Back To Basics

Mahjong (the name literally means "sparrow") is a tile game of Chinese origin, invented there in the mid-1800’s but has its roots in older games. In its most well-known form it is played with 144 tiles named Dragons( hong zhong, bai ban, qing fa), Winds( dong, nan, xi, bei), Characters ( Wan zi), Bamboo( shuo zi) and so on.

Due to its development as a true "folk game", Mahjong is played in about two dozen versions around the world. These versions all share the same basic game play but differ as to which tile combinations are acceptable and in the point scoring systems.

In addition to all the millions of possible "normal" mahjong hands, there are a number of special mahjong hands....

Heaven's Blessing/Heavenly Harmony

When East immediately goes out with a mahjong hand, after having drawn his/her 14 first tiles (and replacing any Bonus tiles).

Earth's Blessing/Earthly Harmony

When either South, West or North player immediately goes out with a mahjong hand, by claiming the first discarded tile from East player.

Catching the Moon from the bottom of the Sea

When a player draws the last available tile from the "live" section of the Wall, this tile is 1 of Dots, and the player goes out with this tile (regardless of how the actual sets in hand score).

Gathering the Plum Blossom from the Roof

When a player goes out by drawing the 5 of Dots tile as a replacement tile (for a Bonus tile or after having completed a kong) from the Dead Wall (regardless of how the actual sets in hand score).

The Wriggling Snake

A pair of 1's plus 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, all of the same suit, and one of each wind E-S-W-N. Only the last tile, whichever it is, may be claimed (or drawn from the Wall).

All Green/Imperial Jade

A hand consisting entirely of all green tiles: Green Dragons plus 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 of Bamboos, in any combinations making up four sets plus a pair. One or more chows may be included. Tiles may be claimed to complete any or all of these sets.

and the two very commonly seen...

Four large Blessings

A pong or kong in all four Winds, plus any pair. Tiles may be claimed to complete any or all of these sets.

The Thirteen Unique Wonders/Thirteen Grades of Imperial Treasure

One 1 and one 9 from each suit, one of each Dragon, one of each Wind, and a fourteenth tile that will make up a pair with any of the others. Only the last tile may be claimed (or drawn from the Wall).



Of cos.. there are many other more special hands.. which ive nv seen in my life..

prolly cos im still a newbie to this popularly played game.. heh..

but i reckon that... mahjong is 90% luck.. 10% skills.. haha..

MAHJONG ANYONE?~!!!