A Beginners Guide to Mahjong

I remember watching Grandma gently shuffle the mahjong tiles, so happy about winning her first game of the day! Mahjong is a traditional game from China and has been around for centuries. While I never had the chance to learn at the table with her, guess what? I learned it on my phone!

If you've never played mahjong or want to learn, let this guide explain everything you need to know, like the rules, the basics, and even fun apps to play in your free time.

How do I Play Mahjong

Mahjong comes in many varieties, but the main goal stays the same which is to be the first to build a winning hand by matching tiles. Mahjong is typically played by four people using a set of special tiles, including numbered ones. The game involves players picking up and discarding tiles to create winning combinations.

Let's start with the basics. The one we often see is the American Mahjong type, which is simpler and easier to learn.

Here's a walkthrough on how to play mahjong:

Step1. You'll need 4 players and a set of American Mahjong tiles. These tiles will have:

• Numbered suits- Just like playing cards, there will be tiles with numbers 1 through 9 in each of three suits often pictured as Dots, Bamboo, and Craks.
• Picture tiles- You'll see pictures representing the Seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter) and maybe even Flowers (Plum, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, and Bamboo).
• Joker tiles- These special blank tiles are your wild cards! They can be any number or picture tile you need.

Step2. Every player receives a personal rack to hold their tiles, facing them. This ensures that no one can sneak at the tiles you are collecting and building.

Step3. Then the tiles get shuffled and build a wall, some variations might use 17 tiles per row in the wall for a total of 34 tiles, but 18 rows with 36 tiles is the most common. The remaining tiles are kept face down as a drawing pool. We'll roll some dice to see who goes first just like Monopoly. The first player grabs the top tile from the wall to start building their hand.

Step4. When it's your turn, you'll take two things:

• Draw a tile- Pick the top tile from the wall or the discard pile where other players put their unwanted tiles.
• Discard a tile- Choose one tile you don't want and put it face-up on the discard pile for others to see or maybe someone else needs it.

Step5. The goal is to use your drawn tiles to build winning combinations. These can be the following:

• Pungs: Three of the same number tile (like three Sevens).

• Runs: Three tiles in a row of the same suit (like Bamboo 3, 4, and 5).

• Chows: Similar to runs, but these can't skip a number (like Dots 2, 3, and 4).

Step6. If you spot a tile that someone else has thrown away and it completes your winning combination, you have the option to call it and claim it for yourself! However, remember that you can only call tiles for Pungs, Runs, or Chows.

Step7. Jokers are the blank tiles and they can be your best friend. They're super versatile because you can use them as any number tile or picture tile that you may need to complete your winning combinations.

Step8. Once you've built four winning combinations (Pungs, Runs, or Chows) and a pair (two of the same tile), shout "Mahjong!" and you win.

How to Score in Mahjong

Scoring in American Mahjong is simpler and focused on completing specific tile combinations. Points are typically given for:

• Completing Pungs, Runs, or Chows.
• Completing a hand with specific joker tile combinations.
• Winning with a special card requirement and this changes yearly

Different Types of Mahjong

As I mentioned, there are different types of Mahjong worldwide. We just learned about American mahjong, here are the other two:

Guobiao or Chinese Mahjong

The original Chinese Mahjong or Guobiao Majiang has 144 tiles: three numbered suits (Dots, Characters, Bamboo) from one to nine, plus special honor tiles (directions and dragons). Some sets may include optional Flower and Season tiles. These tiles are traditionally marked with Chinese characters.

Scoring here is intricate and involves a point system based on hand difficulty. Points are awarded for factors like:

• Tile combinations (Pungs, Runs, Chows) and their rarity
• Specific honor tile combinations
• How you win (self-draw, called tile, etc.)
• Special hand types with unique requirements

Riichi Mahjong

This Japanese mahjong type is a favorite online and among younger players. It keeps the numbered suits and honor tiles, but uses a unique scoring system with a focus on both offense (building your hand quickly) and defense (blocking other players).

Riichi Mahjong also introduces the concept of "riichi," where a player declares they are close to winning and can only win by drawing a specific tile. Japanese Mahjong scoring system is based on several factors:

• Base score: Points awarded for the basic winning hand itself
• Hand value: Points earned based on the difficulty of the hand you build
• Yaku: Bonus points awarded for specific tile combinations within your hand
• Open/Closed Kan: Bonus points for forming specific combinations entirely from your hand (closed) or with called tiles (open)

Advanced Mahjong Strategies

You've got your basics down and I bet by now you're pretty comfortable with the game flow. Ready to kick it up a notch? Let's explore some advanced strategies and tips to keep you winning. 

