Popular Mahjong Types

Mahjong has been around for centuries, and while many of its traditional variations aren't readily available online, you can still find some exciting versions at online casinos. For UK players looking to explore this classic game, there are certainly options to discover.

If you're keen to delve deeper into the world of mahjong variations, our comprehensive guide offers insights into Chinese mahjong and other popular forms. With a vast array of variants to explore, make sure you read on to discover them all.

Chinese Mahjong Variants for UK Players

Changsha Mahjong

Changsha Mahjong is a popular variant played in China's Hunan Province. To play this version, players must use unique tiles consisting only of 2s, 5s, or 8s. Special tiles that are initially selected from the playing surface are not permitted, and the use of winds is also restricted. Each round's winners get a chance to participate in a special lottery for bonuses, which often doubles their score.

Chinese Classical Mahjong

Considered the oldest form of Mahjong still played today, Chinese Classical Mahjong gained popularity in America during the 1920s under various names. While less common in Asia, it maintains a dedicated following in the West. In this version, each player scores, and it's possible to surpass the winning score.

Competition Mahjong

The international mahjong standard has been adopted by various mahjong societies. Established by the All-China Sports Federation in July 1998, it's used for competitions and sometimes for casual play. This variant emphasizes calculation and strategy, incorporating a wide range of alternative scoring rules.

Other Mahjong Variants to Explore

Filipino Mahjong

There are sixteen tile hands in Filipino mahjong. Tiles can be considered wild in some cases. Moreover, Honours 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 standardised 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 Popular Mahjong Variation for UK Players

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.

Choosing Your Mahjong Path

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.