The most common mistakes in American mahjong are holding the wrong number of tiles, using a joker in a pair, calling tiles too early, and picking one hand too soon. Most of them come from having too much to track at once, and they fade with practice. Here is what each looks like, and what to do instead.
Mistakes with the rules
Holding the wrong number of tiles
You hold 13 tiles between turns, or 14 just after drawing. If you miss a draw or forget a discard, your count is off, and your hand may be declared dead.
Do this instead: Sort your tiles into small groups, and count them after each discard for your first few games.
Using a joker in a pair
Do this instead: Keep this rule in mind whenever you count jokers toward a hand. Pairs and single tiles must be natural. Read about jokers.
Calling a discard for a pair
You may only call a tile for a pair if it finishes your whole hand.
Do this instead: Before you speak, ask, “Is this tile making a pung or bigger, or winning me the game?”
Passing a joker
Jokers may not be passed in the Charleston.
Do this instead: Move jokers to one end of your rack, so you do not pick them up by accident.
Forgetting about concealed hands
Hands marked as concealed cannot use exposed sets, except when the last tile finishes the hand.
Do this instead: Check that marking on your card before you call anything.
Mistakes in judgment
Picking one hand too soon
It is tempting to find one hand on the card and stay with it. Then the Charleston hands you the wrong tiles, and you are stuck.
Do this instead: Keep two or three hands in mind through the Charleston. Decide as tiles come to you.
Passing pairs too soon
Pairs are valuable, since they can grow into pungs.
Do this instead: Pass lone tiles first. Give up a pair only when you are sure.
Calling too eagerly
An early exposure gives away your plan and limits your options.
Do this instead: Before you call, check how many hands still fit your tiles. If one call leaves only one, wait unless the game is near its end.
Chasing an impossible tile
If you need a pung, and two copies have already been discarded, you are unlikely to finish it, even with jokers.
Do this instead: Check the discards and the exposures each turn. Count what is left before you commit.
Discarding a tile someone needs
If a player has exposed sets, they may need a matching tile. Late in the hand, this matters a lot.
Do this instead: Look at other players’ exposures, and be careful with tiles that fit them.
Mistakes in habits
Not watching the table
Beginners look only at their own racks. That is natural, but the table holds a lot of useful information.
Do this instead: Start by watching one thing each turn: did anyone discard what I need?
Not naming discards
Others may miss a tile if you place it quietly.
Do this instead: Say the name as you set it down. It also helps you learn the tiles.
Taking a loss personally
Tiles decide many hands. A wall game or a loss is normal, and it says very little about your skill.
Do this instead: Choose one thing to practice each game, and judge your session by that.
A short drill
Before your next game, spend ten minutes on these:
- Five rounds of the Tile Trainer.
- One full hand in the Charleston Trainer.
- One deal in the Hand Builder, paying attention to your jokers.