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Whether you’re new to Mahjong or looking to refine your skills, Napoleons’ guide will walk you through the basic rules, how to play Mahjong, and etiquette to follow, ensuring an enjoyable experience every time you play.
Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of Mahjong!
What is Mahjong
Mahjong is a classic tile-based game with roots in China, now enjoyed by players around the world, including here in the UK. It’s a game of skill and observation where players aim to create specific tile combinations to form a winning hand. There are several variations, but the core principles remain the same.
Basic Mahjong Rules
The aim of the game is simple – be the first to build a complete hand using a set of Mahjong tiles. Players draw and discard tiles to form sets, trying to complete their hand before their opponents.
Tile Values
Mahjong is played with 144 tiles, divided into different groups. Each tile type plays a role in forming winning combinations.
- Suits: Bamboo (Bams), Circles (Dots), and Characters (Craks)
- Honours: Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (Red, Green, White)
- Bonus Tiles: Flowers, Seasons, Jokers (used in some versions)
Tiles are made into winning hands, known as ‘melds’, which are:
- Pong: Three identical tiles (such as three Red Dragons)
- Kong: Four identical tiles (such as four 8s of bamboos)
- Chow: A sequence of three tiles of the same suit in numerical order (such as 1, 2, 3 of circles)
Game Overview
Setup
Players sit around a table, shuffle the Mahjong tiles, and build a ‘wall’
Dealing
Each player starts with 13 tiles, except for the dealer, who gets 14
Turn Structure
Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles to improve their hand
Winning Hand
A standard Mahjong hand consists of four sets of three tiles (either Pongs, Chows, or Kongs) and a pair
Dealer Rules
- The dealer (East Wind) is chosen randomly at the start
- The dealer gets an extra tile to begin
- If the dealer wins the round, they continue for the next game
- If another player wins, the dealer role moves counterclockwise
How to Play Mahjong
Building the Wall
The shuffled tiles are stacked into walls in front of each player.
Drawing and Discarding
Players take turns picking tiles from the wall and discarding those they don’t need.
Calling a Tile
If a discarded tile completes a set in another player’s hand, they may claim it.
Declaring Mahjong
A player wins when they complete a full hand and call “Mahjong!”
Scoring
Points are awarded based on the types of sets formed, with different rules depending on the variation played.
Mahjong Payouts
Scoring in a Mahjong game depends on the specific variation being played. Some factors that can influence a player’s score include:
Tile combinations
Some hands are worth more than others based on difficulty
Multiplier effects
Certain rules apply multipliers for special hands
Winning conditions
Some variations award higher scores for self-drawn wins
Mahjong Etiquette
Just like any other table game, Mahjong comes with its own set of unwritten rules for good sportsmanship:
Respect the order of play
Wait for your turn and avoid distractions
Handle tiles carefully
No excessive noise or rough handling
Announce calls clearly
When claiming a tile, make sure everyone hears you
Keep strategy talk to a minimum
Let the game unfold naturally
Play at a steady pace
Being mindful of time keeps the game enjoyable for all
Mahjong at Napoleons
Ready to play? Start planning your next visit to Napoleons!
Mahjong can currently be played in our Sheffield, Manchester and Hull casinos. Speak to the teams about when the game is played and how to join the table