Popular Mahjong Types

Mahjong is a game that has been around for ages, and while many of its classic versions aren't readily available online, you can still find some exciting variations at online casinos in Nigeria. This means you can try your hand at this strategic game right from your home!

If you're keen to dive deeper into the world of mahjong variations, our comprehensive guide has got you covered. We explore Chinese mahjong variants and other popular ones too. There are tons of variations out there, so stick around to discover them all!

Exploring Chinese Mahjong Variants

Changsha Mahjong: A Taste of Hunan

Changsha Mahjong is a popular game in China's Hunan Province. To play this version, players often use special tiles made up of only 2s, 5s, and 8s. What's interesting about Changsha Mahjong is that certain tiles picked up during play are off-limits, and wind tiles are not used. Plus, winners of each round get to participate in a special lottery for bonuses which can often double their score! It's a thrilling way to boost your winnings.

Chinese Classical Mahjong: The Original

Considered the oldest Mahjong game still played today, Chinese Classical Mahjong gained significant popularity in America back in the 1920s under various names. While it might not be played by masses in Asia anymore, it still holds a special place for a dedicated community in the West. In this version, players score points, and the winning score can be surpassed, adding another layer of challenge.

Competition Mahjong: For the Serious Players

The international mahjong standard has been adopted by several mahjong societies. It was formally established by the All-China Sports Federation in July 1998, designed for competitions but also used for casual play. This variant emphasizes calculation and strategy, incorporating a broad set of alternative scoring rules that keep players on their toes.

Other Exciting Mahjong Variants to Explore

Filipino Mahjong: A Unique Twist

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.