easiest hand to make in mahjong

Early exposure is made even worse if it includes jokers. The easiest ways to get a winning hand (conealed or not) are: A match 3 of dragons, or of the wind character (N, S, E or W) that matches your seat at the table, or of the wind mentioned in the middle of the table. Learn how to play Mah Jongg and organize a game with your family or friends. This early in the game, there is still a good chance to pick up those tiles (keep in mind there are 8 flowers, 8 jokers and 4 instances of all other tiles). The only awkward scenario can occur on the second "across". Just discard it next if you don't need it. With a few simple steps, you can quickly learn how to make the hand and start playing the game. Look for things that may be harder to come by later. Remember that the defensive part of Mah Jongg is an important aspect of excelling at the game, and this involves being able to identify what your opponents are playing (and not playing). If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. If you have a few potential options, you may not need to make a final decision yet. We're done with the Charleston. You'll find there are many variations of mahjong, so these rules aren't definitive. We would argue this is what differentiates the average players from the great players. Again, keep close tabs on what others are playing, determine their hands and watch your discards accordingly. So we added a special bonus section with advice on dealing with jokers. 1.3 Step 3: Attach the Legs. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. For instance, if the tile you just received completes a pair, then pass another tile (which may have previously been part of a pung or kong) because you have a good chance of being able to replace it from the discards or with a joker later. Another tile is picked up at the start of each turn so that the player can try to make four groups of three tiles and a pair. Plus, the game will be so much more enjoyable, as youll be able to easily change direction and play defensively, once you have a good grip on the hand options available to you. Once a player has constructed this hand, they can declare victory and the game is over. Mahj on, everyone! This is a great way to practice and improve your skills in Mahjong. 2023 Mahjong Culture LLC. If you're lucky enough to have two or more jokers, consider the quint section (since you will need jokers to make those hands). Of particular concern are discards of tiles that have not already been discarded, as well as flowers. Then pick a section of the card and duplicate each hand with the tiles. Avoid discarding tiles you think someone else needs to win the mahj game. If you have a pair, keep it. The object of the game is to create melds until you can go out, or go "Mah Jongg!" A game of Mah Jongg features 16 rounds and at the end of each round, players calculate their scores. References. Section 13579 - Line 2 BOTH hands Winds and Dragons - Line 1 BOTH hands, line 3 BOTH hands. I wanted to at least know the. If two have been discarded you are likely ok to discard, but if there are none or only one, the discard is more risky. Home Board Games 5 Mahjong Strategies for Beginners. When there is a choice to discard any tile, it is necessary to discard the one, which would have the mathematical winning odds to be maximized with remaining tiles present in hand. Putting in a little effort at this early stage will pay dividends quickly. In this article, we will discuss various strategies to help you make the most of your tiles and how to win Mah Jongg games more often. If you've paid attention to your opponents' moves, you should have a good idea of what they're playing (see reading hands for details) and be cautious about your discards. No matter how much research you do, you will learn the best strategies by playing the game. You can always make a Pung as you go along, and its easier if you already have a pair or two in your hand. So make sure you are having fun while trying your newly learned Mahjong strategies. With the right combination of skill and luck, it can be used to score some points and make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Mostly written on scraps of paper, or typed with carbon copies, I have amalgamated them as best I can. Make use of the joker: The joker can be a powerful tool, allowing you to complete difficult hands. The most difficult aspect of modern American of Mahjong is to determine which hand to aim for. Is this your first time playing Mahjong? If you would like to learn more about Mah Jongg strategies and improve your game, check out the following resources: If you're looking for a Mah Jongg teacher, use the find a teacher function on our website. Chicken Hand. Levis has supreme arm talent and an ultra . The two sequences should be placed side by side, with the pair in the middle. Your discards could potentially help other players to get ahead, so it would be wise to avoid passing tiles that could be valuable, such as: Also, it's best to not pass groups of tiles that naturally fit together in a section. No internet connection needed. Massage the laces with your hands, rinse, then dab dry with a soft cloth. The first thing to realize is that, at this early stage in the game, you don't need to settle on a specific hand. With practice and dedication, players can develop their Mahjong skills and become skilled players. For example, if a player has two sets of three tiles and one pair, they must ensure that all the tiles are open, meaning that they have been exposed to all other players. It has simple scoring and very few special hands. If you realize you cannot win, switch to full defensive mode, actively doing everything you can to prevent others from winning. So, try to keep your blocks together, Some people advise turning the tiles of a completed block upside down, so that they know they don't have to worry about that section anymore. 