Classic Mahjong is exactly what it sounds like—a faithful digital adaptation of the traditional single-player tile-matching game. With beautifully styled tiles and a clean layout, it offers a back-to-basics experience that’s ideal for both newcomers and longtime fans. The game is all about spotting matching tiles, managing layers, and working through the puzzle systematically. It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly the charm of it. You don’t need any gimmicks when the core gameplay is already this good.
The setup usually follows the turtle layout, though many versions offer alternate shapes for variety. Each tile type—bamboo, characters, circles, dragons, winds, and flowers—is clearly represented. Your mission is to match and remove free tiles, eventually clearing the board. A tile is “free” if it’s not covered by another tile and at least one side (left or right) is open.
To play, click on one tile, then another that matches it exactly. If they’re both free, they’ll disappear. Repeat until the board is empty. If you run out of valid moves, you’ll either have to shuffle or restart, depending on the version. Classic Mahjong is perfect for a relaxing break or a quiet challenge, and it’s surprisingly satisfying to watch the board slowly empty as your plan comes together. It’s a game that never really goes out of style.