Mahjong Terminology

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!" So grab your tiles and prepare to embark on this enlightening journey through the wondrous world of Mahjong lingo. Let the Mahjong madness begin!

Charleston: A phase at the beginning of each round where players exchange tiles with each other to improve their hands

The Charleston is an essential part of American Mahjong gameplay that occurs at the beginning of each round. It involves a strategic exchange of tiles between players in an effort to improve their hands.

Here's how the Charleston works:

Formation: The players sit around the table, and the tiles are shuffled and stacked to create the wall.
First Pass: The player who is designated as the dealer (often determined by a dice roll) takes four tiles from the wall and passes them to the player on their right. The player receiving the tiles adds them to their hand.
Second Pass: The dealer then takes four tiles from the wall and passes them to the player across from them. Again, the receiving player adds these tiles to their hand.
Third Pass: Finally, the dealer takes four tiles from the wall and passes them to the player on their left, who incorporates them into their hand.
Discarding: After the Charleston is completed, each player discards one tile from their hand, starting with the dealer, in a clockwise direction.

Here's an example to illustrate the Charleston process:

Let's say there are four players: Amy (dealer), Ben, Claire, and Dave. The tiles are shuffled and stacked to form the wall.

First Pass: Amy takes four tiles from the wall and passes them to Ben. Ben adds these tiles to his hand.
Second Pass: Amy now takes four tiles from the wall and passes them to Claire. Claire incorporates these tiles into her hand.
Third Pass: Amy takes four tiles from the wall and passes them to Dave. Dave adds these tiles to his hand.
Discarding: Starting with Amy (the dealer), each player discards one tile from their hand in a clockwise direction.

After the Charleston, the game continues with the regular gameplay, where players take turns drawing and discarding tiles to improve their hands until one player forms a complete Mahjong hand and declares a win.

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 composition.

Joker: A special tile that can be used as a substitute for any other tile to complete a set or run

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 set or run. 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:

Acquisition: Jokers are typically selected and marked before the start of the game. They are usually represented by stickers or other distinguishing marks. The number of jokers used in a game can vary, but it's common to have two jokers.
Wildcard Function: The joker can replace any tile in a set or run to complete a valid hand. For example, if a player has two 9 Bamboo tiles and a joker, they can use the joker as a third 9 Bamboo tile to form a pung (set of three identical tiles).
Limitations: There are a few limitations when using the joker. First, a joker cannot be used to complete a pair (two identical tiles) in a winning hand. Second, jokers cannot be used to represent winds, dragons, or the prevailing flower or season tiles. Finally, when a player discards a tile that has been replaced by a joker, they cannot claim it as a discard for Mahjong.
Exposure: If a joker is used in a set or run, it is considered an exposed joker and must be placed face up on the table. This allows other players to see that the joker is being used as a wildcard in that particular combination.
Joker Exchange: Some American Mahjong variations include a rule called "Joker Exchange." This rule allows players to exchange a joker in their hand for a tile from the wall. It adds an additional strategic element to the game, as players can potentially improve their hands by exchanging a joker for a more useful tile.

It's important to note that the joker is specific to American Mahjong and may not be present in other variations of the game, such as Chinese or Japanese Mahjong.

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.

Pung: A set of three identical tiles

A pung is a set 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 kind, such as three 5 Dots or three East Wind tiles.

Here are some key points to understand about pungs:

Composition: A pung consists of three identical tiles from the same suit or category. It can be made up of any numbered tile (1 to 9) or honor tile (winds or dragons).
Acquiring Pungs: There are two main ways to acquire a pung:

Drawing: When it's a player's turn to draw a tile from the wall, if the tile drawn matches two identical tiles already in their hand, they can declare a pung by revealing the set of three matching tiles.
Claiming: If another player discards a tile that completes a set of two identical tiles in a player's hand, they can claim the tile to complete the pung. The player must announce "pung" and reveal the set of three matching tiles.

