Learning the Basics of How to Play Mahjong

Mahjong is a fascinating and strategic game that originated in China. It is a tile-based game that is played by four players and requires skill, strategy, and a keen eye. If you are interested in learning how to play Mahjong, here are the basics to get you started.

The Objective
The objective of Mahjong is to build sets of tiles that fit specific patterns. These patterns can be either a run (consecutive numbers in the same suit) or a set (three identical tiles). The player who creates a complete hand, consisting of four sets and a pair, wins the game.

The Tiles
A Mahjong set contains 144 tiles, divided into three categories: suits, honors, and bonus tiles. The suits consist of dots, bamboo, and characters, each numbered from one to nine. Honors are divided into two groups: winds and dragons. Wind tiles include east, south, west, and north, while dragon tiles are red, green, and white. Bonus tiles include flowers and seasons, which are not used in all variations of the game.

The Setup
At the beginning of the game, all tiles are placed face down and shuffled. Then, each player builds a wall with the tiles. The wall consists of stacks of tiles placed on top of each other, forming a square. The wall is then broken in one of two ways: either the dealer rolls dice to determine where to break the wall, or the player who is the east wind breaks the wall.

The Deal
After the wall is broken, each player receives 13 tiles, starting with the east wind and continuing in a counterclockwise direction. The east wind receives an extra tile, totaling 14. Players must then arrange their tiles so that they can see them but others cannot. This is an important aspect of the game, as remembering the tiles that have been discarded by other players is crucial for strategic play.

The Game
The game starts with the player to the right of the dealer, who discards one tile from their hand. The other players then have the opportunity to claim the discarded tile if it helps them complete a set. If more than one player claims the tile, the player closest to the right of the discarder has priority. The game continues in this manner, with each player taking turns drawing a tile and then discarding one until a player completes a hand.

Winning
To win a hand, a player must have four sets and a pair. The sets can be either runs or sets, as previously mentioned. Once a player claims a tile, the other players have the opportunity to claim it as well if it helps them build their sets. However, once a player declares Mahjong, meaning they have a complete hand, the other players cannot claim the discarded tiles.

In conclusion, learning how to play Mahjong requires an understanding of the objective, the tiles, the setup, the deal, and the game itself. While these basics provide a good foundation, there are many variations and strategies that can be employed to enhance the gameplay. With practice and experience, you can become a skilled Mahjong player and enjoy this captivating game with friends and family.