How to Play Classic Mahjong
Classic Mahjong is a traditional Chinese tile-based game that has gained popularity worldwide. It is a game that requires strategy, concentration, and a keen eye for patterns. In this article, we will guide you through the basic rules and gameplay of Classic Mahjong.
Objective:
The objective of Classic Mahjong is to remove all the tiles from the board by matching them in pairs. The game is typically played with a set of 144 tiles, which include different suits, honor tiles, and bonus tiles.
Setup:
Start by arranging all the tiles face down on the table. Shuffle the tiles to ensure randomness.
Build a wall by stacking the tiles in two rows, making sure they form a rectangle. The wall should be 18 tiles long and 2 tiles high.
Leave a space in the center of the rectangle to serve as the "dragon's nest."
Each player should position themselves on one side of the wall.
Gameplay:
The game starts with the player who is the dealer. The dealer rolls the dice to determine the starting position on the wall and counts clockwise.
The dealer then breaks the wall by removing four tiles from the chosen starting position. This creates the first "flower wall."
Beginning with the dealer and moving counterclockwise, each player takes turns drawing two tiles from the wall and discarding one tile face-up in the center.
Players can only pick tiles from the flower wall or the wall itself.
The goal is to create pairs of identical tiles or sets of three in a sequence. A pair consists of two identical tiles, and a set consists of three tiles of the same suit and number sequence.
Players can only remove tiles from the board if they are free, meaning they have no tiles touching their left or right sides.
Flowers and seasons tiles are bonus tiles that can be matched together but cannot be used in regular sets or pairs.
The game continues until a player successfully matches all their tiles or until no more moves are possible.
The player who removes all their tiles first is declared the winner.
Scoring:
Scoring in Classic Mahjong can vary depending on the rules being followed. Some common scoring methods include giving points for specific sets or pairs, deducting points for leftover tiles, and awarding bonuses for winning with a specific tile or by self-drawing.
Conclusion:
Classic Mahjong is a captivating and challenging game that offers hours of entertainment. With its intricate tile patterns and strategic gameplay, it has become a beloved pastime for players around the world. Now that you understand the basic rules and gameplay, gather your friends or family and enjoy a game of Classic Mahjong together!
Remember, practice makes perfect, so the more you play, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns and making strategic moves. Have fun and enjoy the ancient art of Classic Mahjong!