Exposed Pung: When a pung is formed, it is usually placed face-up on the table in front of the player, making it visible to other players. An exposed pung can be seen and used by other players when determining their own strategy.
Concealed Pung: In some cases, a player may choose to keep a pung concealed. A concealed pung is not revealed to other players and remains hidden in the player's hand until they declare Mahjong.
Point Value: Pungs are valued differently depending on the tiles used. For numbered tiles (1 to 9), a pung is worth one point. For honor tiles (winds and dragons), a pung is usually worth two points.

Pungs are important for building a winning hand in American Mahjong. They contribute to the overall point value of the hand and are often combined with other sets, such as chows (runs) and kongs (sets of four tiles), to form a complete hand. Mastering the ability to recognize and collect pungs is a crucial skill in playing the game strategically.

Kong: A set of four identical tiles. It can be either exposed (visible to other players) or concealed (hidden from other players)

A kong is a set of four identical tiles. It is a more advanced and powerful combination compared to a pung, which consists of only three identical tiles. Kong sets can significantly increase the point value of a hand and provide additional strategic advantages.

Here are some key points to understand about kongs:

Composition: A kong is formed by collecting four identical tiles of the same kind, either numbered tiles (1 to 9) or honor tiles (winds or dragons). For example, four 4 Bamboo tiles or four West Wind tiles.
Acquiring Kongs:

Self-Drawn Kong: If a player completes a kong by drawing the fourth tile from the wall, they declare a self-drawn kong. The player must reveal the set of four matching tiles and replace the tile they drew from the wall with another tile from the dead wall.
Melded Kong: If a player has a pung (set of three identical tiles) and another player discards the fourth matching tile, the player with the pung can claim the tile to form a kong. They must announce "kong" and reveal the set of four matching tiles.

Exposed Kong: When a kong is formed, it is usually placed face-up on the table, exposing it to other players. An exposed kong can be seen and used by other players when determining their strategy.
Concealed Kong: In some cases, a player may choose to keep a kong concealed. A concealed kong remains hidden in the player's hand until they declare Mahjong. Concealed kongs are worth more points and add an element of surprise to the game.
Point Value: Kongs are more valuable than pungs in terms of points. In standard American Mahjong scoring, a melded kong is worth two points, an exposed kong is worth four points, and a concealed kong is worth eight points. These points can vary depending on the specific scoring rules being used.
Joker Kong: If a joker is used as one of the tiles in a kong, it is known as a joker kong. The joker can be used to replace any missing tile to complete the set of four.

Kongs are important for increasing the point value of a hand and can significantly improve a player's chances of winning. They add strategic depth to the game, as players must decide when to declare a kong and when to keep it concealed for a bigger point payoff. Collecting kongs, both self-drawn and melded, is a skill that experienced players develop to maximize their winning potential.

Quint: A set of five identical tiles

A quint is a special combination consisting of five identical tiles. It is a powerful and rare combination that carries significant point value and can greatly enhance a player's chances of winning.

Here are some key points to understand about quints:

Composition: A quint is formed by collecting five identical tiles of the same kind. These tiles can be either numbered tiles (1 to 9) or honor tiles (winds or dragons). For example, five 7 Dots or five South Wind tiles.
Acquiring Quints: Quints are typically formed through self-draws, where a player completes the combination by drawing the fifth tile from the wall. The player must reveal the set of five matching tiles and replace the tile they drew from the wall with another tile from the dead wall.
Exposed Quint: When a quint is formed, it is usually placed face-up on the table, making it visible to other players. An exposed quint can be seen and used by other players when determining their strategy.
Concealed Quint: In some cases, a player may choose to keep a quint concealed. A concealed quint remains hidden in the player's hand until they declare Mahjong. Concealed quints are worth more points and can be a surprise element during gameplay.
Point Value: Quints are highly valued in terms of points. In standard American Mahjong scoring, an exposed quint is worth 10 points, while a concealed quint is worth 20 points. These points can vary depending on the specific scoring rules being used.
Joker Quint: If a joker is used as one of the tiles in a quint, it is known as a joker quint. The joker can be used to replace any missing tile to complete the set of five.