4. We review the games, research the rules, and uncover helpful tips and strategies. And, if so, are they mostly high (5, 7, 9) or low (1, 3, 5)? Some players always want to stop after the first Charleston and move to the Courtesy pass. If you're sure, you are better off breaking your hand and discarding a tile that would be of no use to them. As a beginner, it is tempting to pick discards to make a pung or kong as early as possible in the game. After the Hand is Complete - Once a hand is completed and tallied, the next hand will begin. Note that at this stage, hands are usually tentative. 2. Discards on their own may not always provide you with a definite hand, but can be used as clues along with exposures to narrow down possible hands. Mahjong is a strategy game that originated in China. MAH JONGG for Beginners 5 - American - Picking a Hand - Mah Jongg Class NMJL Lessons How to play Mah Jongg Class 7.11K subscribers Share 111K views 4 years ago MAH JONGG How to Play - How to. If it's a kong of 8s, look at the 2468 section, consecutive runs and like numbers (and sometimes math-based hands depending on the year). 8. Although you don't need to adhere to the traditional setup, it's a good idea to give it a try at least once. Remember, if you want to play smart, playing a hand later is sometimes better. See which of these combinations (pairs, singles combinations,) go together. To do this, players must build four sets of three tiles and one pair. Practice, practice, practice: The more you play, the better youll become. All the mentioned strategies fall easily within the guidelines of the Mahjong game rules, so you wont be considered cheating if you decide to use them! But it is generally not a good idea to do this early in the game. This hand is tricky since it requires 5 twos in the same suit. But even in that case, picking discards early is still risky as detailed in the previous section. This is because: If you are playing with inexperienced players, they may not be able to figure out your hand even with an exposure (they have a hard enough time keeping up with their own hands - let's face it, we've all been there!). However, before this can be done, players must ensure that they have not violated any of the rules of the game. Enjoy! Once you get past the initial stages of learning and you've mastered the rules and the general mechanics of the game, an important skill to develop is the ability to determine what hands others are playing. Go to Orchid Palace and speak to the man at the counter to purchase Mahjong Sticks. Then discard one of the tiles. Keep an eye on the wall: As you play, keep an eye on the wall. You need to know not only the general categories in order to narrow down your initial hand, but also the idiosyncrasies of each. The basic rules of Mahjong are relatively simple, but there are some variations and different strategies that can be employed. Learn the rules: Before you can start playing, its important to understand the rules of the game. But keep in mind that astute players will notice you placing your picked tile on the left (along with a slight grin perhaps) giving them one more potential clue to the hand you are playing. If you dont have a Mahjong table yet, have a look here at our list ofBest Mahjong Table Reviews, 2022. You need 25,000 to play at any game, so that's the minimum investment. There are 4 players in a game, and you can only control the decisions of one of them. Here are a few reasons which might prompt you to switch your plan at this stage: While changing hand is sometimes necessary and even wise, refrain from changing repeatedly, as it will only lead to confusion and probably loss. What are your options? Set up your blocks. Numbered Tiles These tiles have a symbol (based on the suit) and a number. As discussed above, if you leave a clear gap to the left of that block, this will give a clue to others as to how far along you are (by looking at the number of tiles in that block). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. One of the most challenging skills to master as an American Mah Jongg player is picking a hand. But also see how they can complement your existing combinations. If Respawn makes a third game like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Fallen Order, it'll complete the best Star Wars trilogy in 30 years, hands down. Will Levis lands with the Tennessee Titans: Will Levis' slide ends early on Day 2, with the Titans trading up to Pick 33 to grab the signal-caller. Mah Jong is a game that is similar to Rummy, but it is played with tiles instead of cards. For example: Various shapes (eg: 2 pairs/2 pungs/1 kong or 2 pairs/2 quints), Gate hands (kongs on the end and pairs in the middle), Go through each hand and make 2 or 3 winning combinations of that hand (this will help you memorize the hand and easily recall it later), Run through a Charleston on your own. It does require you to have a good memory in order to recall who discarded what, but it can provide valuable insights. The odds are therefore really low and you may be better served playing defensively, unless you are sure your discard is not one of your opponents' mahj tiles. ", https://www.mastersofgames.com/rules/mah-jong-rules.htm, https://www.ateacherfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mah-Jongg-Instructions-2018-1.pdf, https://heroic-adventures.com/mahjong-for-dummies/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRCb_LOkEmQ, http://mahjongtime.com/Chinese-Official-Mahjong-Scoring.html, 36 Chinese Character tiles, 4 sets numbered 1-9, 12 Dragon tiles, 4 red, 4 green , and 4 white, 16 Wind tiles, 4 of each wind direction (North, South, East, and West), Chow: a run of the same type of three tiles, such as three Chinese character tiles numbered 2, 3, and 4, Pong: a set of three tiles, such as three number 2 Bamboo tiles, Kong: a set of four tiles, such as four number 5 Circle tiles. Watch the Discards. Understand Each Hand of the 2020 NMJL Mahjong Card, How to Pick the Best American Mahjong Hand, You can Play