Intro
Mahjong is a popular tile-based game that originated in China and has since spread to become a global phenomenon. American Mahjong, in particular, has its own set of rules and strategies that can be daunting for beginners. To help you get started, we've created a comprehensive American Mahjong cheat sheet in 5 easy charts. These charts will guide you through the basics of the game, from understanding the tiles to forming valid sets and runs.
Chart 1: Understanding American Mahjong Tiles
American Mahjong uses a set of 152 tiles, consisting of:
- Suits: Bamboos, Circles, and Characters (also known as Cracks)
- Honors: Winds (East, South, West, and North) and Dragons (Red, Green, and White)
- Bonus Tiles: Flowers and Seasons
Each tile has a unique symbol and design, making it essential to familiarize yourself with the different types of tiles.
Tile Distribution:
- Suits: 36 tiles per suit (108 total)
- Honors: 16 tiles (4 Winds x 4, 3 Dragons x 4)
- Bonus Tiles: 8 tiles (4 Flowers x 2, 4 Seasons x 2)
Chart 2: Forming Valid Sets
In American Mahjong, a set consists of three or four tiles of the same rank, but different suits. For example:
- 3-3-3-3 (Three 3s in different suits)
- K-K-K-K (Four Kings in different suits)
A set can also be formed using Honors or Bonus Tiles:
- E-E-E-E (Four East Winds)
- R-R-R-R (Four Red Dragons)
Set Examples:
- 1-1-1-1 (Four 1s in different suits)
- S-S-S-S (Four South Winds)
Chart 3: Forming Valid Runs
A run consists of three or more tiles of the same suit in sequential order. For example:
- 1-2-3 (Three tiles in sequential order in the same suit)
- K-Q-J (Three tiles in sequential order in the same suit)
A run can also be formed using Honors or Bonus Tiles:
- E-S-W-N (Four Winds in sequential order)
- R-G-W (Three Dragons in sequential order)
Run Examples:
- 4-5-6 (Three tiles in sequential order in the same suit)
- F-S-S (Three Flowers in sequential order)
Chart 4: Understanding Mahjong Scoring
In American Mahjong, points are awarded for valid sets and runs. The scoring system is based on the type of tile, the number of tiles in the set or run, and the difficulty of forming the combination.
- Single Tile: 1 point
- Pair: 2 points
- Set of Three: 3 points
- Set of Four: 4 points
- Run of Three: 3 points
- Run of Four: 4 points
Bonus points are awarded for:
- Flowers: 1 point each
- Seasons: 1 point each
- Winds: 1 point each
- Dragons: 1 point each
Scoring Examples:
- A set of three 7s in different suits: 3 points
- A run of four 3s in the same suit: 4 points
Chart 5: Winning the Game
The objective of American Mahjong is to be the first player to get rid of all their tiles by forming valid sets and runs.
- A player wins the game by declaring "Mahjong" when they have formed sets and runs that use all the tiles in their hand.
- The winner scores the total points of all the tiles left in their opponents' hands.
Winning Examples:
- A player forms a set of four 5s in different suits and declares "Mahjong": wins the game
- A player forms a run of three 8s in the same suit and declares "Mahjong": wins the game
Gallery of American Mahjong Tiles
We hope this comprehensive American Mahjong cheat sheet has helped you understand the basics of the game. With practice and patience, you'll be forming valid sets and runs in no time! Share your Mahjong experiences and tips in the comments below.