Mahjong Pyramid: a tall, compact challenge
Mahjong Pyramid stacks 120 tiles into a square pyramid four layers high. The base is an 8 by 8 square, and each layer above steps inwards until two tiles sit on the very top. It is a compact layout, but a deep one: at the start most of the tiles are covered, so you have to dig your way down.
The rules are those of classic Mahjong Solitaire: take matching pairs of free tiles until the board is empty. What makes the pyramid different is the height. In flat layouts you can see almost every tile. Here, every layer hides the one beneath it, and your job is to open the stack in the right order.
How to play
- Free tiles only. A tile is free when no tile lies on it and its left or right side is open. Covered or boxed-in tiles are shown slightly darker.
- Match pairs. Tap one free tile and then an identical one to remove both.
- Flowers and seasons match within their group: any flower with any flower, any season with any season.
- Use the tools. Hint shows an open pair, Undo takes back a match, and Shuffle re-deals the remaining tiles if no pair is left.
Strategy for the pyramid
Open the peak first. The two tiles at the top rest on the third layer, which rests on the second and so on. Removing the peak early starts a chain that frees the centre of every layer.
Work each layer from the outside in. Every layer’s edge tiles are open on one side. Clear a layer’s edges and the next row inwards becomes free, opening wide bands of the layer below.
Save the base corners. The corners of the bottom layer are free from the first move and stay free. They are a reserve: use them when a pair you need has no other partner available.
Think about the fourth copy. In a tall layout, two copies of a tile can end up stacked directly on top of each other. If you see that happening, take the top one with another partner as soon as possible so the lower one does not stay buried.
Other layouts to try
If you enjoy digging, the Fortress is another deep layout, with towers at its corners. For long rows, play the Dragon. For a relaxed start, the Butterfly is the friendliest. And every day there is a new Daily Mahjong board that is the same for everyone.
Features
- Unlimited winnable deals.
- Unlimited hints, undos and shuffles.
- Real mahjong tile faces on a traditional patterned table.
- Full screen on any device, and a sideways view on phones for larger tiles.
How to play Mahjong Pyramid
- The tiles form a square pyramid in four 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. Any two flowers match, and any two seasons match.
- Tap a free tile, then its partner. If no pair is left, press Shuffle to re-deal the remaining tiles.
Mahjong Pyramid tips
Start at the peak
The two tiles on top cover four layers of tiles. Removing them early opens the whole centre.
Peel the layers evenly
Clear each layer from its edges inwards so the next layer down becomes free in wide bands.
Watch the base corners
The corners of the bottom layer are free from the start. Save them for pairs that nothing else can make.
Frequently asked questions
How many tiles are in Mahjong Pyramid?
120 tiles in four layers of 64, 36, 16 and 4 tiles, stepping in towards the peak.
Is Mahjong Pyramid hard?
It is one of the tougher layouts, because most tiles are covered at the start. Planning which layer to open first matters.
Can every game be won?
Yes. Each deal is built from a real winning order, and Shuffle re-deals the remaining tiles so the board can still be cleared.
