Mahjong is a traditional Chinese tile-based game that is played with four players. The objective of the game is to create sets and runs of tiles to score points. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Mahjong:
1. Equipment: You will need a set of Mahjong tiles. The set consists of 144 tiles, which are divided into three categories: suits, honors, and bonus tiles.
2. Setup: Shuffle the tiles face down on the table, and each player builds a wall by arranging the tiles into a square formation. The wall should be two tiles high and 18 tiles long on each side, forming a rectangle. Then, push the tiles together to form the wall.
3. Breaking the Wall: Each player throws three dice to determine the starting position of the wall. Count the total number on the dice and count from the right side of the wall to find the break point. The wall is broken by removing the tiles to the right of the break point, and the wall is separated into two sections.
4. Dealing the Tiles: Starting with the dealer, each player takes turns counterclockwise to draw four tiles from the wall, one at a time. This process is repeated until each player has 12 tiles. Then, each player takes one more tile to have a total of 13 tiles.
5. Building Your Hand: Players take turns to draw and discard tiles, aiming to create sets and runs. A set consists of three identical tiles (called a “Pung”) or four identical tiles (called a “Kong”). A run consists of three consecutive tiles of the same suit. You can also have special combinations like pairs and honors.
6. Taking Turns: On your turn, you can either draw a tile from the wall or claim a tile that another player has discarded. When you claim a tile, it must be used immediately to complete a set or run in your hand. If you draw a tile from the wall, you must discard a tile to end your turn.
7. Winning: The game continues with players taking turns until one player completes a winning hand. A winning hand consists of four sets or runs and one pair. The player must declare Mahjong and reveal their hand. Points are then calculated based on the value of the winning hand.
8. Scoring: The scoring system in Mahjong can vary depending on the rules you are playing with. There are different combinations and patterns that can earn you points. It’s important to understand the scoring system before playing.
9. Continue Playing: After scoring, the tiles are gathered, and the player to the right of the previous dealer becomes the new dealer. The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds or until a player reaches a specific score.
This is a basic overview of how to play Mahjong. The game has many variations and regional rules, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules you are playing with. It’s also helpful to play with experienced players who can guide you through the game.
