How to Play Mahjong Game and Tips for Beginners

Before you learn how to play mahjong, you should first learn about the different types of mahjong. A complete mahjong set has 144 tiles divided into different groups. Each tile type has a special purpose in the game. Here are some types of tiles in mahjong you should understand before you play the game:

1. Suit Tiles

Suit tiles make up the largest group in mahjong. There are three different suits:

Dots (Circles): These tiles show small circles. Each tile has 1 to 9 dots on it. You will find four tiles of each number.

Characters: These tiles have Chinese characters for numbers 1 to 9. Like dots, there are four tiles for each character number.

Bamboo: These tiles show bamboo sticks for numbers 1 to 9. The number 1 bamboo tile usually shows a bird instead of bamboo. Each number appears four times in the set.

2. Honor Tiles

Honor tiles are special tiles that add strategy to the game. There are two types:

Wind Tiles: Four different wind directions - East, South, West, and North. Each wind has four identical tiles. Wind tiles often have the first letter of the direction in the corner.

Dragon Tiles: Three different dragons - Red, Green, and White. Each dragon type has four identical tiles. Dragon tiles usually show Chinese characters with letters like "C," "F," or "P."

3. Bonus Tiles

Bonus tiles are optional in many mahjong games. These tiles give extra points but cannot form regular sets:

Flower Tiles: Four different flower types, like plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo. Each flower appears only once.

Season Tiles: Four season tiles representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Like flowers, each season appears only once in the set.

After you understand the meaning of each types of mahjong tiles, it's time to learn how to play mahjong game. The game has clear rules that become easy with practice. Follow these steps to play your first mahjong game.

1. Setting Up the Game

First, decide who will be the dealer by rolling the dice. The player with the highest number becomes the East Wind dealer. Other players take positions as South, West, and North winds. Place all tiles face down on the table and mix them well.

The dealer gives 13 tiles to each player and keeps 14 tiles. In a traditional setup, players build walls of tiles in front of them, then push the walls together to make a square. Leave the remaining tiles in the center as the draw pile.

2. Playing Your Turn

The dealer starts by throwing away one tile to the center. The South Wind player goes next by picking one tile from the draw pile or taking the last discarded tile. After picking a tile, you must throw away one tile from your hand.

Players continue taking turns, moving clockwise around the table. When you discard a tile, say its name out loud so other players can hear. This helps everyone know what tiles are available.

3. Making Sets

Your goal is to make four sets and one pair using all your tiles. There are three types of sets you can make:

Pong: Three identical tiles of the same type. For example, three 5-dot tiles or three Red Dragon tiles.

Chow: Three tiles in order from the same suit. For example, 4-5-6 bamboo tiles or 7-8-9 character tiles.

Kong: Four identical tiles of the same type. This gives you bonus points and requires drawing an extra replacement tile.

A pair means two identical tiles, like two East Wind tiles or two 2-character tiles.

4. Claiming Tiles

You can take discarded tiles from other players if they help complete your sets. Say "Pong" for three identical tiles, "Chow" for three in order, or "Kong" for four identical tiles. When you claim a tile, show your completed set to all players.

5. Winning the Game

When you complete four sets and one pair, call "Mahjong" and show your hand. Other players check that your hand is correct. If your hand is valid, you win the round and score points based on your tiles.

Mahjong is not an easy game to play. Many beginners find out just how hard it is to master the game. If you just start playing mahjong, here are some helpful tips that you can follow to master the game:

- Take Your Time: Do not rush your moves in mahjong games. Think carefully about each tile you pick and discard. Quick decisions often help your opponents more than yourself. Plan your moves and consider what tiles you need.

- Watch Other Players: Pay attention to what tiles other players discard and pick up. This information helps you understand what sets they are trying to make. Avoid discarding tiles that might help your opponents win.

- Keep Your Hand Secret: Do not arrange your tiles into obvious sets too early. Other players should not easily see what you are collecting. Keep your tiles mixed up until you are ready to win.

- Focus on Available Tiles: Count how many tiles of each type are still available. If three tiles of one type are already discarded, you cannot make a set with the fourth tile. Focus on tiles that still have good chances.

- Stay Flexible: Be ready to change your strategy during the game. If your first plan is not working, try a different approach. Sometimes switching from one type of set to another can help you win faster.

- Learn the Tile Symbols: Spend time learning what each tile looks like and means. Knowing the symbols quickly helps you make better decisions. Practice recognizing tiles until you can identify them easily.

- Practice Regularly: The best way to improve at mahjong is to play often. Each game teaches you something new about strategy and tile combinations. Join local mahjong groups or play online to get more practice.

Playing mahjong becomes more enjoyable as you learn these skills. Remember that every expert player started as a beginner, so be patient with yourself as you learn this wonderful game.