Strategies in Mahjong

Though seemingly seen as a game of pure chance in some areas, mahjong really features great amount of strategy and throughout the duration of the whole match, skill will prevail over luck. Omitting the Flowers and Seasons and enabling the minimum hands will strengthen the aspect of skill and lower the aspect of luck. How can one prevail in mahjong?

When getting your tiles, immediately evaluate the number of tiles from winning. That is, how many particular tiles do you need to take the shortest route to victory?

• If less than four, anticipate in 9 turns- play for victory.

• If in 5 moves, your actions will be determined by your luck - if you get good draws, you could be all set early, if not you should quit.

• If you need more than 6, quit and utilize defensive game, desiring for a draw.

Playing mahjong in order to win- be not afraid to take chances. Get rid of tiles you don't need, even the lucky ones. After 6 or 7 tiles, don't be afraid to say "chow" or "pung". Playing mahjong not to lose - Discard with caution. After drawing 4 tiles, if you need less than 3 tiles, take the chance. Otherwise, go for a draw.

Playing mahjong for a draw - don't take the initiative to get rid of a dragon or wind rather than your own. Don't go for doubles. Don't get one for a triplet; discarding implies that you are now ready to discard. Keep your hand hidden -- don't chow or pung.

Discard in the following sequence - segregate ordinary winds. Cards that are useless to you and probably to your opponents as well, except if they have some already. So, get rid of tiles very early prior to them being able to "pung." If you are not the one dealing, begin with East. Then eliminate the Wind of the opponent on your left followed by the player across you then to your right.

Terminals - If you have 1-6-9 which do you get rid first? If you draw 2-3, you can utilize the 1, but if you pick 7-8, you won't need the 9 because you have the 6. So dispose the 9 first. And eliminate the shortest suit first.

Dragons - Discard tiles at once than late to keep opponents from using "pung." Maintain couples, but eliminate lonely ones right after the Winds or do not discard at all.

Special Winds - The prevailing wind is desired by everyone. Get rid of them early, but maintain your winds until your opponents have discarded them twice. Be cautious after the ninth or tenth turn since somebody may be using it as a pair. Your paired wind is extremely important - conceal it until it becomes worthless.

Simples - 4, 5 and 6 are highly important and should be hidden for the longest time possible. Switch strategy after the tenth turn. Be aware of what your opponents are gathering. Winds, terminals and dragons can now pose some danger. Simples are just as dangerous.