• Game Type: Tile-based strategy game
• Age: 10+
• Players: 10+
• The pack: 144 tiles

Mahjong is an ancient Chinese tile-based game. The game requires a combination of skill, strategy, and a hint of luck. Though it originated in China, various versions exist today. Let us have a look at American Mahjong—a popular variant known for its unique Mahjong game rules, jokers, and the annual scoring card system.

Objective, Number of Players, Type of Game

Mahjong is typically played by four players. The goal is simple: to be the first to complete a valid hand. This involves drawing and discarding tiles until you achieve a winning combination.

American Mahjong

American Mahjong game stands apart from the traditional Chinese version through several key features. It includes jokers as wild tiles, uses a score card with specific hands that changes yearly, and follows a distinct scoring method. Most players in the United States follow the rules that have been set up by the National Mah Jongg League, which helps standardise gameplay and maintain consistency.

Components

To play American Mahjong, you will need a standard set that includes everything required for smooth gameplay. Each item plays a unique role in helping players organise, strategise, and score.

Here’s what you need to learn to play Mahjong:

• 152 tiles – includes three suits (Dots, Bams, Craks), honour tiles (Winds and Dragons), jokers, and flower tiles
• Dice – used to break the wall and start the game
• Racks – four racks to hold and conceal each player’s tiles
• Scoring cards – updated yearly, these display valid hands recognised by the National Mah Jongg League

Goal

The main goal in American Mahjong is to create a complete winning hand by combining specific tile sets. These sets include Pungs (three of a kind), Kongs (four of a kind), Chows (three in a sequence of the same suit), and a pair.

Setup

Setting up a game of American Mahjong is an essential part of the process. Concentrating on the setup helps players ease into the rhythm of play.

To begin:

• The tiles need to be placed face down on the table. To esnure a random distribution spread them out and mix them thoroughly.
• Each player builds a wall using the mixed tiles. The wall should be two tiles high and 19 tiles long, placed directly in front of each player to form a square.
• Roll the dice to determine the dealer, who is also referred to as the ‘East.’ The player who gets the highest roll takes the East position and will begin the game.
• Draw tiles: Each player takes 13 tiles from the wall. The dealer (East) draws one extra tile, starting with 14 tiles in total.
• Arrange your tiles neatly on your rack. Keep them hidden from other players throughout the game, as strategy depends on secrecy.
• This setup phase is not just practical—it’s also part of the fun. It builds anticipation, helps players get familiar with their tiles, and marks the official start of a lively game of Mahjong.

The Play Or Mahjong Rules

Once all players have arranged their tiles, the game begins. In American Mahjong, play moves clockwise, starting with the dealer, also known as ‘East.’

• The dealer begins by discarding one tile, placing it face-up in the centre of the table.
• The next player (to the right of the dealer) then has two options: they can either pick up the discarded tile (if it helps complete a valid set) or draw a new one from the wall.
• Each player’s goal is to build a complete hand that matches one of the valid combinations listed on the official scoring card.
• With each turn, players must draw a tile and then discard one. This continues until someone completes a winning hand.
• If a player wants to claim a tile that has just been discarded by another, they must immediately announce the claim, state what set it completes (e.g. ‘Pung’ or ‘Mahjong’), and place the matching tiles face-up on their rack.
• Jokers act as wild tiles and can be used to complete sets such as Pungs, Kongs, or Quints—but they cannot be used to form a pair.
• This cycle continues until one player achieves Mahjong or the tiles run out.

Kong

A Kong is a set of four identical tiles.

• When you form a Kong, you must declare it.
• Draw an extra tile from the back end of the wall to maintain the right number of tiles in your hand.

Hand End

The round ends when a player completes a valid hand and declares ‘Mahjong!’

• The winning player reveals their hand.
• The hand is checked against the official scoring card.

If no player completes a hand and the tiles run out, the game is a draw.

Scoring

Scoring depends on the hand completed:

• Each valid hand has a set point value, as listed on the scoring card.
• Jokers do not add extra points.
• Some rare hands offer high scores.
• If more than one player calls for a winning tile, the closest to the dealer in turn order wins the round.

Game End

A full game of Mahjong is usually played over several rounds.

• Some groups play until each player has been dealer four times.
• The player with the highest total score at the end wins the session.

Conclusion

Mahjong’s blend of strategy, skill, and luck make it endlessly engaging. A quality Mahjong set makes all the difference whether you are a novice wanting to learn Mahjong or looking to refine your play. Explore the beautiful tile sets at Art of Cards.