Mahjong Solitaire Layouts Guide: All 35 Formations Explained
The layout you choose in Mahjong Solitaire dramatically affects the game's difficulty and strategy. With 35 unique formations to explore, there's a perfect layout for every skill level and mood.
Table of Contents
Why Layouts Matter
In Mahjong Solitaire, the layout determines how the 144 tiles are arranged on the board. Different layouts create different challenges:
- Number of layers: More layers means more tiles are buried and harder to access
- Spread: Wider layouts have more free tiles available at any time
- Shape: The shape determines which tiles become bottlenecks
- Symmetry: Symmetrical layouts tend to be more balanced in difficulty
Each layout uses the same 144 tiles — only their arrangement changes. This means the tile types and scoring system remain consistent across all layouts.
Layout Origins
Our 35 layouts are based on the classic KDE KMahjongg collection, refined over decades by the open-source community. These layouts have been carefully designed to provide varied challenges while remaining solvable with skill and planning.
Classic Layouts
These layouts form the foundation of Mahjong Solitaire, featuring traditional formations that have been played for decades.
Turtle (The Original)
Difficulty: Medium | Layers: 5 | Best for: All skill levels
The Turtle is the iconic Mahjong Solitaire formation, dating back to the 1986 game "Shanghai." Its distinctive shape resembles a turtle when viewed from above, with a wide central body and smaller head and tail sections. This is the layout most players learn first and remains a favorite for its balanced challenge.
Strategy: Focus on the single tiles at the head and tail first — they're always free. Work the top layer of the central stack to expose lower tiles. Keep both sides balanced as you clear.
Other Classic Layouts
| Layout | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Altar | Medium | Temple-inspired stepped formation with balanced tile distribution |
| Temple | Hard | Tall, imposing structure with deep layers requiring careful excavation |
| Stairs | Medium | Ascending formation that teaches layer-by-layer clearing strategy |
| Columns | Medium | Vertical pillars that challenge you to work multiple stacks simultaneously |
Animal-Shaped Layouts
These creative formations arrange tiles into recognizable animal shapes, combining visual appeal with unique strategic challenges.
Dragon
Difficulty: Hard | Layers: 4-5 | Best for: Advanced players
The Dragon arranges tiles in a long, serpentine shape reminiscent of a Chinese dragon. Its elongated form creates chains of tile dependencies that snake across the board. The narrow body means limited free tiles at any time.
Strategy: Work from both ends simultaneously. The head and tail have the most accessible tiles, so match those first while gradually working toward the body. Avoid getting "pinched" in the middle.
Spider
Difficulty: Hard | Layers: 4-5 | Best for: Advanced players
The Spider features eight "legs" radiating from a central body. This spread-out design creates multiple independent pathways that must all be managed. The central body contains the deepest, most critical tiles.
Strategy: Work the leg tips first for easy matches, but don't neglect the body. Balance clearing across all eight legs to avoid isolating tiles.
Other Animal Layouts
| Layout | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | Medium | Sitting cat shape with ears and tail providing accessible starting tiles |
| Crab | Medium | Wide-bodied crustacean with claws extending outward |
| Eagle | Medium | Majestic bird with outstretched wings offering good tile access |
| Bat | Medium | Flying bat silhouette with wide wingspan |
| Bug | Easy-Medium | Simple insect shape good for practicing basic strategy |
| Moth | Medium | Symmetrical wing pattern with central body |
Geometric Layouts
These layouts use geometric patterns and abstract shapes, often featuring satisfying symmetry and clear structural logic.
Featured Geometric Layouts
| Layout | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arena | Medium | Circular colosseum-style formation with tiered seating pattern |
| Arrow | Medium | Pointed directional shape that guides your clearing strategy |
| Balance | Medium | Symmetrical scales design requiring even clearing on both sides |
| Checkered | Medium | Alternating pattern like a checkerboard with strategic gaps |
| Chip | Easy-Medium | Circular microchip-inspired design with radial symmetry |
| Mesh | Medium | Interwoven grid pattern creating an interconnected puzzle |
| Order | Medium | Structured, organized formation emphasizing systematic clearing |
| Pattern | Medium | Repeating decorative motif with rhythmic tile placement |
| Shield | Medium | Defensive heraldic shape with a protected central area |
| Squares | Easy | Simple square formations, great for beginners |
| Squaring | Medium | Nested squares creating layered depth |
| Inner Circle | Medium | Concentric rings focusing toward a central point |
| Helios | Medium | Sun-inspired radial pattern with rays extending outward |
Creative & Fun Layouts
These imaginative layouts feature unique themes from nature, mythology, and even science fiction.
