Mah Jong is a game that is similar to Rummy, but it is played with tiles instead of cards. You just need to determine which section(s) of the card (evens, odds, consecutive runs, etc) your tiles lend themselves to. 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! If you've paid attention to the tiles being passed and kept by each player during the Charleston, as well as the tiles discarded thus far and possible early exposures, you may have a good idea of hands (or at least section) opponents are pursuing, even fairly early in the game (see reading Mah Jongg hands for details). Once you have made the One-Suit hand, you can then start to build other hands. Personally, I think the former often outweighs the latter, but it's a bit of a judgment call based on your knowledge of that player's hand, If you have two jokers, you are better off splitting them between two pungs or kongs, rather than using both in one exposure, if at all possible (this will depend on the hand you are playing and how many tiles you currently have towards mah jongg). Mahjong is a classic Chinese game that combines strategy, luck, and skill. Section 369 - Line 1, line 6 2. Try playing with different people to get different perspectives and strategies. 2468 / Line 3: This year it's all one suit, last year was 3 suits. I wanted to at least know the. This post assumes you have mastered at least the basics of American Mah Jongg and are familiar with its rules and practices. Abandon your original strategy and adopt a new one. If you're lucky enough to have two or more jokers, consider the quint section (since you will need jokers to make those hands). No internet connection needed. 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. More on that later. You can always make a Pung as you go along, and its easier if you already have a pair or two in your hand. You can search by location and style of mahjong. But at this stage, the chances increase. Dont worry, it wont take long, or be too painful, especially if you use all the great tools on ilovemahj.com. Think carefully about which tiles you choose to pick upandwhich ones you dont. 6. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 1.8 Step 8: Now Draw the Facial Features. 5. 3. Whether you have been playing for years or have just started, lets celebrate this ancient game and have fun. It is a game of both luck and skill, and it can be a lot of fun to play. 2. Pick 13 random tiles and look through the card for matches. New players to Mahjong are quite often tempted to leave gaps between their tiles when setting up their rack. Mahjong Strategy For Beginners & Advanced Players To Help You Win. Learn the rules: Before you can start playing, its important to understand the rules of the game. This makes it easier to complete sets, as all of the tiles can be used in combinations to form any type of set. An all-terminals hand is one where all of the tiles are terminal tiles, which are the 1s and 9s of each suit. 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. What are your options? You can use a physical set and work your way through the card making the hands, If using a physical set, place 1 or 2 random exposures in front of you, and challenge yourself to identify ALL the hands they match. But if you have only two or fewer (and you can't blind pass) you will be forced to pick one potential hand over another. Generally speaking, however, the easiest hand to make in Mahjong is known as the All Simples hand. 435 2 4. That's why we recommend you refrain from exposing too soon. This will give you an idea of what tiles they may be collecting and help you decide which tiles to discard. One could argue that this player may have the tile you're missing to mahj, and by calling them dead you would be missing out on that tile. However, it is important to note that the All Pungs hand is also one of the least exciting hands to make. One of the most common questions asked by new players is, What is the easiest hand to make in Mahjong? The answer to this question depends on the specific rules of the game being played, as well as the skill level of the players. They will adjust their strategy to include blocking. Other forms may have few special hands but complex scoring - or simple scoring but many special hands to learn - or complex scoring and many special hands to learn (like American Mahjong). We're done with the Charleston. It's similar to rummy, but it's played with tiles instead of cards. Porter's 40% forced incompletion rate in 2022 led all Power Five cornerbacks. Clint McCormick January 18, 2023 Board Games. So you don't need to be overly concerned about accidentally discarding something valuable. There are 3 suits (cracks, dots and bams) and the numbers run from 1 to 9. Take your time to examine each hand. Think carefully about which tiles you choose to pick up. Worst case, you get nothing useful in the remaining passes but you're no worse off. Last Updated: March 7, 2023 Make use of the joker: The joker can be a powerful tool, allowing you to complete difficult hands. Though it's true that it's a possibility, the odds are quite low. For a pair, it's a bit more tricky and there are cases where switching may be the right call. A set is three tiles of the same suit, such as three circles, or three characters. On the other hand, by calling the player dead, you are preventing them from picking tiles from the wall, which increases your number of picks and therefore your odds of getting what you need. Next to each hand is a number, which tells how much the hand is worth. Note that at this stage, hands are usually tentative. Well keep the secret of your success just between us What would you discard? So, now is the time to consider picking discards and exposing (unless you're playing a concealed hand, of course). If you're sure, you are better off breaking your hand and discarding a tile that would be of no use to them. At this stage, combinations are less likely to be at a point where opponents can claim those discards, even though they may desperately need them. Cracks Dots Bams Note: the one-bam is usually represented as a bird. As the last wall gets shorter, the stakes for bad discards are progressively higher. Required fields are marked *. Other hands that are easier to make in Mahjong include the all-pungs hand, all-terminals hand, and all-honors hand. For you to achieve Mahjong, you will likely need to adjust your plan as the game progresses. