What is the Pyramid Mahjong layout?

The Pyramid is one of the most satisfying layouts to watch collapse. It starts tall and pointed, and every pair you remove brings it a little closer to flat.

Quick answer: The Pyramid stacks all 144 tiles into a stepped, four-sided pyramid that rises to a point. Only the tiles around the outer edges start free, so you work inward and downward, peeling the pyramid apart layer by layer until the base is clear.

The shape

The Pyramid builds the 144 tiles into a stepped pyramid, wide at the base and narrowing to a small peak. The higher tiles cover the ones below, so the very top tiles are free but everything beneath them is locked until you dig down.

How it plays

Because only the outer edges and the peak start free, you cannot rush the middle. You peel from the outside in, opening each side of the pyramid to reach the tiles buried in the core. It teaches you to think about which face of the stack to attack first, a great skill for tougher layouts.

How it compares

The Pyramid is a solid step up from the friendly Turtle but gentler than the tall Tower. If you enjoy watching a structure come apart cleanly, try the Fortress next. Every board is solvable, so there is always a way down.

Play the Pyramid

Related questions

What is the Turtle layout?

The Turtle is the classic Mahjong Solitaire layout, the one most people picture when they think of the game. Its 144 tiles are stacked into a shape like a turtle shell, five layers tall at the center and thinning out at the edges, with two extra tiles poking out like a head and tail.

What is the Fortress layout?

The Fortress arranges all 144 tiles into a walled, castle-like block, often with thick outer walls and a tall raised center like a keep. The dense packing hides a lot of tiles and keeps fewer of them free at once, which makes it a satisfying step up in difficulty.

What is the best Mahjong layout for beginners?

The Turtle is the best starting layout. It is balanced and symmetrical, keeps plenty of tiles free at any moment, and gives you several ways to begin, so you can learn the free-tile rule without feeling boxed in. It is challenging enough to be fun but forgiving enough to finish.

What is the hardest Mahjong layout?

The hardest layouts are the tall, tightly packed ones like the Tower and the Cross. Height buries more tiles out of sight and leaves very few free tiles at any moment, so you have less information and fewer safe choices than on a flat, open board.