Mastering American Mahjong: Rules, Strategies & Winning Combinations

Introduction

American Mahjong is a dynamic and engaging tile-based game that has its roots in ancient China but has evolved with unique rules and strategies specific to the United States. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to play American Mahjong, including the setup, rules, strategies, and winning combinations. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you master the game and enjoy countless hours of competitive fun.

How to Play American Mahjong: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Essentials of American Mahjong

Necessary Equipment

To play American Mahjong, you'll need a Mahjong set that includes 152 tiles. Here's a breakdown of the different types of tiles:

• Suits: Circles, Bamboos, and Characters, each numbered from one to nine.
• Wind Tiles: East, South, West, and North.
• Dragon Tiles: Red, Green, and White.
• Flower and Season Tiles: Special tiles that add variety to the game.
• Joker Tiles: Substitutes for any tile within certain combinations.

Each player also needs a rack to hold their tiles.

Setting Up the Game

Shuffling and Stacking the Tiles

1. Shuffle all 152 tiles face down.
2. Create a line of 19 tiles, stacked two tiles high, for each player.
3. Push the stacks to the center to form a continuous wall.

Assigning the Dealer

1. Each player rolls two dice.
2. The highest roller becomes the dealer, or "East."

Starting the Game

Breaking the Wall

1. The dealer rolls two dice to determine the break point in the wall.
2. The dealer separates the tiles at the break point and takes the first two stacks to the left.

Distributing Tiles

1. Each player draws four tiles three times, resulting in 12 tiles each.
2. The dealer takes two additional tiles, totaling 14.
3. Other players draw one tile each, ending with 13 tiles.

The Objective of the Game

The goal is to be the first to form a specified combination of 14 tiles, known as "Mahjong." Winning combinations are detailed in the National Mahjong League's scorecard.

Types of Winning Combinations

Combinations include pairs, three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, or six of a kind. Jokers can replace any tile in these combinations.

The Charleston: Initial Tile Exchanges

The Steps of the Charleston

1. First Pass: Three tiles to the right.
2. Second Pass: Three tiles across.
3. Third Pass: Three tiles to the left.
4. Fourth Pass: To the left.
5. Fifth Pass: Across.
6. Sixth Pass: To the right.
7. Final Exchange: Opposite players exchange up to three tiles.

Jokers cannot be passed during the Charleston.

Drawing and Discarding Tiles

Starting the Drawing Phase

1. The dealer discards one tile.
2. Players draw and discard tiles in a clockwise direction.

Calling a Tile

A discarded tile can be called if it completes a combination. The player who calls it exposes the combination and then discards another tile.

Winning the Game

Declaring Mahjong

1. A player declares "Mahjong" upon completing a winning hand.
2. The winning player receives payouts based on the scorecard.

Special Rules and Considerations

Exposed vs. Concealed Hands

• Exposed: Combinations revealed by calling tiles.
• Concealed: Only tiles drawn from the wall.

Calling Tiles for Mahjong

A tile can only be called to complete a pair if it results in Mahjong. Priority goes to the player closest to Mahjong.

Dead Tiles and Jokers

• Dead Tiles: Discarded tiles not called.
• Jokers: Cannot form pairs or be used as singles.

Ending the Game

The game ends when all tiles are drawn, and no player declares Mahjong. The dealer role rotates to the right for the next game.

Final Thoughts

American Mahjong is a game of strategy, skill, and luck. With practice and familiarity with the scorecard, you'll enhance your gameplay and enjoy countless sessions with friends and family. Engage in this captivating pastime and discover why American Mahjong has captivated players for generations. Happy playing!