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Group 1
Hong Kong Mahjong · Beginner foundations
Your first hand
starts here.
Learn what happens on a turn, how a winning hand is built, and the three calls you will hear at the table.
Learn the hand shape
No scoring chart yet.
First, learn to see the hand.
01
On your turnDraw one tile, then discard one tile.
02
Your goalBuild four groups and one pair in a standard hand.
03
Your first skillRecognize Chow, Pung and Kong instantly.
The standard shape
Four groups.
One pair.
Most beginner hands are easiest to understand as five blocks. Four blocks are groups; the last block is a matching pair. Special hands are exceptions, so leave those for later.
Panda’s memory cue4 groups + 1 pair = the shape you are looking for.
AAA
Group 2
Pung
Three identical tiles, including suited tiles or honors.AAAA
Group 3
Kong
Four identical tiles. The player takes a replacement tile.AA
Group 4
Pair
Two identical tiles — the eyes that complete a standard hand.Before the first discard
Ask what this table plays.
Hong Kong Mahjong is a named family of play, but tables can still differ. Confirm these details before the hand begins so there are no surprises later.
Minimum fan
How many fan are needed to declare a win?
Flowers and seasons
Are bonus tiles used, and how are they scored?
Payment and limits
What is the table limit, and who pays for the win?
Your first win
Which group is a Chow?
Choose the three-tile run from one suit.