Basic Combinations
Every Mahjong hand is built from five basic tile combinations. Once you know these, you understand the language of the game.
🧮 Universal Winning Formula
Every winning hand is made of these 3 building blocks:
Complete Hand Example (14 tiles)
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Sequence (顺子) | Triplet (刻子) | Sequence | Triplet | Pair (将牌) = WIN!
Ready to WIN! — 听牌 (Ting Pai)
When your hand needs just one more tile to complete the winning pattern.
At this point, you're “on a wait” — any player who discards your needed tile lets you win immediately!
① Pair (对子)
Two identical tiles. Also called the “Eyes” (将牌).
A standard winning hand must have exactly one Pair.
② Sequence (顺子)
Three consecutive numbers in the same suit.
In Chinese Mahjong, Sequences can only be formed from self-drawn tiles. You cannot call a discard to form a sequence (No Chow rule).
③ Triplet (刻子)
Three identical tiles. Can be formed by Pung (calling a discard) or self-drawn.
④ Kong (杠)
Four identical tiles. Functions like a Triplet but needs an extra tile.
💡 Kong counts as one meld but uses 4 tiles. You must draw a replacement tile from the back of the wall.
⑤ Meld (面子)
Any valid set of tiles — a Sequence, Triplet, or Kong. A winning hand needs 4 Melds + 1 Pair.