Chinese Mahjong
Chinese mahjong is the original game from China. Most versions have no Jokers, no Charleston and no yearly card, and they allow runs of three called chows.
Definition
Chinese mahjong is the original form of the tile game, which took shape in China in the 19th century. Most Chinese versions do not use Joker tiles, have no Charleston, and do not follow a yearly card like the NMJL card. Instead, a winning hand is usually built from four sets (pungs, kongs, or chows) and a pair, with scoring that varies by region. There are many regional versions, including Cantonese (Hong Kong), Sichuan, and the Mahjong Competition Rules (MCR) used in tournaments.
How It Works in Gameplay
Players draw and discard much as they do in American Mahjong, but the rules for winning differ. Chows, which are runs of three consecutive tiles in the same suit, are allowed. American Mahjong has no chows. Scoring systems vary widely: many count "fan," points awarded for particular patterns, and many require a minimum score before a hand can win. Games are often played over several rounds, each named for a wind.
Example
In a Cantonese-style game, you build a hand with a chow of 2-3-4 Bamboo, a pung of East Wind, a kong of 8 Circles, a chow of 5-6-7 Characters, and a pair of Red Dragons. That shape, four sets and a pair, is the classic winning structure. No card is needed, though your table's rules may still require a minimum score.
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