Mahjong, a classic card game originating from China, has become an indispensable part of the culture and lifestyle of many Asian people. If you want to learn about this game, you cannot miss the article by DITO777 below.

Main components of a Mahjong deck

A Mahjong deck consists of many unique and complex components, each with its own meaning and role in the game. Understanding these components will help players better grasp the rules and playing strategies.

Types of cards in the game

A classic deck usually consists of 144 cards, divided into three main categories:

Number cards (Number cards): Consists of 36 cards divided into 4 sets (North, East, South, West), each set has 9 numbered cards from 1 to 9.
Phu cards (Phu cards): Consists of 12 cards representing the four main directions (North, East, South, West).
Hoa cards (Hoa cards): Consists of 16 cards representing the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) and mascots (Flower, Phoenix, Dragon, Unicorn).

How to arrange and preserve the deck of cards

To play Mahjong, players need to arrange the cards randomly and carefully. The cards are usually arranged into 4 stacks, each stack has 36 cards. Players will take turns drawing cards from these stacks to create complete sets.

In addition, preserving the deck of cards is also very important. The cards are usually made of wood, stone or plastic, and need to be cleaned and stored carefully to avoid damage or loss.

Basic Rules

Although there are many variations, the game still follows some basic principles. Understanding the core rules will help players grasp how the game works and thereby develop effective playing strategies.

Objectives and gameplay

The main objective of Mahjong is to complete a “complete set” by matching cards into sequences and pairs according to certain rules. Players will take turns drawing and discarding cards, trying to create complete sets before their opponents.

Deal 13 cards evenly to each player.
Take turns drawing and discarding cards, trying to create complete sets.
When a player completes a complete set, they will declare “Mahjong” and the game ends.

Complete Set Structures

To complete a complete set in Mahjong, players need to create the following structures:

Chain (Chow): Consists of 3 cards of the same number in a row, for example 4-5-6.
Pair (Pung): Consists of 3 cards of the same number or type.
Single Card (Kong): Consists of 4 cards of the same number or type.

In addition, some variations also have special structures such as “Su Tu” (4 cards of the same type) or “Tien Canh” (cards representing the 4 main directions).

Scores and scoring

Each complete set will bring a corresponding number of points, depending on factors such as card type, number of cards and special combinations. Players will add up the total points of the complete sets to determine the winner.

Factors such as using “Hoa” cards, completing the set fastest or winning by “Self-Draw” will also bring higher scores.

Popular Variants of Mahjong

With the spread of Mahjong around the world, many different variations of the game have emerged, reflecting adaptations to local cultures and traditions. Each variation has its own characteristics, adding to the diversity and richness of the Mahjong world.

Traditional Chinese Mahjong

Traditional Chinese Mahjong is the most classic and popular form. The main features of Chinese Mahjong include:

Using a deck of 144 cards, including Number Cards, Symbol Cards and Flower Cards.
The rules and complete deck structure are similar to those described above.
There are many local variations, such as Cantonese Mahjong, Shanghai Mahjong or Beijing Mahjong.
It is widely played at family gatherings, among friends and in community events.

Japanese Mahjong (Riichi Mahjong)

Japanese Mahjong, also known as Riichi Mahjong, is a popular variant in Japan. This is a version that differs in many ways from the Chinese original:

Uses a deck of 136 cards instead of 144.
Adds special rules such as “Riichi”, “Ippatsu” and “Tsumo”.
Scores and calculations are more complex, with more ways to achieve high scores.
Widely played in professional tournaments and broadcast live.

Western Mahjong

Mahjong has also developed into variants in the West, especially in the United States and Europe. These variants often differ from the Chinese original:

Uses a deck of 152 cards, with additional special cards- Uses a deck of 152 cards, with additional special cards such as “Joker” cards or cards with properties similar to “Wild”.
The rules of the game can be simpler, making it easier for newcomers to access and participate.
Because of this, Western Mahjong is often seen as a recreational game rather than an intellectual sport.

Mahjong Tactics and Tips

Once you have mastered the basic rules of the game, applying the right tactics will help players increase their chances of winning. Mahjong is not only about luck, but also requires strategic thinking, situational analysis, and observation skills.

Reading Your Opponents

One of the most important elements in Mahjong is the ability to read your opponents’ intentions. Players can recognize the cards their opponents are looking for through their drawing and discarding actions. If an opponent keeps discarding cards of the same type as the one you are holding, it is likely that they are trying to complete a complete set. Paying attention to each move and observing your opponent’s reactions will help you adjust your strategy in time.

Analyzing your opponent’s psychology and emotions is also extremely important. An opponent who seems nervous or excited may be close to completion, and you need to be more careful in choosing which cards to discard. Conversely, if a player is confident and assertive, they may be in a “ready” state to claim victory at any time.

Create flexibility in your hand

When building a deck, it is important to create flexibility in the combinations of cards you hold. Instead of focusing on completing a specific set right from the start, consider the ability to switch between different structures. This gives you more options during the game and allows you to easily adapt to the cards you draw or the cards your opponents are playing.

Furthermore, if you have some strong cards, consider holding them for a longer period of time. This can create opportunities for you to complete different sets, thereby maximizing your score and increasing your chances of winning.

Time and Resource Management

Time is also an important factor in Mahjong. Although each turn is played quite quickly, a small mistake can lead to an undesirable outcome. Make sure you always plan each turn in advance and do not rush into making decisions. If necessary, take some time to think about the possibilities you have.

In addition, manage the cards you have discarded. These cards are still valuable in predicting what your opponent might be playing. Keeping track of the cards that have been played will help you determine the ability of your opponent to complete the set and thereby make better decisions for your play.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the rules of Mahjong, as well as the variations and strategies for playing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the principles and applying the tips and strategies discussed will help you improve your playing ability.