Popular Mahjong Types

Mahjong has been around for ages, and while many of its iconic variations aren't readily available online, some can still be found at online casinos in Singapore. These versions offer a unique twist on the classic game, appealing to both seasoned players and newcomers looking to try something different.

If you're keen to dive deeper into the world of Mahjong variations, check out our comprehensive guide. It covers a range of Chinese Mahjong variants and other interesting types. With so many different versions out there, make sure to read right to the end to discover your next favourite game.

Chinese Mahjong Variants

Changsha Mahjong

Popular in Hunan Province, Changsha Mahjong has some distinctive rules. Players need to use special tiles, specifically those marked with 2, 5, or 8. Unlike some other mahjong games, Changsha Mahjong prohibits picking up special tiles from the discard pile and also excludes the use of wind tiles. To add to the excitement, winners of each round get to join a special bonus lottery, which often doubles their score for that round.

Chinese Classical Mahjong

Considered the oldest Mahjong variant still played today, Chinese Classical Mahjong gained popularity in America back in the 1920s under various names. While it might not be as widespread in Asia now, it maintains a dedicated following in the West. In this version, each player scores points, and the winning score can be surpassed.

Competition Mahjong

This variant follows the international Mahjong standard, adopted by various mahjong societies. Established by the All-China Sports Federation in July 1998, it's designed for competitions and sometimes for regular play. It focuses heavily on calculation and strategy, incorporating a wide array of alternative scoring rules to keep things challenging.

Other Variants to Explore

Filipino Mahjong

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.