Q&A for How to Play Mahjong

In Japanese or Chinese mahjong, yes, you may pick a tile any opponent discarded. If several people call the tile, mahjong takes priority over kan, pong or chi, and the player to the left of the discardee takes priority when more than one player calls mahjong (or ron in Japanese mahjong).

No, you do not.

It is not possible for two players to play Mahjong by the standard rules. It requires four players.

A pair can consist of any two identical tiles, not just winds. While winds are common pairs, you can also form pairs with other tiles, such as numbers or dragons. To complete a winning hand, you need a pair along with other combinations like pungs or chows. Be sure to check the specific rules of the Mahjong variant you are playing.

In some variations of Mahjong, two jokers can be used together to form a pair. Additionally, in certain versions, a joker can be paired with another tile to complete a set, but this depends on the specific rules being followed. Clarify the rules about jokers with all players before starting the game.

Point checkers, also known as scoring sticks or counters, are used in Mahjong to track players' scores. They're not strictly necessary, but they help tally points and determine round outcomes. You can use alternatives like pen and paper or a digital system, but point checkers offer a traditional and convenient scoring method.

In traditional Mahjong, dice are not typically used during gameplay. However, there are variations, such as Mahjong dice games or Mahjong solitaire, where dice may be incorporated. Standard Mahjong is tile-based, focusing on drawing and discarding tiles, forming combinations, and completing a hand according to the rules of the specific variant.

Yes. While the most common version is for four players, there are variants designed for three. The rules and scoring may be adjusted, but the basic mechanics and objectives remain the same.

You are correct. In traditional Mahjong, the wind positions are arranged counterclockwise starting with East, then South, West, and North. So, the North wind is indeed to the right of the East wind.

In traditional Mahjong, the wind positions are arranged in a counterclockwise direction, with the South wind positioned to the right of the East wind.

A standard Mahjong set consists of 144 tiles, divided into suit tiles (character, bamboo, and circle/dot), honor tiles (winds and dragons), and bonus tiles (flowers and seasons).

Yes, you can pick up a discarded tile from the player before you if it completes a valid combination in your hand, even if you have only one tile to match it. As long as the discarded tile completes a valid sequence or set in your hand, you can claim it. However, if the discarded tile doesn't complete a valid combination, you must draw from the wall instead.

The dragons correspond to specific suits as follows: the Red Dragon (Hong Zhong) is often associated with the character suit; the Green Dragon (Fa Cai) with the bamboo suit; and the White Dragon (Bai Ban) with the circle suit. This can vary depending on regional or house rules.

When you draw a tile from the wall and form a Kong, you must still discard a tile from your hand after declaring the Kong. Forming a Kong does not exempt you from the normal rules of drawing and discarding tiles, and you must maintain a hand of 13 tiles.

Tiles are typically referred to by their specific names based on suit, rank, or type. Common tile names include Characters (Numbers), Bamboos (Sticks), Circles (Dots), Winds (East, South, West, North), Dragons (Red, Green, White), and sometimes Flowers and Seasons in certain versions.

In some game books or rule guides, a red dot next to a game title might indicate that the game is notable, popular, or recommended. It could also highlight special significance or unique features compared to other games. However, the exact meaning of the red dot may vary depending on the context and preferences of the author or publisher.

Yes, in some Mahjong variations, you can use a joker, or wild tile, to complete a pair or other valid combination. However, it depends on the specific rules being played, as not all versions include jokers or allow their use in this way. Clarify the rules with all players before starting the game.

The player who won the hand typically retains the East position for the next hand. The winner of the previous hand remains the East player for the subsequent hand, ensuring continuity in the rotation of the East position throughout the game.

In Mahjong, dragons (Red Dragon, Green Dragon, and White Dragon) are used to form specific sets or combinations in your hand. They can complete a pung (three of a kind) or a kong (four of a kind) of dragons, or be used as a pair in a winning hand. Dragons are considered honor tiles and add value to your hand when used in combinations.

It's typically determined either by pre-determined agreement or random selection. In random selection, players draw tiles from the wall, and the player with the highest-ranking tile becomes East. Methods may vary based on regional customs or house rules.

In some variants of Mahjong, such as American Mahjong, chows (runs of the same suit) are not emphasized, with a greater focus on forming pungs (three of a kind), kongs (four of a kind), and pairs. In other variants, like Chinese or Hong Kong Mahjong, chows are essential but generally do not add to the score unless part of a special hand. Each Mahjong variant has its own rules for scoring chows, so consult the specific rules for the variant you are playing.

In Goulash Mahjong, you usually need a hand with pungs/kongs and a pair, all of the same suit, in line with standard Mahjong rules. However, some variations may allow for special hands or scoring combinations. Be sure to clarify the specific rules and scoring system with all players before starting the game.

To play three-person Chinese Mahjong, remove one suit, such as Bamboos or Dots, to reduce the tile count. Build the wall and distribute 13 tiles to each player. Skip the North wind or rotate the dealer among the three players. Follow standard Mahjong rules to form sets and complete a hand with 14 tiles. Adjust scoring by dividing penalties between two opponents or simplifying it.

Yes. There are plenty of websites and apps you can find that will explain the altered rules for you.

East, south, west, north. East deals, and south goes first because it's to the right of the east.

For American Mahjong, a laminated card is published annually in April by the National Mahjong League. Everyone at a table should be playing with a card for the current (or same) year.

For American Mahjong, there are different fixed Mahjong hands, so not just any melds. Those hands are published on a laminated card annually in April by the National Mahjong League, and cost $7.

Put them facing you on your rack. The sequence is a matter of personal preference. You may want to put potential melds together, potential discards together, etc.

The direction of drawing depends on your preference. You can pick from either side of the draw pile. It won't affect the gameplay at all.

Off to the side or in the case in which you store your Mahjong set. It will not affect the play so where ever you desire so long as they don't get in the way.