Mahjong is played in several distinct regional styles. Pick your version to get the rules.
Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China and spread across the world, picking up regional variations along the way. The core idea is the same in every style: draw and discard tiles to build winning hands. But the scoring systems, special hands, and specific rules vary significantly between regions. Choose your style below to get the right rules.
The most widely played style worldwide. Clear point values, exciting special hands, and a fast pace. Start here if you're new to Mahjong.
View rulesThe original form of the game. Complex scoring with doubles and a deep strategic tradition.
View rulesPlayed from the National Mah Jongg League card. Uses jokers and racking. Widely played in North America.
View rulesThe Japanese style popularized by anime and online play. Features the riichi declaration and a detailed scoring system called yaku.
View rulesUses 16-tile hands (one extra tile compared to most styles). Features a "blood hand" bonus system and no-draw games.
View rulesA variant combining Cantonese and Hokkien elements. Known for all-pay scoring where all three losers pay the winner.
View rulesUses only three suits (no honors tiles). Known for its simple scoring and the "bloody end" rule requiring the same player to win every round.
View rulesIf you're new to Mahjong: start with Hong Kong Mahjong. It's the most popular worldwide, has clear rules, and is what most Mahjong sets and apps are designed for. If you're in North America and playing with a National Mah Jongg League card, you're playing American Mahjong. If you play online or watch Japanese content, you're likely playing Riichi.