Balls System

Mahjong Scoring System: How Points Are Calculated

Mahjong uses a range of scoring systems, but the basic principle remains the same: the more intricate and valuable the combination of tiles, the higher the score. Here’s an in-depth look at how the points are awarded in a standard game of Mahjong.

Basic Scoring Rules

Standard Win:

A simple win where a player forms a complete hand (four sets + one pair) earns 10 points.

Pong of Dragons or Winds:

A Pong (three identical tiles) of any dragon or wind tiles grants 10 to 20 points. The exact value depends on the type of wind or dragon and whether it is a major or minor hand.

Pure Combination:

A pure combination means all tiles in your hand come from the same suit (e.g., all Bamboo or all Circles). This type of combination is awarded 40 to 80 points, depending on its complexity and how rare the hand is.

Secret Hands:

Some special hands, like all Pongs (three identical tiles in all sets), are referred to as “secret hands.” These hands are worth 50 points or more and are highly valuable due to their rarity and difficulty in achieving.

Self-Drawn Hand (Winning with a Self-Drawn Tile):

If a player wins by drawing the last tile themselves (without using any discarded tiles), they receive a double score (x2 multiplier). This is considered a significant achievement and results in extra points.

How Scoring Works After a Win

After a player declares “Mahjong” and wins, they may either:

Collect points from the other players, who must pay them based on the score of their winning hand.

Follow a specific betting system if the game includes one, where each player stakes a certain amount based on their position and the complexity of the hand.

Note on Mahjong Variations

Different Mahjong variations (such as Hong Kong, Japanese, or American styles) may include unique scoring methods, which can add additional rules or bonuses. However, the core principle remains consistent: the player with the most valuable hand or the first to declare “Mahjong” wins the game.

In summary, Mahjong combines strategic thinking with skillful tile management. The better your combinations, the more points you can earn—leading to greater chances of winning the game!