Rack
The angled holder where players organize their tiles during play. Also refers to the tiles a player is currently holding.
Definition
A rack (also called a holder or stand) is the physical device used to hold and display your tiles during a game of mahjong. It has a flat lower shelf for your concealed tiles and often a raised upper shelf for exposures. The term "rack" also informally refers to the collection of tiles a player is holding at any point in the game.
How It Works in Gameplay
Your rack is your private workspace. Concealed tiles sit on the lower shelf, hidden from other players. When you make an exposure by calling a discard, those tiles go face-up on the top shelf for everyone to see. Most players organize their concealed tiles by suit or by the hand they're pursuing, though you can arrange them however you like — as long as opponents can't see them. Good rack organization helps you spot opportunities quickly.
Example
You arrange your rack with Craks on the left, Dots in the middle, and Bams on the right. Your two Jokers sit at the far right for easy access. On the top shelf, you have an exposed pung of Red Dragons. A glance at your organized rack tells you exactly what you still need to complete your hand.
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