Simple Mahjong Instructions

Mahjong, a popular tile-based game originating from China, is a fascinating and entertaining activity for friends and family gatherings. Before diving into the gameplay, it's essential to understand the basics of winning chips and how they're used throughout the session.

When you win a hand, you receive rewards in the form of chips, which serve as a monetary equivalent if you're playing with real money. On the other hand, if you give someone their winning tile, you'll need to pay using your own chips. Each player begins with their own pot of chips, which is replenished throughout the game.

Mahjong sessions typically consist of multiple rounds, usually eight or 12, and can take around two hours to complete. A standard session involves four players, each taking turns as the dealer for a specific round. This ensures that every player gets an opportunity to deal and play with different tiles.

In Hong Kong/Cantonese style Mahjong, there are 144 tiles used in gameplay. While it's possible to adapt the game for three players, playing with four people adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the game.

Interestingly, when only three players are present, we refer to this situation as 'a table missing a leg' (少隻腳) or 'three missing one' (三缺一). This highlights the importance of having a complete set of players for an optimal Mahjong experience.

Overall, Mahjong is a social and engaging game that requires strategy, luck, and teamwork. Whether playing with friends or family, this tile-based game is sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement.

Simple mahjong instructions