The historical record of mahjong tells us that this tile game evolved from popular card games played in China. However, unlike a deck of cards, which plays the same no matter where in the world you are, mahjong sets developed to meet the requirements for various locally developed mahjong styles. In this article, we study the most popular types of mahjong and compare them, alongside other local variants.
Why Are There Different Types of Mahjong?
That is a valid first question to ask. After all, tennis matches don't change from one continent to the next, and we already mentioned playing cards. So why is there so much variation in this tile game?
It has a lot to do with mahjong's grassroots beginnings. It grew out of a card game that was popular in 1800s China, called má diào (马吊). Its actual origins are unclear, with some sources saying it got its start in Ningbo and others pinning it on Fujian, Guangdong, and other places.
As mahjong was not institutionalised from its start, playing populations were free to establish rules to suit their local culture and playing style.
A popular myth claims that Chinese imperial court nobles played this game. If that were true, this game would have firmly established rules, and perhaps attain Cultural Intangible Heritage status1. Instead, almost from its start, mahjong enthusiasts embraced the game and made it their own, adding rules and tiles to suit their culture.
Practically everything about mahjong is open to adaptation. Among the variations, we find the greatest changes in these categories.
- number and types of tiles
- terminology
- whether sequences are permitted
- bonus tile usage
- pre-game procedures
- scoring procedures
- how discarded tiles are used
- what counts as a winning hand
Besides physical aspects of the game - tile modifications and outright exclusion or addition of certain tiles- playing rules show the most dramatic differences. Tile point values, how to add points, how to determine the rounds' winners and so on.
It's more correct to think of mahjong as a family of games rather than a single game concept with a universal rule book that adjusts for local players.
Defining Chinese Mahjong
Although the game originated in China and, most often, the tiles display a Chinese motif, 'Chinese mahjong' is more of an umbrella term. For one, because even in Mainland China, no two regions play the same game. And for two, people often identify the game as Chinese even when it's played elsewhere, a bit like how some people call Lunar New Year Chinese New Year.
However, some traditional characteristics unite the types of mahjong played in Mainland China.
Despite those similarities, substantial variations exist in every facet, from table conventions to scoring, including claiming procedures and the use of Flower tiles.
Hong Kong Mahjong
While some consider Chinese mahjong the classic game, the Hong Kong style of playing represents a sleek, streamlined version2. The core objective remains the same - four sets and a pair, but scoring is infinitely easier.
Hong Kong variant
- minimum score of three fan to win
- a winning structure with no fan isn't a win
Chinese variant
- individual melds add points
- allows wins with fewer points as long as the structure is valid
- multi-layered scoring system
Hong Kong-style is popular because its scoring system is easier, and the game moves a lot faster. Both games use 144-tile sets, but Hong Kong players typically treat the Flower group as bonus point sources. By contrast, Chinese mahjong considers them a part of a winning hand structure.
Sichuan Mahjong
This variant plays with only 108 tiles; no Dragons, Winds or Flowers. Like the Hong Kong variant, it is faster-paced than the traditional game, even if three players must win to end the game (compared to one in Chinese style).
Sichuan style only allows triplets and quads (pung and kong, respectively). Sequences don't count.
Open or concealed, traditional mahjong winning hands count sequences as the easiest sets to build. Also, declared (open) tiles may add to players' scores. By contrast, Sichuan style disregards bonus points for concealed sets.
What Is American Mahjong?
In the 1920s, an American entrepreneur living in Shanghai grew keen on mahjong. Returning to his country, his head full of possibilities, he embarked on a campaign to promote the Chinese game. He had no trouble extolling the game's exotic features but, as anti-Chinese sentiment ran rampant in those days, he changed its name to Mah-jongg.
He also changed the number of tiles required to play to 152 (from 144). It was he who named the Dragons honour tiles, and he established playing rules that suited American culture.
Besides standardising gameplay across the US, game enthusiasts rushed to form mah-jongg societies to oversee and coordinate game events. The National Mah-jongg League is one such group; it publishes annual rule cards and promotes league play in the US.
Chinese mahjong leaves it to players to build winning hands according to local variants.
American mah-jongg requires players to build specific hands deemed acceptable that year.
Chinese vs Japanese Mahjong
Like the traditional Chinese game with its many variants, Japanese-style mahjong comes in many flavours. Of them, Riichi is the most renowned. Like most mahjong-inspired games, it has its roots in the traditional Chinese game, which made its way to Japan in the early 1900s3.
Of the variants developed there, Riichi became the most prominent. It features distinctive procedures, unique terminology, and plays by competitive rules. It differs from Chinese mahjong in several important ways.
- The game features only the 136 core Mahjong tiles; Flowers and Seasons are not a part of standard Riichi play.
