Ever since the tiled strategy game of Chinese Mahjong started its popularity in the West during the 1920s, the game has gone through several evolutions as a Western game. Many different variations of Mahjong have been developed and conceived since its inception and with the introduction of accessible computing technology by the late 1900s, Mahjong has become one of the more widely popular board-oriented video games the game industry has today.

Mahjong originally was a competitive multiplayer strategy game, but since the emergence of Solitaire Mahjong brought about and popularized by the 1986 computer hit game "Shanghai" published by Activision and created by Brodie Lockard, Mahjong Solitaire has taken its place as one of the classic and iconic board games in history.

In many ways, Mahjong games online can be viewed in comparison to tabletop card games and have features and attributes similar to both. Usually, playing Mahjong Solitaire can even be seen as a distant derivative of Card Solitaire, which, in turn, has an entire bunch of derivatives.

Just like Solitaire has variations like Klondike, Free Cell, Hearts, and so forth, Mahjong Solitaire variations have started to pick up from the 80s to today. Unlike Card Solitaire, despite the little differences in the game versions, Mahjong Solitaire relies on the ability to pick out and match certain tile designs and remove them from the tile stack in pairs in order to win. The games are not as complex as the Card Solitaire games and rely more on strategy and the powers of observation than luck.

Thus, playing Mahjong Solitaire has become a pastime of many computer users as well as video gamers, and just like playing board games like Chess, Checkers, Go, and the like, which involve a lot of deep and flexible thought processes, there are actual and definable benefits in engaging in all of these. Solitaire Mahjong is no exception, and sitting down for a session of tile elimination and removal in a puzzle-solving way can actually do wonders for the inner self, as well as the good old grey matter. Let's discuss a few of them.

Improves Focus and Concentration

When we do tasks that require our utmost attention, especially if a mistake or wrong move can lead to an accident or some other equivalent and dire consequence, we have to pay very close attention to what we are doing. For example, when sewing with a sewing machine, carelessness can cause your finger to be punctured by the needle instead of the cloth being sewn. Likewise, it is not advisable to be chatting on your phone while driving; many people have lost their lives or done harm to others that way.

So, when you play a game like Mahjong Solitaire, which demands your undivided attention (if you ever want to win and/or finish the game), you are actually training and honing your focusing and thinking skills. The game forces you to take things one at a time, and just like Tom Cruise in “The Last Samurai”, you only need one and not too many minds to get the job done.

Develops Pattern Recognition and Memorization

Patterns, marks, and symbols have always been traits that make strong impressions in the human mind. Your brain and mind create and store impressions that you perceive, and they become familiar to you. When you encounter them again, you usually immediately know what you are looking at. Your mind (well, brain) memorizes what you see, and it becomes a memory. This is the whole point of pattern recognition.

When you play games like Mahjong or say cards, you usually unconsciously begin to memorize the symbols and patterns on the tiles or cards. Whether you need to understand the meaning of it, or just recognize it depending on the game you are playing, the activity develops as a skill inherent in you. The combination of recognizing what you see and remembering becomes a necessity in certain activities of everyday life, even if you're not a detective by profession.

It Teaches Critical Thinking and Strategy

Thinking wisely and strategically is an important trait that may mean the difference between failure and success. Denying one's immediate impulse in favor of a delayed action, which would result in a more positive outcome, is a discipline one should learn and practice. In the practical reality of life, this can actually save one's life or future.

It's like the basic action of crossing the street on rural roads with no stoplights or traffic stops. With the cars zooming by, knowing the right time and the speed you need to get across safely and in one piece demands critical thinking and strategy in its basic form.

Developing your common sense early in life will save you a lot of misery in the times to come. Impulsively taking the bishop and thus leaving a straight line from your King to the enemy Queen won't gain you anything in the overall scheme of things, and that's a Checkmate to you.

The Light of MiyagiDo

Just like the venerable wash-in and wash-out, not to mention standing for hours in the "Crane" stance/position, the concept of meditation and relaxation, whether you breathe in, breathe out, or simply clear your “one” mind, actually creates a stronger link to the reality around you. A meditative and relaxed state does wonders in managing and relieving everyday life's stresses. Playing an immersive and relaxing game of Mahjong Solitaire that doesn't require an adrenaline-pumping response found in other much more forceful games provides the kind of tranquility and soothing thought just perfect for taking a break from everything around you.

These are but a few of the benefits one can get from playing free mahjong tile games, but with the positive effects, skills, and traits they can add to your daily life, there isn't any reason not to try and experience them. Solitaire Mahjong is currently available on almost all gaming platforms, and many of them are free, so should you decide to give it a go, then may the best "Tile" be with you!