The Dragon layout stretches tiles along a long spine with a raised center peak — like a serpent’s back. Tail and head sections often free before the highest ridge.
Ideal if you like reading layered shapes rather than symmetric pyramids.
How to play Mahjong Dragon
- Match pairs of identical free mahjong tiles.
- Blocked tiles cannot be selected until coverings are removed.
- Match identical tile faces only — both tiles must show the same symbol.
Strategy tips
- Start at the dragon’s tail and head extremities — the center peak is the last boss.
- High ridge tiles look free but may still be sandwiched — check both long sides.
- Keep one copy of rare tiles on the spine until you see its partner’s location.
- Dragon rewards patience more than Fortress rewards corner sweeps — different shape, same pair discipline.
- Rotate through layouts: turtle for classic, dragon for spine practice.
Common questions
Which mahjong layout is hardest?
Subjective — Fortress and Dragon both lock many center tiles. Try both and see which shape confuses you less.