- Furiten affects potential wins made from other players' discards.
- Players need an acceptable scoring pattern (yaku) to win.
- Some rule sets allow red fives as bonus tiles.
- Riichi is a declaration players may make when their hand meets specific conditions.
Despite their shared heritage, this handful of rules shows what a takeoff Riichi mahjong is from the classic version of the game. For tournaments, the World Riichi Championship group maintains Riichi rules and standards internationally, along with Sichuan rules and Chinese Official Mahjong rules.
Key Differences in the Types of Mahjong
Granted, we've only touched on a few mahjong types. However, the classic Chinese game, Riichi, and mah-jongg are three of the top styles. So now, we compare their various aspects and features.
| 📐 Aspect | 🀄 Chinese mahjong | 🎎 Riichi | 🃏 American Mah-jongg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins | the east coast provinces of China | Japanese adaptation of the Chinese game | American adaptation of the Chinese game. |
| Distinguishing concept | hand and scoring rules determined by region. | Annual rules card Charleston jokers | Riichi declaration yaku |
| # of tiles | typically 144 | typically 136 | typically 152 |
| Rules | not standardised; regional rules prevail. | many rule codes, including international competition standards | American rules annual rule changes published on cards |
| # of players | typically 4 | typically 4 | typically 4 |
| Suited and honour tiles | yes | yes | yes |
| Flowers and Seasons | yes, depending on the variant | no | yes |
| Jokers | typically not | no | yes |
| Sequences | common in many variants | yes | depends whether that year's card says so. |
| Scoring | depends on the variant | Yaku / han / fu system | depends on that year's card declarations |
| Tile passing | Yes, the Charleston pass procedure | ||
| Wall structure | typically offset | rectangular, with precise corners. | rectangular, with open corners. |
| tile thickness | thick, chunky, can stand on their own. | thick, slightly smaller than Chinese tiles. | thin, require a bench to rest on. |
Most beginner mahjong guides focus on a specific type of mahjong, perhaps drawing light comparisons between that type and another prominent style. Here, you may see these three styles' features side-by-side to decide for yourself the type of mahjong to learn.
Many Other Different Types of Mahjong
This article covers just five types of mahjong, some the most high-profile games played. However, sources list anywhere from 40 established game styles to countless numbers of regional variants4. To give you the broadest possible choice, we finish this page with other popular variants to consider learning.
Mahjong Solitaire
Whether you're always on the go or simply prefer quiet time to yourself, playing this game is a great way to familiarise yourself with the artistry of mahjong tiles. They typically feature the standard Chinese number of tiles and are widely available for download to your favourite device. Playing entails only making pairs; no complicated scoring rules or hand-building necessary.
Taiwanese Mahjong
Most Chinese traditional games allow players 13 tiles, but this version features 16‑tile hands. More tiles per player make the game challenging, and rounds can be intense and high‑stakes. However, it is a dynamic style, with persistent momentum until a win occurs. Also, its unique scoring system involves multiplier‑based results.
British Mahjong
This variant derived from Chinese classical style but, along the way, became streamlined for European social clubs. Scoring is more relaxed, Flower tiles are optional, and perhaps even jokers are allowed. Many prefer this type of mahjong for casual, social play.
The World Riichi Championship group is already well-established.
By contrast, the European Mahjong Association's latest competition rules took effect in 2026.
This group oversees British Mahjong rules and gameplay.
Other Asian Mahjong Variants
Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese Mahjong variants usually play with larger sets, as many as 168 tiles, including jokers. Their rulebooks list unheard-of guidelines, such as removed honours (Filipino mahjong) and multiple wilds (Thai and Vietnamese styles).
Were you to take your mahjong skills around the world, you would have to learn the tile names each region or variant assigns before you could play competently. You'd have to learn their unique rules, too. Still, as a beginner player, mastering the basics of the style you'll play the most is a great start.
References
- 庄春雷. “Mahjong: Gambling or Cultural Heritage.” Szdaily.Com, 2012, www.szdaily.com/content/2012-11/13/content_7387165.htm. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.
- Kraisoft Limited. “Mahjong Styles Compared: Chinese, Japanese, American and More.” Themahjong.Com, Kraisoft Limited, 23 Jan. 2026, themahjong.com/blog/types-of-mahjong. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.
- Kraków Chombo Club. A Brief History of Japanese Mahjong. 22 Aug. 2026, chombo.club/en/blog/2026/08/02/a-brief-history-of-japanese-mahjong/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.
- Truc, Miljan . Ultimate Guide to All Mahjong Variants. 22 Oct. 2026, frvr.com/tutorials/mahjong/all-mahjong-variants-guide/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.
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