Quints are rare and challenging to achieve in a game of Mahjong. They significantly increase a player's chances of winning and can significantly boost the point value of a hand. Successfully forming a quint requires careful tile management and strategic decision-making. When a player declares a quint, it often becomes the highlight of the game, as it represents a significant milestone towards achieving Mahjong.

Chow: A run of three consecutive tiles in the same suit

A Chow is a combination of three consecutive tiles of the same suit. It is one of the fundamental building blocks for creating a winning hand. 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.

Here are some key points to understand about chows:

Composition: A chow consists of three tiles of the same suit arranged in consecutive order. It can be made up of any numbered tile (1 to 9) within a suit. For example, a chow can be formed by combining 3, 4, and 5 Dots or 7, 8, and 9 Bamboo tiles.
Acquiring Chows: Chows are typically acquired by claiming a discarded tile from another player. If a player discards a tile that completes a chow in another player's hand, that player can claim the tile to form the chow. They must announce "chow" and reveal the set of three consecutive tiles.
Suit Requirement: Chows can only be formed using tiles from the same suit. A chow cannot be formed by combining tiles from different suits.
Exposed Chow: When a chow is formed, it is usually placed face-up on the table, making it visible to other players. An exposed chow can be seen and used by other players when determining their strategy.
Concealed Chow: In some cases, a player may choose to keep a chow concealed. A concealed chow remains hidden in the player's hand until they declare Mahjong. Concealed chows are worth more points and can be a surprise element during gameplay.
Limitations: It's important to note that chows cannot include any honor tiles (winds or dragons) as they do not have a numerical sequence.
Point Value: Chows are typically not as valuable in terms of points compared to other combinations like pungs or kongs. They do not have a point value on their own but are necessary for completing certain types of hands.

Chows play a crucial role in creating runs and sequences in a Mahjong hand. They help establish the foundation for completing a winning hand by adding consecutive tiles of the same suit. Recognizing opportunities to form chows and strategically incorporating them into a hand is an essential skill for Mahjong players.

Pair: Two identical tiles

A pair is a combination of two identical tiles. It is the simplest form of combination and is necessary for forming a winning hand. A pair consists of two tiles that match each other in value and suit.

Here are some key points to understand about pairs:

Composition: A pair is formed by collecting two identical tiles from the same suit. It can be made up of any numbered tile (1 to 9) or an honor tile (winds or dragons). For example, a pair can consist of two 5 Dots or two East Wind tiles.
Acquiring Pairs: Pairs can be acquired in a couple of ways:

Drawing: When it's a player's turn to draw a tile from the wall, if they draw a tile that matches a tile already in their hand, they can declare a pair by revealing the two matching tiles.
Claiming: If another player discards a tile that completes a pair in a player's hand, the player can claim the tile to form the pair. They must announce "pair" and reveal the two matching tiles.

Exposed Pair: When a pair is formed, it is usually placed face-up on the table, making it visible to other players. An exposed pair can be seen and used by other players when determining their strategy.
Concealed Pair: In some cases, a player may choose to keep a pair concealed. A concealed pair remains hidden in the player's hand until they declare Mahjong. Concealed pairs can be worth more points and can be used as a surprise element during gameplay.
Point Value: Pairs do not have a point value on their own. They serve as a basic requirement for forming a winning hand, which includes additional combinations like sets (pungs or kongs) and runs (chows).

Pairs are essential for creating a complete Mahjong hand. They act as the foundation for building more complex combinations. Recognizing the tiles needed to form pairs and strategically incorporating them into a hand is an important aspect of Mahjong strategy.

Flower tiles: Special tiles that are not used in gameplay but can be used to earn bonus points

Flower tiles are special tiles that are often used to enhance the gameplay and add additional elements of strategy and excitement. Flower tiles are not part of the standard Mahjong tile set and are optional additions that can be included in the game.