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. So even in this case, you're better off opting to go ahead with the second Charleston. If you work your way through the list below, youll be playing like a pro in no time! Sure, use those tiles you need for the hand you have chosen to achieve, but play it smart. 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. Ideally, you should aim to have at least seven tiles towards Mah Jongg before you call a tile and expose. 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. You should check out our How to Play Mahjong Guide! You'll find there are many variations of mahjong, so these rules aren't definitive. The All Simples hand is not the most powerful hand in Mahjong, but it is the easiest to make. Though you are narrowing down your options, you don't necessarily need to come out of the Charleston with a specific hand to play. 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! The player with the highest scoring hand wins the game. Acknowledgement: All the information collected was from players of the game. If using a physical set, place 1 or 2 random exposures in front of you, and challenge yourself to identify ALL the hands they match. 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). Then, you must arrange the tiles in the correct order. Consider consecutive runs. Let's say you've settled on a hand, but a few tiles you need have been discarded. 6. If the game changes direction be prepared to abandon your plan and change your tactics. If you have a few potential options, you may not need to make a final decision yet. If the exposure is a pung or kong, quickly scan the card for potential matches, narrowing down your search by the type of tile. 1.2 Step 2: Draw the Main Body of Your Vampire Drawing. Most experienced players will tell you that you sometimes need a bit of luck to beat your opponents when playing Mahjong. 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). Set up your blocks. You need to know not only the general categories in order to narrow down your initial hand, but also the idiosyncrasies of each. 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. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Players will start with a set of tiles, which include characters, circles, bamboos, and winds. The added bonus is that your weekly Mah Jongg group will have absolutely no idea how youre winning so often!! Please bear in mind that there is rarely a "best Mah Jongg strategy" for a given situation. Since many of our tips depend on the phase of the mahj game you are currently in, we've broken this post down into the following sections: We also have bonus sections on joker strategy and how to read Mah Jongg hands. Experienced players will be able to determine what hand you're playing (or at least narrow it down to a subset) and will actively work to thwart your efforts. When the cards are dealt, begin forming melds by drawing and discarding tiles. With a few simple steps, you can quickly learn how to make the hand and start playing the game. Levis has supreme arm talent and an ultra . Quint Section - Lines 1 and 3. Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. One of the most challenging skills to master as an American Mah Jongg player is picking a hand. Wash the Soles. Play cautiously until youre sure of your hand, and then take calculated risks. For example, two sequences of Bamboo tiles. Do this without looking at the card, then check your work The Traditional Tile Game of China and Asia. You can use them as pairs or build a Pung (three of a kind), a Chow (three tiles of the same suit), or even a Kong (four of a kind). That being said, do not be so quick as to play recklessly and make mistakes. So, just like exam season, this is the time to study! Mahjong is a strategy game that originated in China. Once a player has constructed a Mahjong, they can declare victory and the game is over. This will be the first clue as to what type of hand each player is considering. This article has been viewed 116,218 times. I'm ready for my morning of games! This is because all that is required to make this hand is for a player to collect four sets of three identical tiles. For example, do you have: Again, remember that at this point, you only need to pick a section (not necessarily a hand). Experienced players will be able to figure out your hand based on discards, exposures and your tile organization. However, by doing so you are giving other players clues as to which hand you're playing. All Rights Reserved. 2. Know when to take risks: Mahjong involves taking risks, but knowing when to take them is key. If a player has any tiles that are closed, meaning that they have not been exposed, then they cannot declare victory. If you realize you cannot win, switch to full defensive mode, actively doing everything you can to prevent others from winning. Focus on the free tiles available to match and remove, and make a play when the opportunity arises. By studying how they play, you will pick up their tricks and implement them in your feature gameplays. So, you could argue the risk of being "found out" is smaller in that case. A hand with a value of 25 is usually easier to work out than a hand with a value of 50. Knowing the different types of hands and how to make them can also help you to score more points and increase your chances of winning. So sit back, get yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of Manischewitz and let's get started! Your email address will not be published. The object of the game: Each player is dealt 13 tiles. 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. 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. Next, you need to collect a pair of the same suit. This makes it easier than other hands, as there is no need to collect any sequences or any other type of combination. Pair is not the player's own wind, wind of round, or dragon. Some of those strategies will be listed here, others await you on the playing field of the Mahjong table. The pair is two tiles of the same value, such as two 4s or two 9s. See which of these combinations (pairs, singles combinations,) go together. Enjoy! Some people seem to systematically do a second Charleston (some even get angry if you stop it, even though the rule book clearly allows it). Always have a clear plan Think carefully about which tiles you choose to pick up and which ones you don't. