Mahjong Shanghai Dynasty is a classic tile-matching puzzle game where you clear a board by pairing identical, unblocked tiles. This free browser game is a digital adaptation of the traditional solitaire pastime, offering a relaxing yet strategic experience for players of all skill levels.
It uses simple mouse controls to select and match tiles from various layouts.
The core rule of Mahjong Shanghai Dynasty is simple: find and match two identical tiles to remove them from the playfield. However, you can only select tiles that are considered "free".
A tile is free if it has no other tiles on top of it and is open on either its left or right side. This means you generally have to work from the edges of the layout inwards and from the top layers down.
You start with a stacked arrangement of 144 tiles, most famously the classic "Turtle" formation. Your goal is to systematically dismantle this structure by making strategic matches until no tiles remain.
The challenge comes from planning your moves to avoid getting stuck with no available pairs.
This version of the game offers two distinct modes to suit different players. The main mode is the classic "Shanghai" experience, which presents the full, complex challenge intended for puzzle enthusiasts. It requires careful planning and a keen eye for available matches.
For younger players or those looking for a more casual start, Mahjong Shanghai Dynasty includes a "For Kids" mode. This mode features a smaller board with fewer tiles.
The tiles themselves also use simpler, more distinct images like animals and toys instead of traditional Chinese characters, making pair identification much easier.
You can play Mahjong Shanghai Dynasty completely free in your web browser. There's no need to download any files or install any software.
Because it runs directly on the page, it's a great choice for a quick game session on a school Chromebook or a work computer, as it works on most networks without being blocked.
The main goal in Mahjong Shanghai Dynasty is to clear the entire board by matching and removing all the tiles. You win the game when the board is empty.
The game is controlled entirely with your mouse. Use a left click to select a tile you want to match. Then, left click on a second, identical tile to remove both from the board as a pair.
You can only match tiles that are "free". A tile is considered free if it is not covered by another tile and has an open space on either its left or right side. You cannot select tiles that are blocked by others.
If you get stuck, you can use the "Hint" button to reveal a possible match. If no matches are available, you can use the "Shuffle" button to rearrange the remaining tiles and continue playing.
Focus on High Stacks - Prioritize removing tiles from the tallest stacks to uncover the pieces underneath more quickly. Clear Long Rows - Matching tiles that are part of long horizontal rows will free up a larger number of other tiles.
Match Triples First - If you see three identical free tiles, match the pair that will unblock the most new tiles.
Look Ahead - Before making an easy match on the edge, scan the board to see if one of those tiles is needed to unlock a more critical piece elsewhere.
Use Hints to Learn - If you're stuck, use the hint feature not just to make a move, but to understand what kind of matches you might be overlooking. Avoid Shuffling - The shuffle button is a last resort.
Using it means you've reached a dead end, so try to plan your moves to avoid needing it.
