Mahjong Game Rules are fundamental to enjoying this strategic tile-based game; this article provided by polarservicecenter.net will thoroughly cover them. Understanding these rules is essential for both beginners and seasoned players looking to refine their game. We’ll explore everything from basic equipment to scoring, ensuring you have a comprehensive grasp of Mahjong. Whether you’re interested in the Chinese, British, or even two-player variations, this guide has you covered, enhancing your understanding of tile sets and gameplay strategies and ensuring you’re well-prepared to dive into the game confidently.
1. Essential Mahjong Equipment: What Do You Need to Play?
To play Mahjong, you need a set of tiles, typically around 30 x 20 x 15mm. The set consists of 144 tiles, traditionally made from bone or ivory, but modern sets are usually plastic. Besides the tiles, you also need two dice to determine the wall-breaking order.
1.1 What are the Basic Tiles Included in a Mahjong Set?
A standard Mahjong set includes various types of tiles, each with its unique design and purpose. These tiles are divided into suits, honors, and bonus tiles.
| Tile Type | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Circle Tiles | 36 tiles in 4 sets of 9 tiles numbered 1-9, each showing the appropriate number of circles. | 36 |
| Character Tiles | 36 tiles in 4 sets of 9 tiles numbered 1-9, featuring the Chinese symbol for the number represented. | 36 |
| Bamboo Tiles | 36 tiles in 4 sets of 9 tiles numbered 1-9, with bamboo pictures; the One of Bamboos often depicts a sparrow or rice-bird. | 36 |
| Wind Tiles | 16 tiles, with 4 tiles for each of the 4 winds (East, South, West, North). | 16 |
| Dragon Tiles | 12 tiles, with 4 Red dragons, 4 Green dragons, and 4 White dragons (sometimes marked with a ‘P’). | 12 |
| Flower Tiles (Opt) | 4 tiles, numbered 1-4, offering bonus points when drawn, with depictions varying by set. | 4 |
| Season Tiles (Opt) | 4 tiles, numbered 1-4, offering bonus points when drawn, with depictions varying by set. | 4 |
1.2 What Optional Equipment Can Enhance the Mahjong Experience?
While tiles and dice are the core components, other items can enhance the Mahjong experience.
| Optional Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Spare Blank Tiles | Used to replace lost tiles. |
| Joker Tiles | Commonly included for playing other games like Ghoulash, denoted by a Chinese horse. |
| Racks | Useful accessories to hold each player’s tiles. |
| Wind Counters | Special counters denoting the four winds, used to decide seating and track the prevailing wind. |
| Tally Sticks | Used for scoring; values can be assigned as agreed upon, with different values for different game styles. |
2. Mahjong Seating Arrangements: How Does Player Placement Work?
Seating in Mahjong is determined by drawing wind tiles. Players draw one of each of the four wind tiles (North, West, South, East) placed face-down and shuffled. The seating order follows a clockwise direction: North, West, South, and East.
2.1 What Determines the Prevailing Wind and Its Significance?
The East wind is the prevailing wind and is a crucial position since this player starts the round, scores double, and pays double. The position of East rotates among players in subsequent rounds.
2.2 How Do Wind Positions Change After Each Round?
Wind positions change based on who went out in the previous round.
- If East wind went out: The positions remain the same, and the player who was East wind remains so for another round.
- If any other wind went out: The wind positions rotate anti-clockwise. The player who was South wind becomes East wind.
3. Building and Breaking the Wall: How Are Tiles Prepared for Play?
After seating arrangements, the next step is preparing the tiles by building and breaking the wall. This process ensures fair distribution and randomness in the game.
3.1 How is the Wall Constructed?
The wall is constructed by each player taking 34 tiles and positioning them in a two-tile-high, 17-tile-long wall in front of them. The tiles should have their long sides facing up and be face down. These four walls are then pushed together to form a square, symbolizing the Great Wall of China. Ensuring there are no gaps is crucial to prevent any unwanted spirits from entering the game.
3.2 What Is the Significance of Breaking the Wall?
Breaking the wall is a ritualistic part of Mahjong. The East player throws the dice to determine who breaks the wall. East counts the players anti-clockwise according to the number thrown. The player where the count ends throws the dice again, adds the total of both throws, and counts along their wall from right to left. Where the count ends, the player removes the pair of tiles, placing the top tile on top of the previous tile and the lower tile two positions further anti-clockwise. These two tiles are known as “loose tiles.”
