In most styles, a mahjong hand has 14 tiles when complete: four sets and a pair. Riichi and Hong Kong rules recognize patterns on top of that shape, and a few special hands break it, such as seven pairs. American hands are different: your 14 tiles must match a specific hand on the League’s yearly card. Here are the common types, using original examples.
The standard shape
Hong Kong and Riichi hands usually look like this:
A set can be a run of three (chow), three of a kind (pung), or four of a kind (kong).
Hands by pattern
All runs
This shape is usually the fastest to build. In Hong Kong play, it is called a Common Hand, worth 1 faan. In Riichi, a closed version can earn pinfu.
All pungs
It is slower, but pungs can be claimed from any player.
Half flush
Full flush
This is among the most valuable common hands. It also signals what you are doing, since your discards will avoid that suit.
Seven pairs
It is accepted in Riichi and in some Hong Kong games.
Dragon hands
Thirteen orphans
American hands
American hands come from the National Mah Jongg League’s yearly card. We do not list, describe, rank, or hint at them, and we never will. Our card guide explains what the card is, and how to approach reading one.
For practice, we offer original hands, which are clearly not League hands:
Try them in the Hand Builder. You will learn how to work toward a target and use jokers.
How to choose what to build
Early in a hand, look at what you have:
- Many runs started? Go for all runs.
- Several pairs? Consider all pungs or seven pairs.
- Mostly one suit? A flush may be within reach.
- Dragons or value winds? A set of them adds value.
Then stay flexible. The best hand is the one your tiles allow.
Common beginner mistakes
- Choosing the rarest hand. Common hands are common because they are reachable.
- Holding tiles for a dream. Rare hands seldom come together.
- Mixing up styles. A valid Hong Kong hand is not automatically valid in Riichi, and neither applies at an American table.