How to Play Mahjong

Mahjong is a tile-based game of strategy and observation, traditionally played by four people. It looks complex at first, but once you learn the suits and melds, it becomes second nature.

1. Understand the Tiles

A standard set has three suits—dots (circles), bamboo (sticks), and characters (wan)—numbered one through nine. There are also honour tiles: winds (East, South, West, North) and dragons (Red, Green, White). Some sets add flower and season tiles as bonuses.

2. Deal and Build Your Hand

Each player starts with 13 tiles (14 on the dealer's first turn). From there you draw one tile and discard one each turn, aiming to complete a winning hand.

3. Form Melds

There are a few ways to combine tiles:

Chow: a run of three consecutive tiles in the same suit (e.g., 4-5-6 dots).
Pung: three identical tiles (e.g., three Red dragons).
Kong: four identical tiles.

4. Win the Hand

A standard winning hand contains four melds plus one pair. You declare a win when your drawn or claimed tile completes that structure.

5. Etiquette and Flow

Discard thoughtfully, watch what others pick up, and learn to read the table. Good players balance building their own hand with blocking opponents. Most importantly—relax and enjoy the rhythm of the game.

Our private Mahjong rooms at Happy Billiard are perfect for a relaxed session with family and friends.

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