Are you ready to dive into the world of Mahjong? Strap on your tile-shuffling boots and get ready to unleash your inner Mahjong maven! Just like a secret language only Mahjong players understand, this ancient game comes with its own terminology. Don't worry, I've got you covered with a crash course in Mahjong lingo that will have you laughing your way to victory. From "pung" to "kong" and everything in between, let's unravel the mysteries of Mahjong jargon in a way that will tickle your funny bone and leave you shouting "Mahjong-mazing!" Grab your tiles and prepare to embark on this enlightening journey through the wondrous world of Mahjong lingo. Let the Mahjong madness begin!
Mahjong
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Mahjong is derived from the Chinese word for sparrow. According to tradition, the clacking of mahjong tiles sounds like birds chirping.
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“Mahjong” is the word you say (or yell!) after matching all 14 tiles in your hand to a line represented on the NMJL playing card.
Suit
Mahjong tiles have 3 numbered suits. Each suit has numbers 1-9 (4 of each number) and a matching dragon. The 3 suits in mahjong are:
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Craks, short for Characters
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Bams, short for Bamboo
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Dots
Dragons
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In mahjong, each suit has 4 dragons that match the designated suit. The suits and their matching dragons are:
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Craks – Red Dragon
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Bams – Green Dragon
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Dots – White Dragon A.K.A. “Soap”
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The White Dragon can also represent the number “0” on a card. In this instance, it may be used with any of the 3 suits and is considered a neutral tile.
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A dragon is represented by the letter “D” on a playing card.
Pung: A set of three identical tiles
A pung is a grouping of three identical tiles. It is one of the basic building blocks for creating a winning hand. Pungs are formed by collecting three tiles of the same suit, flower or wind, such as three 5 Dots or three East Wind tiles.
Kong: A set of four identical tiles
A kong is a grouping of four identical tiles. Kongs are formed by collecting four of the same suit, flower or wind, such as four North Wind tiles, four Green Dragon tiles or four 8 Crak tiles.
Quint: A set of five identical tiles
A quint is a special combination consisting of five identical tiles, usually harder to achieve since jokers are required to complete a quint of any tile in a suit or any wind. Quints are formed by using a joker(s). A quint looks like this – four 3 Bams plus a joker or 3 South Wind tiles plus two jokers.
Chow: A run of three consecutive tiles in the same suit
A Chow is a combination of three consecutive tiles of the same suit. Chows are formed by collecting three tiles in sequence, such as 2, 3, and 4 of the same suit, or 6, 7, and 8 of the same suit. Jokers may not be used to represent any tile in a chow.
Pair: Two identical tiles
A pair is a combination of two identical tiles, such as two 5 Craks, two West Wind tiles or two flowers.
Flower
Flower tiles are typically distinguished from the regular tiles by their colorful and decorative floral designs. They often feature images of flowers, plants, or other visually appealing patterns. Oh My Mahjong sets include 8 flowers. A flower is represented by the letter “F” on a playing card.
Winds: Four tiles representing the four cardinal directions (North, East, West, South)
Wind tiles represent the four cardinal directions or winds: North, East, West and South. They are neutral tiles in American Mahjong and do not belong to any suit. There are 16 total wind tiles in American Mahjong – four of each letter.
Joker: A tile that can be used as a substitute for any missing tile to complete a grouping
In American Mahjong, the joker is a special tile that serves as a versatile wildcard. It can be used as a substitute for any other tile to complete a pung, kong or quint. The joker can be a game-changer, allowing players to create winning combinations they might not have been able to achieve otherwise.
Here are some key points to understand about the joker:
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Jokers may ONLY be used to create groupings of 3 or more identical tiles.
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Jokers may never be used to represent a single tile or in a pair of tiles.
The joker adds an element of flexibility and adaptability to American Mahjong, allowing players to work towards completing their hands by utilizing this powerful wildcard.
Joker Exchange: A rule that allows players to exchange a tile from their hand with another player’s exposed Joker
A joker exchange, also known as joker swap or joker replacement, is a rule that allows players to exchange a tile in their hand for a desired joker from another player's exposure. This rule introduces an element of negotiation and strategy to the game.
Here are the key points to understand about joker exchange:
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Joker in Hand: If Player A has a joker tile exposed on their rack, Player B (who possesses the tile the exposed joker represents) may swap their tile with the exposed joker. Player B may only do this after they draw to begin their turn.
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It is polite for you to ask the exposed joker’s owner if you may swap your tile for their joker. After the exchange, the joker tile then becomes a tile in your rack.
Charleston: A phrase at the beginning of each game where players exchange tiles with each other hoping to improve their hands
The Charleston is an essential part of American Mahjong gameplay that occurs after the deal and before the game officially begins. It involves a strategic exchange of tiles between players in an effort to improve their hands.
Here's how the Charleston works:
First Charleston (Mandatory)
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Each player passes 3 tiles to the player on their right. After receiving 3 tiles passed to you, always add them to your hand and then proceed to the next pass.
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Each player passes 3 tiles to the player across from them. Add the tiles you received to your hand.
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Each player passes 3 tiles to the player on their left. Add the tiles you received to your hand.
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After the third pass to the left, players may mutually agree to continue with another round of the Charleston (optional), or any player may now stop the Charleston after the first round by saying “Stop.”
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If the table chooses to continue, the Charleston goes the opposite way.
Second Charleston (Optional)
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Each player passes 3 tiles to the player on their left. After receiving 3 tiles passed to you, add them to your hand and then proceed to the next pass.
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Each player passes 3 tiles to the player across from them. Add the tiles you received to your hand.
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Each player passes 3 tiles to the player on their right. Add the tiles you received to your hand.
The Charleston adds an element of excitement and strategy to the game, as players have the opportunity to potentially improve their hand by exchanging tiles with their opponents. It requires careful consideration of which tiles to pass and the potential impact on the overall hand.
And there you have it, fellow Mahjong enthusiasts! We've delved deep into the realm of Mahjong terminology, unlocking the secrets behind pungs, kongs, chows, and more. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you're ready to conquer the Mahjong table with confidence and style. So, gather your fellow players, dazzle them with your Mahjong vocabulary, and let the tiles fly as you create magical combinations and declare victory. Remember, mastering Mahjong lingo is just the beginning of your Mahjong adventure. So, embrace the tiles, embrace the laughter, and embrace the joy that this ancient game brings. Happy Mahjonging, and may the tiles be forever in your favor!