Enterprise
Difficulty: Medium | Layers: 4 | Best for: Fun variety
One of the most creative layouts, Enterprise arranges tiles in a spaceship silhouette. The saucer section and nacelles create distinct areas to manage, making this layout both visually appealing and strategically interesting.
Nature & Garden Layouts
| Layout | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Easy | Blooming floral pattern, one of the easiest layouts |
| Garden | Easy | Peaceful garden arrangement with accessible tiles throughout |
| Glade | Easy | Forest clearing design with open, inviting structure |
Other Creative Layouts
| Layout | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Future | Medium | Futuristic, abstract design with unconventional tile placement |
| KM | Medium | The signature KMahjongg layout honoring the game's heritage |
| Maya | Medium-Hard | Ancient Mayan temple-inspired stepped pyramid |
| Pirates | Medium | Swashbuckling adventure theme with treasure-map feel |
| Rocket | Medium | Launching spacecraft shape, vertical and dynamic |
Complete Layout Reference (All 35)
Here's the complete list of all 35 layouts available on Try Mahjong, sorted alphabetically with difficulty ratings:
| Layout | Difficulty | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Altar | Medium | Classic |
| Arena | Medium | Geometric |
| Arrow | Medium | Geometric |
| Balance | Medium | Geometric |
| Bat | Medium | Animal |
| Bug | Easy-Medium | Animal |
| Cat | Medium | Animal |
| Checkered | Medium | Geometric |
| Chip | Easy-Medium | Geometric |
| Columns | Medium | Classic |
| Crab | Medium | Animal |
| Dragon | Hard | Animal |
| Eagle | Medium | Animal |
| Enterprise | Medium | Creative |
| Flowers | Easy | Nature |
| Future | Medium | Creative |
| Garden | Easy | Nature |
| Glade | Easy | Nature |
| Helios | Medium | Geometric |
| Inner Circle | Medium | Geometric |
| KM | Medium | Creative |
| Maya | Medium-Hard | Creative |
| Mesh | Medium | Geometric |
| Moth | Medium | Animal |
| Order | Medium | Geometric |
| Pattern | Medium | Geometric |
| Pirates | Medium | Creative |
| Rocket | Medium | Creative |
| Shield | Medium | Geometric |
| Spider | Hard | Animal |
| Squares | Easy | Geometric |
| Squaring | Medium | Geometric |
| Stairs | Medium | Classic |
| Temple | Hard | Classic |
| Turtle | Medium | Classic |
Layout Difficulty Guide
Easy Layouts (Best for Beginners)
Flowers, Garden, Glade, Squares
These layouts feature wide spreads, fewer layers, and many accessible tiles from the start. Perfect for learning the game or relaxing play sessions.
Medium Layouts (Core Collection)
Turtle, Altar, Arena, Arrow, Balance, Bat, Cat, Checkered, Chip, Columns, Crab, Eagle, Enterprise, Future, Helios, Inner Circle, KM, Mesh, Moth, Order, Pattern, Pirates, Rocket, Shield, Squaring, Stairs
The majority of layouts fall into this category, offering balanced challenges suitable for most players. Great for daily practice and building skills.
Hard Layouts (For Advanced Players)
Dragon, Spider, Temple, Maya
These layouts demand careful planning, efficient use of undo, and the ability to think several moves ahead. They're the most rewarding to complete but also the most likely to result in an unsolvable board state if played carelessly.
Which Layout Should You Start With?
For Complete Beginners
Start with Garden or Flowers to learn the basics with minimal frustration. These layouts have many free tiles and forgiving structures. Once comfortable, try Turtle for the classic experience.
For Intermediate Players
Explore the animal layouts like Cat, Eagle, and Crab to experience different strategic challenges. Try geometric layouts like Arena and Balance to practice systematic clearing techniques.
For Advanced Players
Challenge yourself with Dragon, Spider, and Temple. These layouts demand careful planning and the ability to read the board several moves ahead. They're also the most satisfying to complete!
For Fun & Variety
Try creative layouts like Enterprise, Pirates, and Rocket when you want something different. The Daily Challenge is also a great way to experience all 35 layouts over time.
Explore All 35 Layouts
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