February 28th, 2025
Guest Contributor: Usman Ishaq
Mahjong is a classic strategy game that originated in China in the 19th century. It has since become popular worldwide, with many regional variations. Mahjong is typically played with four players, though some versions allow for three players.
The game is known for its beautifully designed tiles, complex strategies, and exciting gameplay. Although Mahjong may seem intimidating to beginners, it is easy to learn once you understand the basic rules.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to start playing Mahjong, including:
• The different types of tiles
• How to set up and play the game
• Winning combinations and scoring
• Gameplay strategies
By the end of this article, you'll be ready to play Mahjong confidently.
Mahjong is a tile-based game of strategy, skill, and luck. The objective is to form a winning hand by collecting specific tile sets.
The game is played with a set of 144 tiles, which are divided into three main categories:
Each player starts with 13 tiles and takes turns drawing and discarding tiles to create a winning hand.
Unlike card games, Mahjong tiles are physical, sturdy pieces that players shuffle and stack into a square formation. This hands-on element makes Mahjong unique and enjoyable. The game is popular among all age groups, especially in East Asia and the West, and is commonly played in social gatherings, clubs, and even tournaments.
There are different styles of Mahjong, each with slightly different rules, but they all share the same fundamental gameplay elements.
A standard Mahjong set consists of 144 tiles, categorized as follows:
Suited Tiles (108 tiles total)
These are the main numbered tiles used in sets:
Each suit has nine numbers (1–9) and four copies of each tile.
Suited tiles are crucial for forming Chows and Pungs, which are key components of a winning hand. Players must strategically use these tiles, considering both their own hand and what other players are discarding. Experienced players memorize the possible sequences in each suit to recognize opportunities for completing hands.
Honor Tiles (28 tiles total)
These tiles have no numbers and cannot form sequences.
Honor tiles play a significant role in scoring. Having a Pung or Kong of Dragon or Wind tiles often grants bonus points. The dealer (East player) also gets extra points when winning with Wind tiles.
Bonus Tiles (8 tiles total, optional in some versions)
Bonus tiles cannot be used to form sets, but they provide extra points when drawn. If a player draws a bonus tile, they must place it aside and draw an additional tile from the wall.
Players should not ignore Bonus tiles in some Mahjong variations; they affect scoring significantly. Some players also track which Bonus tiles have been drawn to calculate their odds of drawing a winning tile.
The goal of Mahjong is to form a winning hand by arranging your tiles into four sets and one pair.
A winning hand consists of:
• Four sets (Melds) – A combination of Pungs, Chows, or Kongs
• One pair (Eyes) – Two identical tiles
Each set is formed through drawing or claiming discarded tiles. However, knowing when to claim a tile versus keeping your hand concealed is part of the strategy.
For example, concealed hands (without claiming discards) earn more points in some variations of Mahjong. Players must consider the risk vs. reward of revealing their hand early or keeping it hidden.
Types of Sets (Melds) in Mahjong
A winning Mahjong hand must always have four sets plus one pair—except in special hands like Seven Pairs or Thirteen Orphans (explained later).
The key to winning efficiently is recognizing which sets you are building early in the game. Holding onto too many unmatched tiles will slow your progress while forming flexible sequences gives you more ways to win.
Each player is randomly assigned a Wind direction (East, South, West, North). The East player is the dealer.
Why is this important?
Building the Wall
Dealing the Tiles
Setting up the game is more than just dealing tiles. It's part of the tradition of Mahjong. The shuffling and building of the wall is often done loudly and energetically, adding to the atmosphere of the game.
Many experienced players memorize the tiles they see discarded during setup, which can give them an advantage later in the game.
A Mahjong game is played in turns, where each player must:
Key Strategy:
Claiming Discards
When a player discards a tile, the other players can claim it, but there are rules about who gets priority:
• Pung (Three-of-a-Kind) – Any player can claim it.
• Chow (Straight of Three) – Only the next player can claim it.
• Kong (Four-of-a-Kind) – Any player can claim it and must draw an extra tile.
Be careful when discarding tiles
If you discard a tile that another player needs for Mahjong, you might accidentally help them win the game.
Declaring Mahjong (Winning the Game)
A player declares "Mahjong" when they complete a full 14-tile hand with four sets and one pair.
Winning hands can be:
Some variations give extra points for self-drawn wins, so pay attention to whether it's better to wait or claim a discarded tile.
While the standard way to win Mahjong is to form four sets and a pair, there are some special hands that award extra points or allow alternative ways to win.
Standard Winning Hands
• Mixed Hand – A combination of all three suits (Bamboo, Dots, Characters)
• All One Suit (Pure Hand) – Only one suit + honor tiles
• All Pung Hand – Four Pungs (three-of-a-kind sets) instead of Chows
High Scoring Special Hands
These are rare but highly rewarding hands that require specific tile combinations:
Pro Tip
Scoring in Mahjong varies by region, but here are the most common ways to earn points:
Some Mahjong versions, like Hong Kong Mahjong, use a scoring multiplier system, where each set adds more points depending on its type.
Bonus Points and Extra Scoring
In many variations, certain tiles and conditions give extra points:
Important:
Winning in Mahjong isn't just about luck. It's also about strategy, memory, and decision-making. Here are some essential strategies to improve your game.
Best Strategies to Win
• Focus on completing sets quickly rather than collecting random tiles.
• Pay attention to discarded tiles to predict your opponents' moves.
• Use the "middle tiles" (4, 5, 6) more often since they form more Chows.
• Don't hold onto bonus tiles for too long if they're not helping you win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over time, different regions have developed unique variations of Mahjong, each with its own rules and scoring system.
Most Popular Versions of Mahjong
What's the Best Version for Beginners?
If you're new to Mahjong, Classic Mahjong Solitaire is a great version to start with because:
Mahjong is a fun and challenging game that requires strategy, memory, and skill. While it may seem complex at first, once you understand the rules, tile combinations, and scoring system, it becomes an exciting and rewarding game to play.
Final Tips Before You Play:
Ready to try Mahjong? Share your favorite strategies, tips and tricks in the comments
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