Here are some key points to understand about flower tiles:

Appearance: Flower tiles are typically distinguished from the regular tiles by their colorful and decorative designs. They often feature images of flowers, plants, or other visually appealing patterns.
Optional Addition: The inclusion of flower tiles in a Mahjong game is optional and depends on the specific set of rules being followed. Some sets include flower tiles, while others do not. It's important to establish whether flower tiles will be used before starting the game.
Acquisition: Flower tiles are usually placed face-down in a separate section of the table called the flower wall or flower pot. At various points during the game, players may have opportunities to acquire flower tiles.
Flower Exchange: When a player completes a turn and is ready to draw a tile from the wall, they have the option to exchange a flower tile from the flower wall for the tile they would have drawn. The player can select a flower tile from the flower wall that is either the same suit or the same number as the tile they would have drawn. This exchange adds an additional strategic element to the game as players can try to acquire flower tiles that are advantageous for their hand.
Point Value: Flower tiles themselves do not have a point value. However, some scoring variations may assign points to flower tiles or use them as multipliers to enhance the overall point value of the hand.
Special Functions: In addition to their decorative and strategic value, flower tiles can have special functions in certain game variations. For example, some rules may assign bonus points or additional abilities to players who acquire specific flower tiles.

Flower tiles add an extra layer of interest and strategy to American Mahjong. They provide players with opportunities to enhance their hands and make tactical decisions during gameplay. Including flower tiles can make the game more dynamic and enjoyable, as players navigate the acquisition and exchange of these unique tiles.

Dragon tiles: Three special tiles representing red, green, and white dragons

Dragon tiles are a set of three special tiles that represent the three different types of dragons: Red Dragon, Green Dragon, and White Dragon. These tiles add unique gameplay elements and strategic choices to the game.

Here are some key points to understand about dragon tiles:

Composition: Dragon tiles consist of three distinct tiles: Red Dragon, Green Dragon, and White Dragon. Each tile is visually represented by a Chinese character or symbol.
Symbolism and Naming:

Red Dragon: The Red Dragon tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "中" (zhōng) and is sometimes referred to as the "Center" tile.
Green Dragon: The Green Dragon tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "發" (fā) and is sometimes referred to as the "Prosper" or "Fa" tile.
White Dragon: The White Dragon tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "白" (bái) and is sometimes referred to as the "Soap" or "Bai" tile.

Importance: Dragon tiles are considered honor tiles and hold significance in Mahjong gameplay. They are not part of the numbered tiles used to form sequences (chows) but can be used to create special combinations.
Use in Sets:

Pung: Dragon tiles can be used to form pung sets (three identical tiles) of dragons. For example, collecting three Red Dragon tiles would form a Red Dragon pung.
Kong: Additionally, players can form kong sets (four identical tiles) using dragon tiles. Collecting four of the same dragon tiles, such as four White Dragon tiles, would form a White Dragon kong.

Point Value: Dragon tiles have point values assigned to them. In most scoring systems, a pung of dragon tiles is worth two points, while a kong of dragon tiles is worth eight points. These values may vary depending on the specific scoring rules being used.
Strategic Significance: Dragon tiles add strategic depth to the game. Collecting and utilizing dragon tiles can enhance a player's hand and potentially increase their point total. Additionally, other players may be cautious when discarding dragon tiles, as they are aware of their value and the potential for opponents to complete sets with them.

Dragon tiles are an important element of American Mahjong, offering players unique opportunities to form special combinations and increase their chances of winning. They require strategic thinking and careful tile management to maximize their potential within a player's hand.

Winds: Four special tiles representing the four cardinal directions (north, east, south, west)

Wind tiles represent the four cardinal directions or winds: East, South, West, and North. These tiles add a distinctive aspect to the game and influence the gameplay strategy.

