01The goal, in one sentence
Be the first to build a complete hand of four sets and one pair — fourteen tiles in total.
A set is three tiles that belong together (three of a kind, or a run of three in the same suit). A pair is two identical tiles. That's the whole shape of the game — everything below is just how you get there.
A complete winning hand looks like this
Four sets (a run, a triplet, a run, a triplet of red dragons) + one pair of East winds = a winning hand.
02Meet the tiles
A mahjong set has three number suits (each running 1–9) plus a small group of honor tiles. There are four copies of every tile.
Dots (also called circles)
Bamboo (sticks / bams — note the bird is the 1)
Characters (the 萬 / "10,000" suit)
Honor tiles — winds & dragons
East · South · West · NorthRed · Green · White dragon
iHonors can't form runs — only pairs or triplets. Good to remember when you're choosing what to keep. You'll also meet eight flower tiles: draw one and it's set aside face-up for bonus faan, and you draw a replacement — the table handles this automatically.
03How a turn works
Play passes around the table. On your turn you draw one tile, then discard one tile face-up. Your hand always holds 13 tiles between turns — the 14th is the one that completes a winning hand.
When another player discards, you may sometimes claim it to complete a set. These claims are the heart of the game:
Chow
A run of three in one suit. Claim only from the player on your left.
Pung
Three of a kind. Claim a discard from anyone.
Kong
Four of a kind — draw a bonus tile when you make one.
!Pung beats chow. If two players want the same discard, a pung (or a win) takes priority over a chow.
04Completing a winning hand
You win the moment your 14 tiles form four sets + a pair — whether you draw the final tile yourself or claim someone's discard. Declare it, reveal your hand, and the round is scored.
Sets can be a mix of runs (chow) and triplets (pung/kong). The pair can be any tile. Beginners often aim for lots of runs in one or two suits — it's the most forgiving path to your first win.
05Scoring, made simple
Hong Kong scoring uses faan (doubles). Your basic win is worth a small number of faan, and special patterns — all one suit, all triplets, dragons — add more. More faan means a bigger payout from the other players.
You do not need to memorize the table to start. Win first; learn the scoring as you go. When you're ready, our free calculator does the math for you.
Open the scoring calculator →
06Table manners & quick tips
- Discard clearly and announce your claims ("pung", "chow") out loud.
- Watch the discards — they tell you what's safe to throw and what others are collecting.
- Keep a flexible hand early; commit to a winning shape once it appears.
- Don't reach into the wall until it's your turn — patience is part of the etiquette.
07Frequently asked questions
Is Hong Kong mahjong good for beginners? +
Yes — it has the clearest rules and the most forgiving scoring of the major styles, which is why we recommend it as your first.
How many tiles are in a hand? +
Thirteen between turns; you draw a 14th on your turn and discard one. A winning hand is the 14 tiles that form four sets and a pair.
What's the difference from American or Riichi mahjong? +
American uses jokers and a yearly card of hands; Riichi adds riichi declarations and dora. Hong Kong is the simplest classic ruleset — a great foundation for both. Still deciding? See
which mahjong to learn first.
Can I play without three other people? +
Yes. Our
free online table fills the other seats with bots so you can practice any time.
Now try a hand — free
Practice against friendly bots, no download and no sign-up. The table quietly explains each move while you learn.
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