4. The Deal: How Are Tiles Distributed to Players?
The deal involves distributing tiles to each player in a specific order, ensuring each player has a starting hand.
4.1 What Is the Order of Dealing Tiles?
Starting after the break and moving clockwise, four tiles are dealt to each player, beginning with East, until each player has 12 tiles. Then, the first and third tiles on the top row are dealt to East, the first on the bottom row to South, the next tile on the top row to West, and the next lower tile to North.
4.2 How Many Tiles Does Each Player End Up With?
East finishes with 14 tiles, while the other players have 13 tiles each. This imbalance gives East the first move and slightly influences the initial strategy.
5. Objective of Mahjong: What Are Players Trying to Achieve?
The primary goal in Mahjong is to collect sets of tiles to call “Mahjong” and go out. However, the broader objective is to amass a greater score than your opponents over a series of rounds, which can be achieved even without calling Mahjong every time.
5.1 What Are the Basic Sets That Players Collect?
Players collect three basic types of sets:
- Pung: A set of three identical tiles (e.g., 3 x Red Dragons, 3 x Two circles).
- Kong: A set of four identical tiles (e.g., 4 x Eight of Bamboos, 4 x North Winds).
- Chow: A run of three tiles in the same suit. A Chow does not score points but helps complete a hand.
5.2 What Conditions Must Be Met to Call “Mahjong”?
To call Mahjong and go out, a player must achieve one of the following:
- A pair and four Pungs, Kongs, or Chows.
- A special hand.
6. Gameplay: How Does the Turn-Based Play Work?
The game revolves around taking turns, drawing tiles, and discarding them strategically.
6.1 What Is the First Turn and How Does It Begin?
The first turn is made by East, who discards one tile face-up on the table inside the remainder of the walls. Each subsequent turn involves taking a tile, optionally playing a tile combination, and then discarding a tile.
6.2 How Do Players Claim Discarded Tiles?
After a discard, any player with two or three tiles matching the discarded tile can take the next turn by calling Mahjong, Pung, or Kong. The player takes the discard and plays the resulting Pung or Kong on the table. If calling Mahjong, the player takes the discard and declares all tiles in hand, finishing the game.
6.3 What Happens If No One Claims the Discarded Tile?
If no player calls Mahjong, Pung, or Kong, the player to the right of the player who discarded takes the next turn. This player can call a Chow if they have two tiles that can be matched with the discard. Otherwise, they take a tile from the open end of the wall.
6.4 How Does Declaring a Kong Affect Gameplay?
Whenever a Kong is declared, the player must lay all the tiles forming the Kong on the table and immediately take a tile from the wall to replace it. A declared Pung can be converted into a Kong using a tile from the wall. A Kong can only be made using a discarded tile if the other three tiles are concealed in hand.
7. Finishing the Game: How Does a Round End?
The game can end in a draw or with a player calling Mahjong.
7.1 What Happens When All Tiles Are Drawn from the Wall?
If all the tiles from the wall are drawn, the game is declared a draw, and no scores are made. The tiles are shuffled again, and the game restarts with the same player as East wind.
7.2 How Does a Player Declare “One for Mahjong”?
Once a player needs only one more tile to go out, they declare “one for Mahjong,” alerting other players to be more careful with their discards. This player is said to be “calling” or “fishing.”
7.3 What Is “Robbing the Kong”?
If a player takes a tile from the wall and plays it on an already exposed Pung to form a Kong, another player can use that tile to go out. This is called “Robbing the Kong,” where the player takes the tile just played and uses it to complete a set of their own tiles to call Mahjong.
8. Special Hands: What Are the Alternative Winning Combinations?
Special hands are specific sets of tiles that allow a player to call Mahjong. These hands often have unique requirements and can significantly increase the score.
8.1 What Are Some Common Special Hands?
Some common special hands include:
- Buried Treasure: Concealed Pungs in one suit with Winds/Dragons and a pair.
- Heads and Tails: Pungs/Kongs of Ones and Nines.
- The Wriggling Snake: A pair of Ones and a run from Two to Nine in the same suit, with each of the winds.