American Mahjong with Only 3 Players, Quick Video Review of American Mahjong Game, Mahjong 101: Passing aka The Charleston, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSPiBWjHcnw. If you work your way through the list below, youll be playing like a pro in no time! Abandon your original strategy and adopt a new one. This is the Chinese version of Mah Jongg. Hand is closed. The aim of the game is to be the first player to construct a complete set of tiles, known as a Mahjong. Think carefully about which tiles you choose to pick upandwhich ones you dont. In general, if the player has only one exposure, you may be safe; a second exposure increases the risk that their hand will be known. There are endless ways to enjoy these noodles, whether with my 10 Minute Spicy Garlic Noodle recipe . % of people told us that this article helped them. Making the One-Suit hand is the easiest way to start playing Mahjong. You remind yourself what hand you currently have in play. The only way you can have fun in the game is if you play it fair! You'll need to weigh this risk vs the risk of not getting anywhere at all. So, if you are new to Mahjong, the All Simples hand is the best place to start. This article has been viewed 116,218 times. In this case, discard a tile that will be the easiest to replace. Understand Each Hand of the 2020 NMJL Mahjong Card, How to Pick the Best American Mahjong Hand, You can Play American Mahjong with Only 3 Players, Quick Video Review of American Mahjong Game, Mahjong 101: Passing aka The Charleston, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSPiBWjHcnw. 5 Mahjong Strategies for Beginners Always have a clear plan Be flexible with your strategies Don't grab the first discard Keep a pair in your hand Avoid having gaps in your tiles 1. Now it's time to start the game proper. 10 Best Christmas Board Games of All Time, Top 9 Best Horror Board Games of All Time, 8 Best Star Wars Board Games of All Time {Must Try! While you may have many tiles that belong in one category, a player may be missing a whole family, or a pair of tiles that may prove difficult to obtain. "I have nothing!" 2468 / Line 3: This year it's all one suit, last year was 3 suits. The easiest hand to make in Mahjong is the all-chows hand. If a player has any tiles that are closed, meaning that they have not been exposed, then they cannot declare victory. Additionally, opponents may not have solidified their choice of hand and, therefore, may just not be ready to claim discards at this stage of the game. However, the second Charleston should be a conscious decision, based on the tiles in your hand. With practice and patience, you will soon become an expert at the game. At the same time, you should not wait until close to the end of the game to change hands, since there will be limited time to start building the new hand. There are 3 suits (cracks, dots and bams) and the numbers run from 1 to 9. 2023 Mahjong Culture LLC. 1.8 Step 8: Now Draw the Facial Features. This will give you an idea of what tiles they may be collecting and help you decide which tiles to discard. Generally speaking, however, the easiest hand to make in Mahjong is known as the All Simples hand. We warned against changing hands too prematurely. They do this by seeing a gap you have left in your tiles and watching your moves. 6. This is a base hand in mahjong, and is also the minimum level hand in mahjong. Though you are narrowing down your options, you don't necessarily need to come out of the Charleston with a specific hand to play. Remember that as long as you have three tiles to pass, you don't need to lock yourself into a particular hand just yet. Doing so gives another clue to the players at your table. So even in this case, you're better off opting to go ahead with the second Charleston. A traditional Mahjong set-up uses 144 blocks in a rough "spider" shape, with three extra layers added on top like a pyramid, making it a 3D puzzle. On the contrary, you should actively aim to discard tiles others might want but can't pick up yet as described in the next two sections. It is often referred to as the game of four winds because of the four directions of the wind tiles used in the game. It's a balancing act. Experienced players will have developed their own strategies. One of the key hand-building techniques in mahjong is known as five block theory. Always have a clear plan Think carefully about which tiles you choose to pick up and which ones you don't. Give the appearance of having something you dont have. Once a player has constructed a Mahjong, they can declare victory and the game is over. By exposing early, you also lock yourself into a hand (or small subset of hands) which may prove fatal if that hand does not pan out (which may very well be the case, since other players will be managing their discards to kill your hand). Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game that is played with tiles and requires a great deal of skill and strategy. So, you could argue the risk of being "found out" is smaller in that case. Let's say you've settled on a hand, but a few tiles you need have been discarded. Cracks Dots Bams Note: the one-bam is usually represented as a bird. New players to Mahjong are quite often tempted to leave gaps between their tiles when setting up their rack. While this is true, you cannot always . A hand with a value of 25 is usually easier to work out than a hand with a value of 50. The key to being able to determine other people's hands is a thorough knowledge of the card. It's important to keep track of how many of each of the tiles you need that have already been discarded, as this will determine when it is wise to start exposing. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Play-Mah-Jongg-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Mah-Jongg-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Play-Mah-Jongg-Step-1.jpg\/aid7841-v4-728px-Play-Mah-Jongg-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"