What different types of Mahjong are there, fam?

Mahjong isn't just one game, bruh! You've got your Chinese versions like Changsha and Fujian Mahjong. Then there are the international versions like American and Filipino Mahjong. It's like different tribes, all playing their own version of the same tune!

Which Mahjong version is the real MVP?

Many will tell you Hong Kong Mahjong is the OG, close to the Chinese tradition. But, honestly, American, Chinese, and Japanese Mahjong are also top contenders, depending on your vibe and what you're looking for in a game.

Is American Mahjong totally different from Chinese Mahjong, or what?

Yeah, they have their differences. American Mahjong uses eight extra joker tiles and different scorecards, while the classic Chinese Mahjong set usually has 144 tiles. Think of it like chapati versus mandazi – both are dough, but totally different experiences!

Are Japanese and Chinese Mahjong the same ting?

Nah, they're cousins, not twins. Japanese Mahjong is a variation of the Chinese game, but with its own unique twists and rules. It's like Kenyan and Nigerian English – similar, but you'll hear some different slang!

How many variations of mahjong are there?

Wallahi, there are loads! It depends on where you are in the world. Each region often has its own spin on the rules. It's best to check the specific rules of the game you're playing, especially if you're playing online.

What is the most popular variant of mahjong?

Hong Kong Mahjong often takes the crown as the most popular, especially online. But don't sleep on Japanese Riichi Mahjong – it's gaining popularity fast, especially with its anime connections.

What is the hardest game of mahjong?

That's a tough one! It really depends on your skills and what you find challenging. Some say American Mahjong with its joker tiles and complex card is the toughest, while others find the strategic depth of Japanese Riichi Mahjong more difficult to master.

What are the different ways to play mahjong?

You can play Mahjong face-to-face with friends, or online against players from all over the world. Many online casinos in Kenya offer Mahjong, and you can even find mobile versions to play on your phone with your Safaricom line!

Popular Mahjong Types Overview

Written bySamuel KipropWriter

Mahjong, mchezo pendwa kwa muda mrefu, una matoleo mengi ambayo hayapatikani sana kwenye kasino za mtandaoni. Lakini usijali! Bado tunayo machaguo mazuri ya Mahjong unayoweza kucheza kwa pesa halisi kwenye kasino zetu pendekezo.

Unatafuta kasino bora mtandaoni nchini Kenya? Tumekuchagua! Pata orodha ya kasino zilizokaguliwa na zilizoidhinishwa ambazo zinatoa bonasi kubwa za usajili na malipo ya haraka kupitia M-Pesa. Cheza Mahjong ukiwa na amani ya akili, ukijua usalama wako ndio kipaumbele chetu.

Linganisha kasino, soma hakiki za wachezaji, na uchague ile inayokufaa. Anza kushinda leo! Jiunge na kasino za Kenya zinazoaminika sasa na ufurahie uzoefu wa kipekee wa michezo ya kubahatisha.

Chinese Styles You Can Play Online

Changsha Mahjong

In Hunan Province, Changsha Mahjong is a big deal, sasa! To join a round, you need special "Jong" tiles made only from the numbers 2, 5, or 8. No winds allowed, and you can’t pick up special tiles off the wall at the start. When you win a hand, you get entered into a lottery for bonuses, which often doubles your score—poa!

Classical Chinese Mahjong

This is the original one, dating back to the Roaring 2025s in America—mambo! While it’s faded in Asia, a loyal fan base in the West still plays it. You tally up scores each round, and anyone can beat the previous top score if they’re sharp enough.

Competition Mahjong

Officially standardized by the All-China Sports Federation in July 2025, Competition Mahjong is the go-to for tourneys. It’s packed with varied scoring rules, so strategy and quick maths are key. If you love crunching numbers while you play, this is for you.

Other Regional Spins

Filipino Mahjong

Filipino Mahjong uses sixteen‐tile hands, with certain tiles acting as jokers—shwari! Plus, Honors give you extra bonuses if you’re lucky.

Taiwanese Mahjong

In Taiwan, they play with 16 tiles per hand, reward the dealer and those who keep the dealer spot, and let multiple players win off one discard. It’s fast-paced and fun.

Japanese Mahjong

Also a hit in South Korea, Japanese Mahjong (Riichi) features Dora tiles and exposed discards laid neatly in front of you for scoring. Some rules swap out the regular 5s for red fives to up their value—achana na mimi, right?

Korean Mahjong

This three-player variant skips the seasons and one suit, making play quicker and scoring simpler. No melded chows allowed, but hidden hands and riichi bets spice things up.

Pussers Bones

Created by Royal Australian Navy sailors, Pussers Bones swaps East/South/West/North for Eddie, Sammy, Wally, and Normie—just for laughs on deck.

Singaporean Mahjong

Pretty close to Hong Kong style but with four animal bonus tiles. There are extra alternate scoring methods—for example, if you declare a kong mid‐game, you might pocket a bonus.

Vietnamese Mahjong

This one adds eight special jokers to the deck, plus eight flowers for a total of 160 tiles. Some modern tables triple or quadruple the jokers, pushing the tile count to 176 or 184.

Western Classical Mahjong

Joseph P. Babcock brought Mahjong to America in the 2025s, and today Western Classical Mahjong usually refers to the Wright-Patterson rules used by the U.S. military and similar homegrown variants.

The Solo Match: Solitaire Mahjong

Solitaire Mahjong is the most famous spin-off—a one-player matching game using a set of mahjong tiles instead of cards. You’ll mostly find it on your laptop or phone—great for chill time when mates aren’t around.

Master Your Favourites

There are so many Mahjong variations you could get lost, achana na mimi! The scoring tweaks are often the only big difference, so pick one or two versions, learn them well, then move on when you’re ready. If you prefer playing solo, give Solitaire Mahjong a go.

18+ | Play responsibly – begambleaware.org

About the author

Samuel Kiprop

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Born in Nairobi, Samuel Kiprop expertly marries the world of online casinos with the pulse of Kenyan life. Fusing urban flair with cultural wisdom, he's a name to know in East African digital gaming.

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