how to play mahjong

How to Play Mahjong

Mahjong is a traditional Chinese game played with 136 or 144 tiles, depending on the variant. It is typically played by four players, though three-player variations exist. This table game is akin to rummy, where players draw and discard tiles to form specific combinations. Originating during the Qing dynasty, Mahjong has evolved over the centuries, spreading across Asia and eventually to the rest of the world, each region developing its own unique set of rules and customs.

Steps to play Mahjong

Mahjong is a fascinating game that combines strategy, skill, and a touch of luck. To play the game, here are the basic rules that you need to know of the traditional Chinese classical variant:

1. Set up the game

Start by placing all Mahjong tiles face down on the table and giving them a good shuffle. This process, known as “washing the tiles,” ensures a random distribution for fair play. Each player then builds a wall in front of them, usually 18 tiles long and two tiles high, leading to a total of 36 tiles per player. The walls are then pushed together to form a square, representing a symbolic fortification of “The Great Wall of China. The square formation is essential as it sets the boundaries from which players will draw tiles throughout the game.

2. Determine the dealer

The dealer, known as the “East Wind,” plays a central role in the game. To select the dealer, players may roll dice, use a rotating method, or follow specific house rules. The chosen dealer begins by distributing 14 tiles to themselves and 13 tiles to each of the other players. This is done in a counterclockwise direction, starting from the player on their right. The dealer’s extra tile allows them to initiate the game with the first discard, giving them a slight strategic advantage.

3. Drawing and discarding

During the game, players take turns drawing a tile either from the wall or the discard pile. After drawing, each player must discard one tile, placing it in the center of the table. The discarded tiles are placed in a specific order to form a visible “discard pile,” which can be utilized by other players to form combinations. It’s important to consider the potential value of each discarded tile, as other players might use it to complete their sets or pairs. The primary objective is to create a complete hand, typically made up of four sets and one pair, but variations may exist depending on the specific rules being followed.

4. Forming combinations

four mahjong combinations

In Mahjong, forming the correct combinations is crucial for winning. The key combinations include:

  • Pung: A set of three identical tiles, which can be formed either by drawing all three tiles yourself (concealed) or by claiming a discarded tile from another player to complete the set (exposed).
  • Chow: A sequence of three consecutive numbers within the same suit. Like Pungs, Chows can be either concealed or exposed, depending on whether the sequence is completed by drawing tiles yourself or by claiming a discard.
  • Kong: A set of four identical tiles. A Kong can start as a concealed set if you draw all four tiles yourself, or it can be exposed if you claim a discarded tile to complete the set or upgrade an exposed Pung to a Kong by adding the fourth tile.
  • Pair: Two identical tiles, which are necessary to complete the hand and declare Mahjong. Pairs are always concealed until the moment of declaring Mahjong.

Concealed vs. exposed:

Concealed sets (Pungs, Chows, Kongs) are kept hidden in your hand and are only revealed when you declare Mahjong. These sets generally score more points because they are more difficult to form without revealing your strategy to other players. Exposed sets, on the other hand, are placed face-up in front of you as soon as they are completed with a discarded tile, signaling to other players what combinations you are working on.

5. Winning the game

A player wins by completing a valid hand and declaring “Mahjong.” The winning hand typically comprises 14 tiles arranged into the required sets and pairs. Once a player declares Mahjong, the round ends, and the winning hand is revealed for scoring.

6. Scoring

After a player declares Mahjong, the hand is scored according to the value of the tiles and the combinations formed. Points are awarded based on the complexity and rarity of the combinations, with special consideration for certain tile sets or sequences. The scoring phase is crucial as it determines the overall winner after several rounds of play. Here’s how the combinations are scored:

Base points for combinations:

Pung (three of a kind):

  • Exposed Pung (simple tiles, 2-8): 2 points
  • Concealed Pung (simple tiles, 2-8): 4 points
  • Exposed Pung (terminal tiles, 1 or 9, or honor tiles): 4 points
  • Concealed Pung (terminal tiles, 1 or 9, or honor tiles): 8 points

Kong (four of a kind):

  • Exposed Kong (simple tiles, 2-8): 8 points
  • Concealed Kong (simple tiles, 2-8): 16 points
  • Exposed Kong (terminal tiles, 1 or 9, or honor tiles): 16 points
  • Concealed Kong (terminal tiles, 1 or 9, or honor tiles): 32 points

Chow (Sequence of Three):

  • Chow: 0 points (Chows do not directly add to the score in most rule sets.)

Pair (two of a kind):

  • Pair of simple tiles (2-8): 0 points
  • Pair of terminal tiles (1 or 9): 2 points
  • Pair of honor tiles (winds or dragons): 2 points
  • Pair of the player’s wind (corresponding to their position, east, south, west, north): 4 points
  • Pair of dragons (red, green, white): 4 points

Additional points for special hands:

  • Winning by self-draw (Zimo): Add 2 points to the final score.
  • Winning on the last tile from the wall: Add 2 points.
  • Winning by robbing a Kong: Add 2 points.
  • All Pungs (Da Si Xi): Add an extra 6 points to the hand’s score.
  • Mixed one suit (Hun Yise): Add 4 points.
  • Pure one suit (Qing Yise): Add 8 points.
  • Winning with a pair of the round wind or player’s wind: Add 2 points.