Here are some key points to understand about wind tiles:

Composition: Wind tiles consist of the four tiles representing the four winds: East Wind, South Wind, West Wind, and North Wind. Each tile is visually represented by the corresponding Chinese character.
Symbolism and Naming:

East Wind: The East Wind tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "東" (dōng) and represents the direction of the sunrise. It is often referred to as the "E" tile.
South Wind: The South Wind tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "南" (nán) and represents the direction of the warm southern wind. It is often referred to as the "S" tile.
West Wind: The West Wind tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "西" (xī) and represents the direction of the setting sun. It is often referred to as the "W" tile.
North Wind: The North Wind tile is symbolized by the Chinese character "北" (běi) and represents the direction of the cold northern wind. It is often referred to as the "N" tile.

Importance: Wind tiles are considered honor tiles and have special significance in Mahjong gameplay. They are not part of the numbered tiles used to form sequences (chows), but they play a crucial role in creating certain combinations and determining seating positions.
Use in Sets:

Pung: Wind tiles can be used to form pung sets (three identical tiles) of winds. For example, collecting three East Wind tiles would form an East Wind pung.
Kong: Similarly, players can form kong sets (four identical tiles) using wind tiles. Collecting four of the same wind tiles, such as four South Wind tiles, would form a South Wind kong.

Seating Positions: Wind tiles also determine the seating positions of the players. At the beginning of the game, players are assigned a wind direction, usually determined by dice rolls or other methods. The player with the East Wind tile becomes the dealer and sits at the "East" position, while the other players sit in the corresponding South, West, and North positions.
Point Value: Wind tiles have point values assigned to them. In most scoring systems, a pung of wind tiles is worth two points, while a kong of wind tiles is worth eight points. These values may vary depending on the specific scoring rules being used.
Strategic Significance: Wind tiles have strategic implications during gameplay. Players may prioritize collecting wind tiles that match their own wind direction to increase the point value of their hand. Additionally, players often keep track of which winds have been discarded by other players to determine which wind tiles are safer to discard themselves.

Wind tiles play a distinctive role in American Mahjong, influencing both the composition of combinations and the seating positions of players. They require strategic decision-making and an understanding of their point values to maximize their potential within a player's hand.

Joker Exchange: A rule that allows players to exchange a joker from their hand with a tile from the wall

Joker exchange, also known as joker swap or joker replacement, is a special rule in American Mahjong that allows players to exchange a joker tile in their hand for a desired tile from another player's exposed set. This rule introduces an element of negotiation and strategy to the game.

Here are the key points to understand about joker exchange:

Composition: Joker tiles are special tiles that can be used to represent any other tile in the game. They are typically depicted with the word "Joker" or a special design.
Joker in Hand: If a player has a joker tile in their hand and another player has an exposed set on the table (such as a pung or a kong), the player with the joker may have the opportunity to exchange it for a tile from the other player's exposed set.
Negotiation: The player with the joker can propose a tile they need from the other player's exposed set. They must clearly state which tile they want to exchange the joker for.
Agreement: If the other player agrees to the exchange, they will replace the requested tile with the joker tile from the player's hand. The exchanged tile then becomes part of the player's hand.
Joker Limitations: It's important to note that the joker tile cannot be used to exchange for a flower tile, a joker tile from another player's hand, or a tile from a concealed set.
Strategic Considerations: Joker exchange can be a strategic move to improve a player's hand. Players may use joker exchange to complete a specific combination or to gain an advantageous tile. It requires careful observation of other players' sets and negotiations to reach agreements.
Optional Rule: It's important to note that joker exchange is not a universal rule in American Mahjong and may vary based on different groups or individual preferences. Some games may not allow joker exchange or may have specific limitations or variations for this rule.

Joker exchange adds an interesting dynamic to American Mahjong, allowing players to negotiate and strategize to improve their hands. It introduces an element of interaction and decision-making beyond regular gameplay.

Mahjong: The winning hand that consists of 14 tiles, including four sets and a pair

And there you have it, fellow Mahjong enthusiasts! We've delved deep into the captivating 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!