The Chinese block game Mahjong may be played as a group or by oneself. If you go solo, the game is called Mahjong Solitaire.
Solving a Mahjong Solitaire board puzzle is all about avoiding getting to the situation where there are no available matches left (but still tiles left on the board). A Mahjong Solitaire board puzzle in computer games is generated by actually playing the game in "reverse", placing two and two identical tiles on top of each other, while when solving it you play it the other way around. This means that there is at least one valid solution to the board: the way it was generated.
Here are some good tips and solving techniques on how to play Mahjong Solitaire puzzles:
1. Although each tile layout requires a unique approach, the general strategy is to keep removing matching tiles in such a way that each removal would open up more possibilities for future tile matching.
2. You should open up new tiles with every pair they eliminate. Choosing obvious pairs every time, such as those from the top levels, will often lose the game by leaving essential tiles under cover.
3. It is very crucial to focus and give your full attention and concentration to the game, when your mind wanders, even for a second, it will cost you a lot of time to refocus.
4. React fast. Time is the most important factor in the game, so it is imperative to be fast. Fast reaction means making the correct decision given the current situation as the result of previous decisions.
5. You will be required to imagine your movements several steps ahead. The game might look playable now, but if you don’t look ahead and you make the wrong move then the game could end with no solutions.
6. Elaborate your visual memory. Some of the Mahjong characters on the tiles look quite similar, especially when you have to quickly scan many tiles over and over. It is important to be able to distinguish all the tiles correctly, and often memorize where you last saw “that piece”.
