How to Play Mahjong

Mahjong: Let's Play!

Mahjong! It's a super fun tile game that's been around for ages. It's a mix of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. This guide will teach you the basics so you can jump right in.

Getting to Know Your Tiles

First, let's look at the tiles. There are 144 in a standard set. Think of them like this:

• Suits: Bamboos (numbers 2-9), Characters (1-9), and Circles (1-9). You get four of each number in each suit.
• Honors: Winds (East, South, West, North – four of each) and Dragons (Red, Green, White – four of each).
• Flowers and Seasons: These are bonus tiles – kind of like extra points! They aren't used in your main hand.

The designs on the tiles might be different, but the numbers and suits are the same.

How to Play Mahjong

The goal? Be the first to make a winning hand, called a "mahjong." You need four sets and a pair. Sets can be:

1. Pung: Three of a kind (like three 5s of Bamboos).
2. Kong: Four of a kind (four 5s of Bamboos!).
3. Chow: Three consecutive numbers of the same suit (like 3, 4, and 5 of Bamboos).

You start with 13 tiles. You take turns drawing a tile and discarding one. Discarded tiles are face up. You can grab a discarded tile to complete your hand – that's a "chow," "pung," or "kong."

Winning? Shout "Mahjong!" and the game ends!

Winning Hands

Remember, you need four sets and a pair. Here are some examples:

• Three Pungs and a Pair
• Two Pungs, a Chow, and a Pair
• One Kong, Two Chows, and a Pair
• Any mix of Pungs, Kongs, and Chows – but always with a pair.

The exact mix affects your score, but not whether you win!

Playing Like a Pro

Here are some tips to up your game:

• Smart Discarding: Don't throw away tiles that might help others.
• Watch the Discards: See what others are discarding. It gives you clues!
• Think About Probabilities: Some tiles are more likely to show up than others.
• Keep it Secret: Don't show your hand too early!

Different Ways to Play

Mahjong has lots of variations:

• American Mahjong: Simpler rules and scoring.
• Japanese Mahjong (Riichi Mahjong): More complex scoring and strategies.
• Cantonese Mahjong: Popular in Southern China, with its own rules.

Each version is a bit different!

Scoring

Scoring depends on your hand and sometimes the round. Simple hands get few points, complex hands get more. Scoring varies by version.

Tips for Beginners

Just starting out? Here's what to do:

• Learn the Basics: Master the tiles and rules first.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Play often!
• Watch the Experts: Learn from better players.
• Play with Friends (or Online!): Mahjong is more fun with others.

The Bottom Line

Mahjong is all about skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Learn the rules, practice, and have fun! This guide gives you a solid start, but remember: rules vary. Always check with your fellow players before you begin.