What are the basic rules of mahjong?

1. Number and Types of Tiles

Mahjong consists of 136 tiles, divided into five categories. Each category includes tiles numbered from 1 to 9, with four of each number. Thus, each category has 36 tiles.

2. Players and Positions

Mahjong can be played by 2 to 4 players. Before starting the game, each player’s position and seating are determined, which are fixed and typically follow a counterclockwise direction.

3. Starting the Game

At the beginning of the game, each player draws 13 tiles. Players then take turns discarding tiles in a counterclockwise order. There are specific rules to follow when discarding tiles, such as not discarding the same tile or more than 9 tiles.

Basic Gameplay

1. Chī

When a player discards a tile, other players can “chī”, meaning they can take the discarded tile if it completes a sequence in their hand.

2. Pung (Pong)

After a tile is discarded, another player can choose to “pung,” meaning they place two identical tiles from their hand on the table, along with the discarded tile.

3. Kong

If a player has three identical tiles in their hand and another player discards the fourth, they can declare a “kong” by placing all four tiles on the table.

4. Winning (Hu)

A player wins by declaring “hu” when their hand meets specific combinations, such as sequences, triplets, pairs, Seven Pairs, or Thirteen Orphans.

Strategy to win mahjong

1. Observe Your Opponents

Pay attention to the playing habits and tile patterns of other players. This will help you infer their hands and make better decisions.

2. Maintain Balance

Try to balance your hand by not focusing on one tile type. Also, avoid letting other players guess your strategy based on your hand.

3. Be Flexible

Adjust your strategy as the game progresses; don’t stick to one approach.

4. Be Aware of Ready Hands

A ready hand (Ting) means you only need one more tile to win. Always monitor your hand’s readiness and try to maximise your chances of winning. Also, be cautious to prevent others from winning.

5. Avoid Giving Away Winning Tiles

Discarding a tile that allows another player to win can cost you significant points. Be careful with your discards to avoid this.

6. Balance Defense and Offense

While aiming to win, also defend against others winning by carefully selecting your discards. Adapt your strategy to either defend or attack as needed.