We always encourage our students to practise between classes. Whether you’re just getting started or polishing advanced techniques, free Mahjong apps are a great way to stay sharp, learn new patterns, and build confidence before sitting at a real table.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular and widely recommended free apps available today. They cover different Mahjong styles—from Japanese Riichi to Hong Kong and Chinese Official—so there’s something for everyone, no matter which version you’re learning.
1. Mahjong Soul – Best for Riichi Style
Ruleset: Japanese Riichi Mahjong
Cost: Free (with optional purchases)
Mahjong Soul is one of the most popular Mahjong games in the world. It’s user-friendly, beautifully designed, and great for both beginners and experienced players. You can play live online matches or practise against AI opponents. The app includes useful visual aids and tutorials to help you understand the flow of Riichi Mahjong and its scoring patterns (yaku).
If you’re learning Riichi, this is our top recommendation.
2. Mahjong Time – Best for Multiple Rulesets
Ruleset: Hong Kong, MCR (Chinese Official), Riichi, American
Cost: Free with optional membership
Mahjong Time supports multiple Mahjong styles, including the ones we teach at The Mahjong School. It offers real-time online play, tournament options, and player rankings. It’s especially useful if you’re studying Hong Kong Old Style, as you can switch between formats easily. This app is ideal for learners who want a more “serious” practice environment with accurate rules and scoring.
#mahjong_dearasia
We know learning Mahjong on your own is hard—and not very fun. Dear Asia is the Mahjong school you’ve been looking for. Based in London, book tickets for our regular Saturday workshops below or hire our private Mahjong instructors.
3. Microsoft Mahjong – For Tile-Matching Relaxation
Ruleset: Mahjong Solitaire
Cost: Free
We note Mahjong Solitaire isn’t a real Mahjong game—it’s tile‑matching. But if you want to keep your mind sharp and get familiar with tiles, suits and common patterns, it’s worth trying. Microsoft’s version is a polished, ad‑free option with daily challenges, smooth animations, and calming music.
4. Mahjong Epic & Mahjong Master – Classic Solitaire Variants
Ruleset: Mahjong Solitair
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
Both Mahjong Epic and Mahjong Master are simple tile-matching games with a clean interface and hundreds of puzzles. They’re not designed for practising four-player Mahjong, but they’re great for casual play, especially when you want to focus on visual recognition or take a break from competitive modes.
5. PlayMahjong.io – Quick Browser Practice
Ruleset: Chinese Classic
Cost: Free
This browser-based game offers instant play with no downloads or logins required. It’s a simple, easy way to play Chinese Classic Mahjong online against AI opponents. If you’re working on hand shapes or tile recognition, this can be a helpful resource—especially when you only have a few minutes to spare.
6. Mahjong 13 tiles – free to practise App
Ruleset: Hong Kong
Cost: Free
We recommend this app to students after the newbie workshop. It’s a lightweight, ad‑free version that lets you play a few games against AI with no time limit and no internet required. Although it hasn’t been updated in over a decade and includes some unusual hands not found in our Hong Kong rulebook, it’s still great practice for beginners.
7. Real Mah Jongg – For American Mahjong Players
Ruleset: American Mahjong
Cost: Free with optional subscription
If you’re learning American Mahjong, this is one of the best options. It follows the National Mah Jongg League rules and card, offering solo play or remote games with friends. It’s user-friendly and well suited for players who want to practise between sessions or prepare for tournaments.
Choosing the Right App for You
Each app serves a different purpose depending on the style of Mahjong you’re learning:
- For Riichi learners: Start with Mahjong Soul
- For Hong Kong style: Try Mahjong Time
- For Chinese Classical style: Use PlayMahjong.io
- For American Mahjong: Real Mah Jongg is the top pick
- For tile-matching games or casual play: Choose Microsoft Mahjong or Mahjong Epic
Tips for Practising with Apps
- Stick to one ruleset per session – Focus improves learning.
- Use AI mode to test new strategies before trying them at the table.
- Play short, focused sessions – even 15–20 minutes a day can make a difference.
- Review your hands – Ask yourself what you could have done differently.
- Switch between AI and online play – Both have benefits.
Practise Is Great – Now Time to Bring Your Skills to the Table!
Apps are helpful for learning the basics and keeping your skills sharp, but nothing replaces the experience of playing with real people. Watching opponents’ discards, reading intentions, adjusting your hand in real time—these are skills that only come with live play. That’s why besides our Mahjong classes in London, we are trying to offer players a warm and welcomed place to play regularly at our Just Play Mahjong Club.
Our Just Play sessions are now offered at the best price we can £10 per ticket for two hours of play! No need to find a full table by yourself — you will always have a seat at ours! We’ll make sure you’re always matched with others who are ready to play.
Want to hire us?
London Mahjong Instructors
Our Mahjong instructors are professional teachers who know how to teach anyone to play—quickly, practically, and in a fun, social way. Read our reviews to see how well we do. Book us for your event—we’ve worked with celebrities, film sets, and large corporate functions!
