How to Play Taiwan Mahjong: The Complete 16-Tile Guide for Beginners

Mahjong is one of Asia’s most iconic games, with versions played from the bustling streets of Hong Kong to quiet countryside homes in Japan. Each variation brings its own flavor, rules, and strategies. Taiwan Mahjong — sometimes called the 16-Tile Mahjong — is a dynamic, skill-based version that combines tradition with a unique twist: players hold more tiles and must make more melds to win.

For newcomers, Taiwan Mahjong can seem complex at first, but once you understand the rhythm, it’s addictive, social, and endlessly strategic. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the game — from tile basics to advanced tips — so you can sit at a Taiwanese Mahjong table with confidence.

A Brief History of Taiwanese Mahjong

Mahjong originated in China during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from earlier card and tile games. As it spread, each region developed its own house rules and scoring systems. Taiwan embraced Mahjong in the early 20th century, adapting it to local preferences:

• Bigger Hands: Holding 16 tiles instead of the standard 14 means more room for strategic building.
• Linear Scoring: Rather than exponential doubling like in Hong Kong or Riichi Mahjong, Taiwan uses a flat “tai” point system.
• Flower and Season Bonuses: These tiles are more celebrated and integrated into scoring here than in some other variants.

Today, Taiwan Mahjong is a staple during Lunar New Year celebrations, family gatherings, and even friendly neighborhood competitions.

The Mahjong Tiles

A Taiwanese Mahjong set contains 144 tiles, divided into three main groups:

Suit Tiles (Numbered 1–9, four copies each)

• Dots (Circles): Represent coins.
• Bamboo (Sticks): Represent strings of coins.
• Characters (Numbers): Represent ten-thousands in currency.

Honor Tiles

• Winds: East (東), South (南), West (西), North (北).
• Dragons: Red (中), Green (發), White (白).

Bonus Tiles

• Flowers: Plum, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo.
• Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.

Tip: Bonus tiles are not used to form melds. They’re set aside immediately after being drawn and replaced with another tile from the wall.

Setting Up the Game

Players: 4 (no more, no less)
Direction of Play: Counterclockwise

Build the Wall

Each player shuffles all tiles face-down, then stacks them into a wall 18 tiles long × 2 tiles high in front of them. The four walls form a square.

Choose the Dealer (“East”)

Players roll dice; the highest total becomes the dealer. The dealer’s position rotates counterclockwise each round unless the dealer wins, in which case they remain dealer.

Deal the Tiles

• The dealer takes 17 tiles.
• Each other player takes 16 tiles.
• Tiles are dealt in groups of four around the table until each player has the right amount.
• If you draw a bonus tile, place it face-up in front of you and draw a replacement immediately.

The Objective & Hand Structure

To win in Taiwan Mahjong, you need:

• Five melds (Pung, Chow, or Kong)
• One pair (two identical tiles)

Meld Types:

• Pung: Three identical tiles (e.g., three Red Dragons).
• Chow: Three consecutive tiles in the same suit (e.g., 3-4-5 of Bamboo).
• Kong: Four identical tiles; declare it to draw a replacement tile and earn points.

Gameplay Flow

The dealer discards one tile to start. Players take turns drawing from the wall and discarding one tile, keeping 16 tiles at all times (except the dealer’s initial extra tile).

Claiming Discards

• Pung/Kong: Can be claimed from any player’s discard.
• Chow: Can only be claimed from the player immediately to your left.
• If multiple players want the same discard, Pung/Kong has priority over Chow.

Winning (Hu)

• Self-Draw (自摸 zì mō): Draw your own winning tile.
• Discard Win (榮和 róng hé): Claim a tile discarded by another player to complete your hand.

Scoring in Taiwan Mahjong

Scoring is based on tai (台), with each winning condition adding to your total.

Common Tai Points

• Self-Draw: +1 tai
• All Pungs: +1 tai
• Pure Suit (all tiles from one suit, plus honors): +3 tai
• Concealed Hand: +1 tai
• Bonus Tiles: +1 tai each

Payment:

• Self-draw: All three players pay you.
• Discard win: Only the discarder pays.

Example: If your hand earns 5 tai and you self-draw, each player pays the value of 5 tai.

Beginner-Friendly Example Hand

Imagine you have:

• Bamboo: 2-3-4, 5-6-7, 7-8-9
• Dots: 1-1-1, 4-4-4
• Dragons: Red-Red-Red
• Pair: North-North

This hand has:

• 5 melds (3 Chows + 2 Pungs)
• 1 pair
• All Pungs? No (because you have Chows), but you could aim for All Pungs next game.

Tips for Playing Well

• Balance Offense and Defense: Don’t just focus on your own hand — pay attention to what others are collecting.
• Value Bonus Tiles: They’re free points and give you replacement draws, which might be the tile you need.
• Know the Priority Rules: If two players want the same discard, Pung/Kong beats Chow — plan accordingly.
• Avoid Dangerous Discards Late Game: If someone’s hand looks nearly complete, think twice before discarding tiles that fit their likely patterns.

Advanced Strategies

• Build Multiple Potential Hands: With 16 tiles, keep two or more winning routes open until you commit.
• Tile Counting: Mentally track how many of a certain tile have been played to gauge the odds of drawing the rest.
• Baiting Opponents: Sometimes discarding a tile you don’t need can lure an opponent into revealing part of their hand.

Cultural Etiquette in Taiwan Mahjong

Mahjong is as much about social connection as it is about winning. Here are some etiquette points:

• Presentation: When you win, lay your tiles neatly for everyone to verify.
• Politeness: Thank the discarder if you win from their tile.
• Pace: Play at a steady speed — taking too long slows the table.
• No Gloating: Friendly banter is fine, but keep the tone light.

Where to learn and Play mahjong in london?

Reading the rules is one thing but Mahjong is best learned with real tiles in your hands, surrounded by other players. The feel of the tiles, the rhythm of turns with professional instructors are things no guide or app can fully teach. If you want to learn Mahjong in person, join the only Mahjong school in London, where we guide you step-by-step through the most popular style. Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find it easy to pick up and enjoy other styles too.

And if you already know how to play, our “Just Play” tables are the perfect place to meet fellow players and enjoy the game in a relaxed setting. Mahjong is a game of strategy, and the only way to truly improve is by playing regularly, but finding other players in London can be tricky. Our tables give you the chance to practice, test new strategies, and sharpen your skills with experienced opponents.