Mahjong for Beginners

Mahjong for beginners starts with one decision: which game do you want to play? Four-player mahjong comes in many styles, and the rules differ. If friends invited you to a game, ask them which style they play. In the United States, that is often American mahjong. If you just want to learn, the short quiz below will point you to a good first step.

Start with these lessons

• How to play mahjongThe whole game, in any style, in plain words.
• Mahjong rules comparedA side-by-side table of what changes from style to style.
• Which variant should you learn?An honest look at American, Hong Kong, Riichi, and others.
• Why mahjong feels hardWhat trips people up, and a plan that makes it easier.
• The tiles, one by oneSuits, winds, dragons, flowers, and jokers.

American mahjong path

American mahjong uses 152 tiles, a yearly card of hands, tile passing, and jokers. This track gets you ready for your first mahj night, one step at a time.

• Beginner's guide to American mah jonggSetup, turns, and how a hand ends.
• What the card isWhat the League's card does and how to read one in general terms.
• The Charleston explainedPassing tiles right, across, and left.
• How jokers workWhere they can go, and how to swap for one.
• Calling tiles and exposuresWhen to claim a discard and how to show it.
• Table etiquetteThe small habits that keep a table friendly.
• Common beginner mistakesWhat new players do, and what to do instead.

Hong Kong mahjong path

Hong Kong style is the one many families play. It uses 144 tiles, and you build four sets and a pair.

• Basic rulesYour first game, from the wall to the winning hand.
• Melds and winning handsChows, pungs, kongs, and pairs.
• Faan scoringWorked examples using a common table.
• Flowers and seasonsWhat to do when you draw one.

Riichi mahjong path

Riichi is the Japanese style. It has 136 tiles, closed hands, and many scoring patterns. It takes longer to learn, and many people find that part of the fun.

• Basic rulesThe turn, the wall, and the one-yaku rule.
• Beginner yakuThe first patterns worth learning.
• Furiten explainedThe rule that surprises every new player.
• Reading waitsHow to see which tiles win your hand.
• Dora and red fivesBonus tiles, and how to find them.
• Riichi compared with other stylesWhat will feel familiar, and what will not.

Going deeper

• Mahjong scoringHow each style counts a winning hand.
• Mahjong handsCommon hand types, with original examples.
• Mahjong strategyGood habits by style and skill level.

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