 to 9 with a Chinese number above the red character for “ten thousand”.
- Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (red, green and white).
Two tiles match when they are exactly the same.
Tips for a smooth game
Start at the ends of the rows. The first and last tile of each row are free, so they are where most matches begin.
Free the raised tiles. The tiles on the upper layer cover tiles below them. Take the raised tiles when you can, and the lower layer opens up.
No rush. There is no clock to beat unless you want one. The time shown is just for fun.
More games to enjoy
When you are ready for more, try classic Mahjong Solitaire or the new-every-day Daily Mahjong. You may also enjoy Solitaire with large, clear cards, or a calm game of Checkers.
How to play Big Tiles Mahjong
- The board has 56 large tiles in two layers. Remove them in matching pairs.
- A tile is free when nothing lies on top of it and its left or right side is open.
- Identical tiles match. Tap one free tile, then its partner.
- If no pair is left, press Shuffle to re-deal the remaining tiles. Hint shows a pair, Undo takes one back.
Big Tiles Mahjong tips
Use full screen
Press Full screen and the tiles grow to fill the whole display. On a tablet they become very large and clear.
Take your time
There is no time limit and no penalty for hints. Play at your own pace.
Start with the edges
The tiles at the ends of each row are free. Clearing them opens the rows and the raised tiles in the middle.
Frequently asked questions
Is this mahjong good for seniors?
Yes. The tiles are much larger than on a classic board, the colours are strong, and there is no time pressure. Full screen makes them larger still.
Why are there fewer tiles?
A smaller board lets every tile be bigger on the same screen. 56 tiles in two layers still gives a satisfying game of a few minutes.
Can I switch to the classic board?
Yes. Use the Layout choice above the board, or open classic Mahjong Solitaire from the links at the top of the page.
