There’s something deeply satisfying about crushing a smug AI opponent in Mahjong. Whether you’re practicing your discards or experimenting with new strategies, playing against AI lets you learn without the pressure of real players breathing down your neck.
Hi, I’m Connor. I’ve been playing Mahjong for over a decade, and I’ll tell you this: when I first started, I was terrified of human opponents. AI gave me the breathing room I needed to get comfortable with the rules, the tiles, and the rhythms of the game. Now, it’s still where I go to warm up or test weird strategies.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top Mahjong platforms that let you play against AI, how smart those AIs actually are, and which platform is worth your time depending on your skill level.
🎯 Note for American Mahjong learners:
If your goal is to get comfortable with American Mahjong rules and NMJL cards, try playing on I Love Mahj. Their AI opponents follow official NMJL rules — perfect for learning Charleston trades, Joker use, and valid hands in a relaxed setting.
(We earn a small commission if you sign up through our link — at no cost to you!)
Why Play Mahjong Against AI?
- Low Pressure Practice: No judgment. No trash talk. Just pure gameplay.
- Fast Rounds: AI doesn’t take bathroom breaks or overthink every move.
- Strategy Testing: Try new things without risking your online ranking.
- Offline Play: Great for commutes or when the Wi-Fi is spotty.
- Custom Game Modes: Control the rules, speed, and level of difficulty.
Connor’s Take:
“Some of my best Mahjong breakthroughs came after 1 a.m., alone in bed, beating up a virtual grandma bot on hard mode.”
The Rankings: Top Mahjong Platforms with AI
1. I Love Mahj (American Mahjong AI) 🥇
Bonus Pick: I Love Mahj (American Style) 💚
AI Quality: ★★★★☆
Rule Sets: American (NMJL)
Free to Play: Trial available
Offline Play: No
Difficulty Options: Adaptive AI
Why It Rocks:
I Love Mahj is built entirely for American Mahjong players. You can practice against AI bots that follow NMJL rules exactly — including Charleston, Jokers, and card-based hands. The platform tracks your progress and even offers teaching tips mid-game.
Connor’s Take:
“If you’re serious about mastering American Mahjong, this is the one. It’s the most realistic NMJL AI I’ve ever played against — and it actually punishes bad Charleston trades.”
👉 Play American Mahjong with AI on I Love Mahj
2. Mahjong Soul 🥈
AI Quality: ★★★★☆
Rule Sets: Japanese Riichi
Free to Play: Yes
Offline Play: No
Difficulty Options: Standard only
Why It Rocks:
Mahjong Soul’s AI is polished, surprisingly intuitive, and designed to reflect real-world Riichi tactics. It won’t embarrass you with reckless moves – and if you play long enough, it starts to feel almost…human.
Connor’s Take:
“I swear the AI once bluffed me into folding. Either that or I’ve spent too much time talking to cartoon girls with panda ears.”
3. Mahjong Time 🥉
AI Quality: ★★★★☆
Rule Sets: American, Chinese Classical, Japanese, European
Free to Play: Limited
Offline Play: No
Difficulty Options: Yes
Why It Rocks:
Mahjong Time’s AI adapts depending on the game mode. It won’t go easy on you unless you set it that way. Great for practicing different Mahjong styles before jumping into competitive play.
(See our guide to Mahjong versions for how each one differs.)
Connor’s Take:
“I used Mahjong Time’s AI to train for my first tournament. I lost, but not because I wasn’t ready. The guy next to me brought his own cushion and played like a machine.”
4. Real Mah Jongg (American Style)
AI Quality: ★★★☆☆
Rule Sets: American (NMJL)
Free to Play: Trial only
Offline Play: No
Difficulty Options: Limited
Why It Rocks:
If you’re learning American Mahjong, or want a more modern interface, check out I Love Mahj, which offers AI and live play in one place. The AI plays strictly by the National Mah Jongg League card and helps reinforce pattern recognition. Great for retirees and club-level learners.
Connor’s Take:
“Real Mah Jongg’s AI is like playing with that one aunt who’s kind but never lets you win. You’ll learn – slowly but surely.”
