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Best Mahjong Games by Platform (2024): Riichi, Chinese, & Solitaire

"Mahjong" covers two distinct genres: 4-player Riichi/Chinese Mahjong (skill, strategy, like poker) and Mahjong Solitaire (single-player tile matching). Here are the best for each.

4-Player Competitive Mahjong (Riichi / MCR / Hong Kong)

Game	Platform	Style	Key Features
Mahjong Soul (雀魂)	PC (Browser/Steam), iOS, Android	Riichi (Japanese)	Anime aesthetic, gacha cosmetics, ranked ladder, tournaments, English UI, huge global community. Best entry point.
Tenhou (天鳳)	Browser, Android	Riichi	No-frills, serious players, fastest games, zero monetization impact on gameplay. Japanese UI (browser translate works).
Majsoul / Mahjong Soul (CN/JP servers)	Mobile/PC	Riichi	Same as global but earlier content, larger population.
Mahjong Meta	Browser (Web3)	Riichi	Blockchain-based, NFT tiles, play-to-earn. Niche.
Mahjong 4 Friends	iOS, Android	Hong Kong / MCR / Taiwanese	Private rooms, multiple rule sets, good for teaching friends.

Mahjong Solitaire (Single-Player Tile Matching)

Game	Platform	Highlights
Microsoft Mahjong	Windows 10/11, Xbox (Game Pass)	Free, daily challenges, Xbox achievements, clean UI, multiple tile sets/themes.
Mahjong Solitaire: Classic (by MobilityWare)	iOS, Android	Millions of downloads, undo, hints, shuffle, daily puzzles, no ads (paid).
Mahjong Epic	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	1000+ layouts, create your own, relaxation mode, no IAP required for full game.
Shisen-Sho / Sichuan Mahjong (various apps)	All	Different rule: match tiles with ≤3 line bends. More strategic.

Choosing Guide

Want to learn real Mahjong? → Mahjong Soul (tutorial, AI practice, friendly lobby).
Prefer Chinese/HK rules? → Mahjong 4 Friends or Mahjong Time (web).
Just want to relax matching tiles? → Microsoft Mahjong (PC) or Mahjong Epic (mobile).
Play with friends privately? → Mahjong 4 Friends (create room) or Tabletop Simulator (modded sets).

Pro Tip: Learn Riichi Mahjong first—it's the most standardized, best supported online, and skills transfer to other variants.

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