Shanghai: Mahjong Solitaire

Shanghai: Mahjong Solitaire is a classic puzzle game released by Activision in 1986, with the DOS version becoming particularly widespread. One hundred forty-four mahjong tiles are stacked into elaborate three-dimensional formations — most famously a dragon shape. Players identify pairs of identically decorated tiles where at least one side of each is exposed, removing them together and working toward a completely cleared board. The rules are simple, but strategy runs deep: a single wrong removal can leave the puzzle in an unwinnable state. Multiple layouts and timed challenge modes add variety, and the game is credited with both pioneering the match-and-eliminate puzzle genre and introducing mahjong tiles to a global audience.