Reading the Table 

The first strategy to mastering Mahjong is to read the table. Keep track of what tiles other players discard to get insight into what kind of hand they might be building. This can influence your decision on what tiles to keep or discard. 

If you notice a player is frequently picking up discarded tiles, they may be pursuing a Chow or Pong hand - simple sequences or triplet combinations. Discarding tiles they may need can disrupt their gameplay. 

Defensive Play 

If you're in a tough spot, it might be time to switch to defensive play. This means discarding tiles that won't give your opponents an advantage. If you see a player only needs one more tile to win, and you've got that tile in your hand, it might be worth holding onto it a little longer than you normally would. 

Honor Tiles Strategy 

Honor tiles (winds and dragons) can be a tricky part of your strategy. These do not follow numerical sequences and can only form trips or quads. Since they're harder to use, discard these early if you don't have a clear purpose for them. But remember, in experienced hands, they can form high-scoring sets. 

Folding a Hand 

Sometimes, recognizing that a win is out of reach and folding your hand can be a smart choice. Conserve your points and prepare for the next round rather than discarding tiles that might lead to opponents’ scoring. This is a strategy you'll see used by many more experienced players. 

Mahjong is as much a game of strategy as it is of luck. Some hands will be winners, others losers, but with a keen understanding of advanced strategies and knowing when to use them, you'll keep your average high and your losses low. Here's to those winning hands, ready to make your move?

Best Mahjong Social Apps for Mobile

Mahjong On The Go

If you're looking to practice and hone your mahjong skills, you can now download and play this game on various apps. Playing mahjong on apps is a great way to improve your strategy and enjoy the game. Here is a list of some of the best mahjong games to play on your mobile device. Play from your mobile device and, where available, compete for real rewards.

Here are a few online platforms where you can practice playing Mahjong and enhance your skills:

Mahjong Time

Features: Offers various styles of Mahjong, including Chinese, Japanese, and Hong Kong Mahjong. You can play against real opponents, participate in tournaments, and even play for real money.

247 Mahjong

Features: A free online Mahjong platform where you can play different game variations. It's an excellent option for casual players and those looking to practice at their own pace.

Mahjong Connect

Features: Offers a unique twist to traditional Mahjong with the connected style. Match tiles with similar symbols that can be connected with a line having no more than two turns. It's a great way to challenge your cognitive skills.

Mahjongg Dimensions

Features: An exciting and modern take on Mahjong, Mahjongg Dimensions adds a 3D twist to the classic game. Play against the clock and enjoy a visually immersive experience.

Mahjong.com

Features: This platform offers a variety of Mahjong games, including multiplayer options. You can play with friends or challenge players from around the world.

Dragon Mahjong (Riichi)

Dragon Mahjong is a free mobile app for Japanese Mahjong (Riichi). Features include a beginner-friendly learning mode, AI opponents, progress tracking, and customizable rules. Note that the app's interface is in Japanese. It's popular among Riichi Mahjong players.

Mahjong Solitaire

Looking for a relaxing and strategic game? Try Mahjong Solitaire, available at the PlayStore and Appstore. This app offers a single-player tile-matching game with simple gameplay. Remove all tiles by matching pairs. Enjoy helpful features like hints, undo, and a shuffle option. Play anytime, anywhere with autosave. No ads for a peaceful experience.

Whether you're a casual player looking for a relaxed environment or a competitive player seeking real challenges, choose the platform that best suits your preferences and skill level.  These platforms offer diverse options for everyone to have fun exploring the world of Mahjong!

Ready to Kong?

Mahjong is no longer for seniors! Anyone can play this classic game even on the go. Thanks to mahjong apps and sites. Looking ahead, I believe Mahjong will continue to evolve alongside technology. Who knows? We might see features like Augmented Reality (AR) Mahjong, where you project a virtual Mahjong table onto any surface and play with friends remotely.

Or, you can join online tournaments and social features within apps that could create a thriving online Mahjong community for players of all skill levels. What do you think? Here at GameChampions, you can find an array of licensed tournaments.