Limit hands (maximum hands):

Certain hands are considered so valuable that they are awarded the maximum score, which can be house-ruled but is often set at 88 points. Examples include:

  • Thirteen Orphans (Shi San Yao): 88 points
  • Nine Gates (Jiu Bao Lian Deng): 88 points
  • Heavenly Hand (Tiān Hú): 88 points (if the dealer wins with their original 14 tiles)
  • Earthly Hand (Dì Hú): 88 points (if a non-dealer wins on the first draw)

Mahjong Tile Guide

all kinds of mahjong tiles

To win mahjong, it’s crucial to know all the tiles that you might pick from the draw pile. Here are the 144 kinds of tiles in the game:

Suit tiles

  • Bamboo (Bams): These tiles are numbered 1 through 9 with four of each number and are represented by images of bamboo sticks. The number one bamboo tile is often depicted as a bird.
  • Characters (Craks): Also numbered 1 through 9 with four of each number, these tiles are marked with Chinese characters representing numbers.
  • Dots (Circles): Like Bamboo and Characters, Dots are also numbered 1 through 9 with four of each number. They are depicted as circles or dots, with the number corresponding to the amount of dots on the tile.

Honor tiles

  • Wind tiles: There are four Wind tiles—East, South, West, and North—each representing the four cardinal directions. These tiles play a special role in determining the dealer and the flow of the game.
  • Dragon tiles: The three Dragon tiles—Red, Green, and White—are unique tiles that have high scoring value and are often sought after for forming winning hands.

Bonus tiles

These eight bonus tiles are optional and may be omitted in the actual game:

  • Flower tiles: Some Mahjong sets include Flower tiles, which represent different seasons or plants. These tiles are not used to form sets but can provide bonus points when drawn. There are four of these tiles in the game.
  • Season tiles: Similar to Flower tiles, Season tiles are bonus tiles that represent the four seasons. These tiles also contribute to bonus points and are immediately declared when drawn, allowing the player to draw another tile. There are also four of these tiles present in the game.

Terms used in mahjong

  • East Wind: The East Wind is the dealer’s position in the game of Mahjong. This position is significant because the dealer, or “East Wind,” not only initiates the game but also has a potential scoring advantage. The East Wind’s role is marked by the extra tile they receive at the start of the game, allowing them to be the first to discard and set the tone for the round. After each round, the dealer position rotates counterclockwise to the next player, shifting the advantage accordingly. The rotation of the East Wind is crucial as it impacts the game’s flow and can alter strategies based on who holds the dealer position.
  • Wall: These walls are symbolic (akin to “The Great Wall”) and practical, forming a square enclosure from which players draw tiles throughout the game. The stacked tiles each player builds at the start of the game. Players draw tiles from the wall throughout the game, which also controls the pace and available tiles.
  • Discard pile: The central area where players place tiles they no longer need. This pile is public and visible to all players, making it an essential aspect of strategic play. Observing the discard pile allows players to gain insights into their opponents’ hands, determine which tiles are no longer in play, and potentially block others from completing their combinations. The discard pile also serves as a resource, as players can sometimes “chow” or “pung” (form sequences or triplets) by taking tiles from this pile, depending on the game’s rules.

4 tips for playing Mahjong

hands shuffling mahjong tiles

Focus on forming pairs and sets early

A successful Mahjong strategy often hinges on establishing a strong foundation in the early stages of the game. Prioritize forming your matching tiles and sets as soon as possible, as they are the building blocks of a winning hand. Identifying potential combinations early allows you to make informed decisions about which tiles to keep and which to discard. This proactive approach helps you avoid last-minute scrambling and positions you to capitalize on opportunities as they arise.

Pay attention to discards

The discard pile is a valuable resource for gathering information. By carefully observing what tiles other players discard, you can gain insights into their strategies and intentions. For example, if a player consistently discards a particular suit, they may be focusing on another suit, which can influence your decisions.

Additionally, watching the discard pile allows you to anticipate which tiles are no longer available, helping you refine your strategy and potentially block opponents from completing their hands. Be especially mindful when you notice multiple players discarding the same tile—this can be a clue that this tile is less valuable to others, but it might be the key to completing your own hand.

Don’t hold onto useless tiles

Efficiency is key in Mahjong, and holding onto tiles that don’t contribute to your hand can be detrimental. If a tile doesn’t fit into your current strategy, it’s best to discard it early. Holding onto unnecessary tiles clogs your hand and limits your flexibility, making it harder to adapt to changing circumstances. Sometimes, holding onto a single tile that doesn’t fit can prevent you from drawing the one that you need to complete a winning hand, so it’s crucial to make strategic decisions about what to keep and what to let go.

Adapt to the game flow

Mahjong is a dynamic game where strategies need to evolve as the game progresses. While it’s essential to have a plan, being too rigid can lead to missed opportunities or, worse, getting stuck with a losing hand. If your initial strategy isn’t working—perhaps because of the tiles you’re drawing or the discards you’ve observed—be prepared to shift your focus.

Flexibility allows you to respond to new information and adjust your strategy to the current situation, increasing your chances of success. This might involve adjusting your approach to discarding tiles, as being too predictable in what you discard can give away your strategy to opponents. Being mindful of how and when you’re discarding tiles can help you stay one step ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

Mahjong is a game of depth and strategy that requires both skill and intuition. Understanding the rules, familiarizing yourself with the terminology, and practicing regularly can help you become a proficient player. Whether you’re playing in a friendly match or a competitive setting, the joy of Mahjong lies in its rich gameplay and the camaraderie it fosters among players.

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