If you’re looking for a game that offers a seamless incorporation of mental challenge and relaxation, Mahjong Titans is a perfect choice.
Mahjong Titans, the digital adaptation of the classic Chinese Mahjong game, has captured the hearts of players worldwide since its release by Microsoft in 2012.
Since then, several versions of this solitaire-type game have been released on different websites and mobile apps.
Want to explore this game and get a glimpse into just how gripping it is? Well, we’re here to guide you through the journey!
Today, we’ll explain the basics of Mahjong Titans and share some tips to help you score more wins.
Digesting the Basics
Mahjong Titans offers a solitaire version of the classic Mahjong game. It uses the same set of tiles arranged in various layouts. The Windows version features six unique tile layouts: Turtle, Dragon, Cat, Fortress, Crab, and Spider. The Turtle layout is the favourite, even in the online version, where it’s quick, simple (no time limit), and more control is provided over the game.
The tiles in Mahjong Titans fall into three main categories: Suited tiles, Honor tiles, and Bonus tiles.
The suited tiles are divided into three suits (Bamboo, Characters, and Dots) each numbered from 1 to 9.
The second category, honor tiles, consists of Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (Red, Green, White).
Finally, the bonus tiles are Flowers and Seasons — they are unique and can be matched with any other tile in their category, even if they’re not identical.
How to Play
With the basics out of the way, let’s explore how to play Mahjong Titans. Know that this game is meant for single-player enjoyment, setting it apart from the traditional 4-player Mahjong.
- The primary goal of the game is to clear the board by matching tiles with identical symbols or sequential numbers.
- You can only match free tiles: those that are not covered by other tiles and have at least one side (left or right) open.
- Each successful match brings you closer to clearing all the tiles on the board and ultimately, scoring a win.
Where to Play Mahjong Titans
It doesn’t matter if you prefer to play this game on your computer, tablet, or smartphone — there are tons of apps and websites that allow you to do so (at no cost!) Some of them include:
- A Clockwork Brain: A great website for playing Mahjong Titans online, compatible with both desktop and mobile devices.
- Microsoft Store: A popular platform to download Mahjong Titans games, including Microsoft’s own version (now called Microsoft Mahjong), featuring multiple visual themes, varying layouts, and even daily challenges.
- Mahjong Fun: Offers an easy-to-access version of Mahjong Titans with features including full-screen mode and lights-off option.
Features to Look Out For
- User interface: A clean and intuitive interface that’s not cluttered with ads.
- Extra features: Options such as tile shuffling, undo moves, different layouts, and leaderboards to add variety to the gameplay.
Playing Strategies for Beginners
Getting acquainted with Mahjong Titans can feel a bit intimidating at first, but these tips can help you quickly improve your game:
- Plan matches strategically: It’s important to always study the board, think deeply, and plan your moves carefully before making a match. (Pro tip: memorising the tile locations can help you with this.)
- Clear the high piles first: Start by matching tiles in high stacks and horizontal rows, as this allows you to uncover more tiles progressively.
- Prioritise matches that free up more tiles: Always look for pairs that will immediately give you future moves.
- Leverage the “undo” and “reshuffle” options if present: If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to use these features — they can be lifesavers!