Basic Combinations

Every Mahjong hand is built from five basic tile combinations. Once you know these, you understand the language of the game.

① Pair (对子)

Two identical tiles. Also called the “Eyes” (将牌).

5万5万

A standard winning hand must have exactly one Pair.

Three consecutive numbers in the same suit. Numbered 1–2–3 up to 7–8–9.

3筒4筒5筒

✅ 1-2-3 Wan, 4-5-6 Bamboo, 7-8-9 Dot

❌ 2-3-5 Wan (not consecutive), 3万-4筒-5条 (mixed suits)

In this ruleset: Sequences must be drawn from the wall — you cannot call a discard to complete a Sequence (no “eating”).

Three identical tiles. Comes in two types:

All three drawn from the wall — hidden in your hand.

发发发

Two in hand, called a discard to complete. Placed face-up on the table.

西西西

Four identical tiles — an upgraded Triplet.

After declaring a Kong, you must draw one replacement tile from the back of the wall, then discard. Kongs pay separately from hand scoring.

All 4 in hand. Kept face-down. Worth 1× self-draw.

Only Thirteen Orphans can rob a Concealed Kong.

3 in hand, called the 4th from a discard. All exposed. Worth 0.5× self-draw.

Cannot be robbed.

After a Pung, you draw the 4th. Add it to the exposed set. Worth 0.5× self-draw.

This is the only Kong type that can be robbed!

💡 Four Kongs in one hand = “Eighteen Arhats” (24×), one of the highest-scoring hands.

A general term for Sequences, Triplets, and Kongs. The winning formula:

4 Melds + 1 Pair = 14 Tiles = Winning Hand 🏆