Rules · 4 min read
A winning hand: 4 sets + 1 pair
The goal of mahjong is simple: collect 14 tiles that form 4 sets and 1 pair. A set can be a Pong, a Chow or a Kong. The pair is also called the eyes.
A winning hand
Broken down, it looks like this:
- Chow 2-3-4 Characters
- Chow 5-6-7 Dots
- Pong of 3 Bamboo
- Chow 6-7-8 Bamboo
- Pair of East Wind
Four sets plus one pair. That is a winning hand.
Waiting (ready)
During play you hold 13 tiles. When you need just one more tile to win, your hand is ready, and you are waiting for that tile.
Three sets are done and the pair of East Wind is in place. Only one set is missing: 6 Bamboo and 7 Bamboo need 5 Bamboo or 8 Bamboo to become a Chow. So this hand is waiting for two kinds of tile.
One turn
The player in the East seat plays first. After that, play passes to the next player. On each turn you:
- Draw one tile from the wall.
- Discard one tile to the middle of the table.
So when your turn ends, you are back to 13 tiles.
Claiming a discard
When another player discards a tile, you may take it if it completes something in your hand:
- Win: from anyone's discard.
- Pong or Kong: from anyone's discard.
- Chow: only from the player who plays right before you.
If several players want the same tile, the order is: a win first, then a Pong or Kong, then a Chow. After claiming a discard for a Pong or Chow, you discard one tile straight away without drawing from the wall.
A set you complete with a discard must be laid open on the table. Such a set is called exposed. A set you form yourself from the tiles in your hand is called concealed.