Popular Mahjong Types

Mahjong has been around for ages, and while many of its classic variations aren't readily available online, you can still find a few versions to try your luck with at online casinos across South Africa.

Keen to dive deeper into the world of mahjong? Our comprehensive guide covers everything from Chinese mahjong variations to other popular types you might encounter. There are loads of variations out there, so stick around to the end!

Chinese Mahjong Variants - What to Expect in SA

Changsha Mahjong: A Taste of Hunan

Originating from Hunan Province, Changsha Mahjong has a unique twist. Players need to use special tiles made ONLY of 2s, 5s, or 8s. Unlike some other versions, this variant prohibits picking up special tiles already on the table and doesn't use the wind tiles. Winners of each round get to participate in a special lottery for bonuses, which often doubles their winnings.

Chinese Classical Mahjong: The OG

Considered the oldest mahjong variant still played today, Chinese classical mahjong first gained traction in America back in the 1920s under various names. While not as common in Asia these days, it still holds a dedicated following in the West, including among keen players in South Africa. Each player earns points, and the winning score can be surpassed.

Competition Mahjong: For the Strategic Player

This version adheres to the international mahjong standard, adopted by various mahjong societies. It was established by the All-China Sports Federation in 1998 for competitions and official play. Competition Mahjong focuses on strategy and scoring, featuring a wide array of alternative scoring rules to keep things interesting for serious players.

Other Mahjong Styles You Might Find Online

Filipino Mahjong: A Unique Experience

There are sixteen tile hands in Filipino mahjong. Tiles can be considered wild in some cases. Moreover, Honors are viewed as extra benefits.

Taiwanese Mahjong

The most popular form of mahjong in Taiwan is called Taiwanese mahjong, which employs hands of sixteen tiles, offers incentives to dealers and repeat dealerships, and enables many players to win from a single discard.

Japanese Mahjong

Mahjong is standardized in Japan and South Korea as Japanese Mahjong, which is also frequently seen in video games. The rules of Riichi and Dora are distinctive features of this version. Also, to account during play, tile discards are carefully put in front of each player in discard order. To finally increase their worth, some rules swap out certain number 5 tiles for red tiles.

Korean Mahjong

Korean Mahjong is a fantastic variant for three players that is distinctive in many ways. The seasons and one outfit are entirely absent. Play is quicker, and scoring is easier. The use of disguised hands is widespread, and no melded chows are permitted. Riichi plays a crucial role in the game as well.

Pussers Bones

A quick-moving variation called pussers bones was created by sailors in the Royal Australian Navy. Instead of using the terms East, South, West, and North, it employs terms like Eddie, Sammy, Wally, and Normie.

Singaporean Mahjong

Hong Kong and Singaporean mahjong are two closely related varieties. Four animal bonus tiles are used in Singaporean mahjong, and there are several alternate scoring methods that provide rewards midway through the game if specific criteria, like a kong, are satisfied. Melds might also come in a format that's distinct from the majority of other versions.

Vietnamese Mahjong

Eight specialist jokers are presented in Vietnamese mahjong. However, there are only eight more flowers for a total of 160 tiles. In a contemporary variation, the jokers are tripled or quadrupled for a total of 176 or 184 tiles.

Western Classical Mahjong

Joseph P. Babcock, a Standard Oil employee, brought mahjong to America in the 1920s, and western classical mahjong is a descendant of that game. These days, the word mostly refers to the Wright-Patterson regulations, which are employed by the American military, and other closely related American-made variations.

The Most Famous Mahjong variation

The most well-known Mahjong variant is Solitaire Mahjong, a one-player matching game that employs a set of mahjong tiles rather than playing cards. As opposed to being a physical tabletop game, it is more frequently played on a computer. While it is completely different from the four-player game of mahjong, it takes its name from that one.

Conclusion

The types of mahjong are massive, so it is better for players not to try every one of them. Even though everyone is not that different, only the scoring might be dissimilar.

The ideal choice is to select one game or max at two and master them. When a player is bored with that game, they can move on to the next version. Those who like to play alone can try Solitaire Mahjong.