- Three Great Scholars: Pungs/Kongs of all three Dragons, another Pung/Kong, and a pair.
- Four Blessings Hovering Over The Door: Pungs/Kongs of each of the four Winds with any pair.
- The Thirteen Unique Wonders: One of each Dragon, one of each Wind, one of each One, and one of each Nine, with any one of these tiles paired.
- Heaven’s Blessing: Mahjong made immediately by East with the original fourteen tiles dealt.
- Earth’s Blessing: Mahjong made immediately by West, North, or South using the first discard made by East.
- Gathering the Plum Blossom from the Roof: Drawing a loose tile (replacement for a Kong, Flower, or Season) that is the Plum Blossom (Five of Circles) to go Mahjong.
- Plucking the Moon from the Bottom of the Sea: Drawing the last tile from the wall that is the Moon (One of Circles) to go Mahjong.
8.2 How Do Special Hands Affect Scoring?
Special hands usually carry high point values and can significantly impact the final score. The specific scores for each special hand are predetermined and can vary depending on the ruleset.
9. Scoring: How Are Points Calculated in Mahjong?
Scoring in Mahjong can be complex, with points awarded for various tile combinations and actions during the game. Understanding the scoring system is essential for strategic play.
9.1 What Are the Basic Points for Tile Combinations?
The basic points for tile combinations are as follows:
| Tile Combination | Points (Exposed) | Points (Concealed) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Tile Pung | 2 | 4 |
| Major Tile Pung | 4 | 8 |
| Minor Tile Kong | 8 | 16 |
| Major Tile Kong | 16 | 32 |
| Pair of Dragons | 2 | 2 |
| Pair of Prevailing Wind | 2 | 2 |
| Pair of Player’s Wind | 2 | 2 |
9.2 What Are Bonus Points and Doubling Conditions?
Bonus points are awarded for specific achievements:
- Going Mahjong: 10 points
- Drawing the winning tile from the wall: 2 points
- Going Mahjong with the only possible tile: 2 points
Doubling conditions include:
- Pung or Kong of the player’s own Wind: Double
- Pung or Kong of the prevailing Wind: Double
- Pung or Kong of Dragons: Double
9.3 How Are Scores Settled Among Players?
The player who goes Mahjong is paid by the other players the amount scored by their hand. If East wins, the others pay double. If not, East pays double. Each losing player pays any other losing player with a greater value hand the difference between the two hands, with East paying and/or receiving double the difference.
10. British Mahjong: What Are the Variations in Rules?
British Mahjong has several variations from the Chinese version, including different special hands and scoring rules.
10.1 What Are the Key Differences in Gameplay?
Key differences in British Mahjong include:
- Flowers and Seasons are typically part of the rules.
- Each player may declare only one Chow per round.
10.2 What Additional Special Hands Are Recognized?
Additional special hands in British Mahjong include:
- All Pair Honors: Seven pairs of Ones/Nines/Winds/Dragons.
- Fourfold Plenty: Four Kongs and a pair.
- Knitting: Seven pairs of tiles in any two out of the three suits (no Winds or Dragons).
- Triple Knitting: Four sets of three tiles in different suits and a pair (no Winds or Dragons).
- The Gates of Heaven: A concealed Pung of Ones, a concealed Pung of Nines, a run from Two to Eight with one pair in the same suit.
- Imperial Jade: Pungs/Kongs of green tiles and a pair (Green Dragons, Twos, Threes, Fours, Sixes, and Eights of Bamboos).
- Twofold Fortune: Declaring a Kong, drawing a tile to declare another Kong, and then drawing a tile to declare Mahjong.
- All Winds and Dragons: Pungs/Kongs of Winds/Dragons (no suit tiles).
10.3 How Does Scoring Differ in British Mahjong?
Scoring differences include:
- Going Mahjong counts 20 points instead of 10.
- Two extra double possibilities: All concealed hand and going Mahjong with the last discard.
- Omission of certain doubles, such as all four Winds or all three Dragons (replaced by the “All Winds and Dragons” special hand).
11. Playing With Flowers and Seasons: How Do These Tiles Impact the Game?
Flowers and Seasons are optional tiles that can add an extra layer of strategy and luck to the game.