5. Tenhou.net 🧠
AI Quality: ★★☆☆☆
Rule Sets: Japanese Riichi
Free to Play: Yes
Offline Play: No
Difficulty Options: None
Why It Rocks:
Minimalist and fast, Tenhou’s AI feels like it was built in the early 2000s – and I mean that lovingly. Not smart enough to teach advanced strategy, but great for pure repetition.
Connor’s Take:
“Tenhou reminds me of my microwave. Basic, reliable, and a little too fast when I’m not paying attention.”
6. Simply Mahjong (Mobile App) 🧩
AI Quality: ★☆☆☆☆
Rule Sets: Solitaire Mahjong
Free to Play: Yes
Offline Play: Yes
Difficulty Options: N/A
Why It Rocks:
Honestly, it doesn’t. This is the classic matching-tile game – not the real 4-player Mahjong. But it gets a spot here because people confuse the two constantly.
Connor’s Take:
“This is where I landed in 2011 thinking I was going to play Mahjong. Instead, I matched flowers and bamboo tiles until 3 a.m. You live and learn.”
AI Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | AI Rating | Rule Set | Offline Play | Skill Levels | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Love Mahj | ★★★★☆ | American (NMJL) | No | Yes | Beginners learning American Mahjong |
| Mahjong Soul | ★★★★☆ | Japanese Riichi | No | No | Stylish Riichi learners |
| Mahjong Time | ★★★★☆ | Multiple | No | Yes | Cross-style training |
| Real Mah Jongg | ★★★☆☆ | American | No | Limited | NMJL-focused players |
| Tenhou.net | ★★☆☆☆ | Japanese Riichi | No | No | Pure mechanics drilling |
| Simply Mahjong | ★☆☆☆☆ | Solitaire | Yes | No | Casual solo time killers |
If your focus is American Mahjong, I Love Mahj stands out as the best all-around platform for both AI and human play. It’s ideal for testing NMJL hands before joining online games.
Choosing the Right AI for You
👶 For Beginners
- Real Mah Jongg or Mahjong Time
- Focus on easy learning curves and rule consistency
🧪 For Testing Strategies
- Mahjong Time or Mahjong Soul
- Great for trying hands without tanking your Elo
🧍♂️ For Solo Practice
- Mahjong Soul (fast animations)
- Tenhou.net (bare-bones focus)
Connor’s Advice:
“Mix it up. Use the AI as your sparring partner – not your coach. It won’t teach nuance, but it will build your reflexes.”
FAQ: Mahjong AI Play
Is playing Mahjong against AI realistic?
Mostly. Higher-end platforms like Mahjong Soul and Mahjong Time simulate human decisions well, but AI still lacks bluffing and deep pattern analysis.
Can AI teach me to play Mahjong?
Yes — especially platforms built for American Mahjong like I Love Mahj, which gives rule-based feedback while you play.
Which Mahjong AI is hardest?
Mahjong Soul’s AI is the most challenging in terms of strategy and discard pressure. Mahjong Time’s AI gets tougher at higher levels.
Are there free Mahjong AI apps?
Yes — including trial access on I Love Mahj, Tenhou.net, and Mahjong Soul.
Why doesn’t AI Mahjong help me win online?
Because real players adapt, bluff, and read patterns in ways AI can’t replicate. Think of AI as your drill instructor – not your sparring champion.
Final Thoughts
Mahjong AI isn’t just for rookies – it’s for anyone who wants to refine, rehearse, or reset their gameplay without the social pressure. Whether you’re grinding a new NMJL card or testing a Riichi discard strategy, these platforms have your back.
Connor’s Last Word:
“I still play AI matches weekly – usually with coffee in one hand and no shirt on. It’s the purest form of the game: just me, the tiles, and an opponent who never complains when I talk to myself.”
✨ Ready to test your Mahjong skills?
Play against NMJL-style AI bots and real players at I Love Mahj. It’s the easiest way to build confidence before stepping into a live American Mahjong game.