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles that represent various characters, items, and symbols. Use it carefully and strategically, and it can help you win. Pay attention to your opponents: Observe the way your opponents play and watch for patterns. 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. Do this without looking at the card, then check your work, With physical tiles, it is best to work through this exercise with a partner. 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. Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game that is played with tiles and requires a great deal of skill and strategy. It's true that luck has a large part to play in the game, but whether you're playing in person or online, having a good grasp of strategic and tactical moves can increase your chances of turning this "nothing" hand into a winning one. This will help you determine which tiles are remaining and help you plan your next move. His Ohio State offense was No. What are your options? This is a base level hand in mahjong. One factor to bear in mind is how many of the tiles you are considering discarding are already on the table. Keep an eye on the wall: As you play, keep an eye on the wall. We review the games, research the rules, and uncover helpful tips and strategies. The game of Mahjong is a great way to spend time with friends and family, and is a fun and strategic game. The right approach depends on how certain you are that this is their final tile. Watch the Discards. Welcome to Mahjong Culture. Early in the game, discards are less likely to be picked up. That player will get 14 tiles total while the rest of the players get 13. In the course of a normal game, you will not have time to look for a match on the card line-by-line. Each player the draws tiles to form their hands, beginning with the East Wind player. Take your time to examine each hand. 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!). It depends how you play, but generally the winner receives points and no one else. Taking the first discard can reveal too much of what you already have. In a real game, there is no fixed boundary between them and you certainly should exercise judgment when transitioning from one to the next. So, you're down to hoping your last tile is one of the few remaining in the wall. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Adele, her beau Rich Paul , Tristan Thompson and Corey Gamble proved such was the case when they were all spotted celebrating LeBron James and his team's big playoff win on Saturday, as seen in . Once a player has constructed this hand, they can declare victory and the game is over. Unless you're playing with beginners, your opponents will know what hand you're pursuing and are unlikely to discard your winning tile. 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). The easiest hand to make in Mahjong is a Pung of three Bamboo tiles, or three 3 tiles, and a Head of any two tiles of the same suit or number. But it's entirely possible that they switch to a wind-heavy hand at some point (for instance, if they start receiving a lot of them later in the Charleston or through picks). Be extra careful with your discards and be sure to take into account their exposures and previous discards. Traditional Mahjong - often referred to 'Mahjong Rummy' - is a four-player table game in which players aim to collect a winning 'hand' of seven tiles by picking and discarding one tile at a time. So, only consider these early clues as hints to be confirmed later, rather than definite conclusions. This is the simplest hand to make because it requires the least amount of luck. If you have thoughts on any of the above Mah Jongg tips, or suggestions for new ones, please email us at info@ilovemahj.com, General advice (valid throughout the game). Learn more Mah Jong is a game that is similar to Rummy, but it is played with tiles instead of cards. Bar Games 101 is a website devoted to helping you learn about the best games to play with your friends. Be careful not to jump to a conclusion too quickly based solely on discards. 4. American Mah Jongg , Mahjong 101 , News , Videos How to Pick the Best American Mahjong Hand April 6, 2020 We have all had the overwhelming feeling of trying to determine the best American Mahjong hand to play. Using the strategy described in the previous section, you will pass the three tiles that fit the least, based on your current assessment. Finally, an all-honors hand is one where all of the tiles are wind tiles or dragon tiles. The goal is to form 4 melds and a pair, creating mahjong. What would you discard? The counter-argument is that you may be giving someone a jokerless hand, which requires a higher payment. Once faced with your initial tiles, choosing which direction to go seems like a daunting task, especially for beginners. After the Hand is Complete - Once a hand is completed and tallied, the next hand will begin. In the previous section, we cautioned against picking discards too early. Always keep that in mind. The only way you can have fun in the game is if you play it fair! For instance, in 2020, 2s are a hot commodity. An American Mah Jongg set consists of 152 tiles of different types. Yes, this is tedious but it's a worthy investment of your time, because being able to quickly "pattern-match" between your tiles and the available hands (without having to look at all possible options) will give you the edge over others. We will provide hints along the way to help steer you in the right direction, but remember these strategies are not rigid rules to follow. 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. Generally, you play with 4 people, though you can play with 3 as well. So, head on over to the Exercise Room on I Love Mahj, and get started. Is this your first time playing Mahjong? Add a comment. It usually has a mixture of suits, and also a mixture of sets and sequences. The easiest hand to make in Mahjong is the all-chows hand.

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