11.1 How Are Flower and Season Tiles Used?
If a Flower or Season tile is dealt to a player, they immediately declare it and replace it from the Kong Box. Each Flower or Season counts four points.
11.2 What Is the Kong Box and How Is It Used?
The Kong Box (or Dead Wall) is created by separating the first six piles of tiles (fourteen tiles, including the loose tiles) from the remainder of the wall. These tiles are used exclusively to provide replacements for Flower, Season, and Kong declarations.
11.3 How Do Flowers and Seasons Affect Scoring?
Holding specific Flower or Season tiles can double the basic score. For example, holding the player’s own Flower or Season (1=E, 2=S, 3=W, 4=N) doubles the score. Holding a complete set of Flowers or Seasons doubles the score twice.
12. Two-Player Mahjong: How Is the Game Modified for Two Players?
Two-player Mahjong is a good way for beginners to practice, though it differs from the standard four-player version.
12.1 What Are the Key Rule Changes?
Key rule changes for two-player Mahjong include:
- No Chows are allowed.
- East Wind neither pays nor receives double during scoring.
- When scoring, if the player going Mahjong has a lower score than the opponent, the player with Mahjong receives the normal total score plus the difference between the scores.
12.2 What Strategies Are Effective in Two-Player Mahjong?
In two-player Mahjong, focusing on Pungs, Kongs, and special hands is crucial due to the prohibition of Chows. Strategic tile management and anticipating the opponent’s moves become even more critical.
13. Three-Player Mahjong: What Are the Adaptations for This Variation?
Three-player Mahjong can be played with either four walls and a dummy position or with three walls in a triangular shape. The triangular game is often considered simpler and more elegant.
13.1 How Does the Triangular Setup Work?
In the triangular setup, the North position is eliminated, and the four North wind tiles are removed from the set, resulting in 132 tiles used. The walls consist of 22 stacks (44 tiles) in a triangle shape.
13.2 How Does Gameplay Differ in the Triangular Version?
Other than the wall configuration and the absence of the North position, the game is played similarly to four-player Mahjong. Each round has three hands, and there are usually three or four rounds as agreed upon.
By understanding these comprehensive Mahjong game rules, you can confidently approach any variation of the game. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, mastering these rules will enhance your enjoyment and strategic capabilities. If you encounter any issues with your Polar device or need assistance with your fitness equipment, remember to visit polarservicecenter.net for expert support and reliable service in the USA. Our team is ready to help you maximize your fitness journey with Polar products, ensuring you stay on track toward your goals. Contact us at Address: 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States, Phone: +1 (303) 492-7080, or visit our Website: polarservicecenter.net for more information.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Mahjong Game Rules
1. What are the basic tiles needed to play Mahjong?
The basic tiles include Circle, Character, and Bamboo suits, along with Wind and Dragon honor tiles. Optional Flower and Season tiles can add bonus points.
2. How is seating determined in Mahjong?
Players draw wind tiles (North, West, South, East) face-down and seat themselves in clockwise order: North, West, South, East.
3. What is the significance of the East wind?
The East wind is the prevailing wind. The player in this position starts the round, scores double, and pays double.
4. How are the tiles prepared for play?
The tiles are shuffled and formed into a two-tile-high wall in front of each player. The walls are then pushed together to form a square, and the wall is broken to determine where to start dealing tiles.
5. What are the basic sets players aim to collect?
Players collect Pungs (three identical tiles), Kongs (four identical tiles), and Chows (a run of three tiles in the same suit).
6. What is required to call “Mahjong”?
A player needs a pair and four Pungs, Kongs, or Chows, or a special hand.
7. How do players claim discarded tiles?
If a player has the necessary tiles to form a Pung, Kong, or Chow with a discarded tile, they can claim the discard and expose the set.
8. What happens if all the tiles are drawn from the wall?
The game is declared a draw, and no scores are made. The tiles are reshuffled, and the game restarts with the same East wind player.
9. What are special hands in Mahjong?
Special hands are specific combinations of tiles that result in a win and often carry higher point values, such as “Thirteen Unique Wonders” or “Four Blessings Hovering Over The Door.”
10. How is scoring calculated in Mahjong?
Scoring is based on the value of the winning hand, including points for specific tile combinations, bonus points for achievements during the game, and doubling conditions based on winds and dragons.
