You may have heard of the game, or perhaps you have even played it with your friends at home, but did you know that Mahjong has an entire online community where the game can be played against others from across the world?
Online Mahjong has made this ancient Chinese game accessible to all, including those in remote areas struggling to find fellow players. But, there are some nuances to online Mahjong that players should be aware of.
A Brief History Of Mahjong
Before getting into the thick of how to play online Mahjong, it’s important to learn a bit more about the history of this centuries-old game. This will deepen your understanding and potentially positively impact your gameplay.
Mahjong legend says it was developed sometime in the 1800s in the Yangtze River Delta. It was traditionally played by men in this area as a form of gambling. However, its popularity caused it to spread to larger settlements, and it quickly became a way for players to socialize across generations.
The game became popular with American expats in the 1920s. This resulted in the game crossing the oceans, and it became popular with American women as well as Chinese immigrant families in the US. It allowed immigrants to connect and bond during a time when racism and segregation were rife.
Over time, the game has been embraced by various communities across the world. There are multiple variations of the game, including American Mahjong, Chinese Mahjong, Hong Kong Mahjong, Riichi (Japanese Mahjong), and European Classic Mahjong.
A Mahjong Set
A complete Mahjong set comprises 144 tiles with three suits:
- Circles
- Bamboos
- Characters
Each suit has four sets of numbered tiles from one to nine. There are also 12 dragon and 16 wind tiles, and many sets have eight bonus tiles with flowers and seasons.
Usually, when playing in person, the host has to ensure that all the components are in place before starting the game. However, online platforms like mahjong365.com automatically have the game set up before you start playing.
Basic Rules Of Mahjong
Mahjong can feel complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will find it extremely social and engaging. But first, you need to understand the basic rules of the game.
Apart from the 144 tiles explained above, the game also involves two six-sided dice.
Mahjong is played with at least four players, although some online versions allow for three. You can decide whether you want to play against other people or the computer algorithm.
The goal is similar to that of poker: to create a winning hand with sets and pairs of tiles. A set is three consecutive tiles (called a “meld”) or three to four identical tiles. A pair, called “eyes,” is two of the same tiles. To win, you must have one pair and four sets. This is done by discarding and picking up tiles.
Playing Mahjong
Now that you have a basic understanding of the rules of online Mahjong, here’s how to actually play the game. Note that each platform will have slightly different mechanics.
Some will be virtual games, and others may include a chat or video function to engage with the other players.
The setup
When you first join a game, it’s important to understand the setup. Each player will select to roll the dice, and the player who lands on the highest number will be the dealer. Some online versions automatically assign the dealer without this step, and each round, a new dealer is chosen at random.
Players are assigned positions based on the wind directions, with “east” being the dealer. Tiles will appear face down on your screen. The dealer will draw 14 tiles, and the other three players will draw 13 tiles each. This will be your starting hand.
Playing
The game begins when the dealer discards their 14th tile. The next player, located in the “south” position, takes their turn by picking up a tile and discarding a tile. They can either pick a tile from the center, called the “wall”, or select the discarded tile. The game continues clockwise until players form pairs or sets.
The winning goal
The goal of online Mahjong is to create a pair and four sets of three or four tiles. There are three types of sets:
- Pong!: Three identical tiles.
- Gang!: Four identical tiles.
- Chi!: Three consecutive tiles of the same suit.
Players can also steal discarded tiles at any time. For example, if a player discarded a tile that you need to make a set, you can opt for one of the relevant phrases above and steal the tile immediately, even if it wasn’t your turn.
Some online platforms offer real money rewards when you win a round, making it the ideal side hustle for players looking to earn an extra buck.
Winning Strategies
Once you get the basics of online Mahjong down, you can practice advanced strategies to improve your odds of winning.
Watch other players
It’s important to keep an eye on what the other players are doing, even if you can’t see them in person. You will be able to analyze their next moves by seeing which tiles are being discarded and picked up by specific players. It will allow you to track their potential combinations.
When you become more proficient, you can decide not to discard specific tiles if it means it will help your opponent. But this will only work if your deductions are correct on which hand combination they’re building; otherwise, you’re stuck with a tile you don’t need for no reason.
Prioritize tiles and sets
Players need to know how to prioritize their tiles and sets based on the state of the game and the strategic value of the tiles. It’s best to work towards collecting tiles that offer a high-scoring combination. Players should also understand how the odds of Mahjong work, so they have an idea of the probability of drawing certain tiles.
Conclusion
Playing Mahjong online is very similar to playing it in person, with one key difference: you won’t be able to see the other players. This makes it tough to read the state of the game; however, it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. Online Mahjong is accessible and convenient, allowing players to enjoy a game on their PCs or smartphones against players from across the world.
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