This article focuses on the traditional multiplayer variant of Mahjong, as opposed to the single-player Mahjong solitaire.
Are you wondering how to win Mahjong? With proper strategy, practice, and patience, you can become a master of this game. With that, you must also avoid rushing into making random moves, as it can jeopardize your position in the game.
Surely, there is no 100% guaranteed Mahjong strategy; you can follow a few tips to have a better hold in the game. This post will discuss seven of the best ways you can follow to improve your Mahjong skills and win this interesting game.
The Objective of the Game
Beginners have an impression that Mahjong is an intimidating game. But in reality, it's a simple game that can be won with the right strategies and tips. With each round of the game, you can learn tricks to become better at the game.
The players of Mahjong are determined to collect Chows, i.e., three consecutive tiles of the same suit, Pungs, i.e., three identical tiles of the same suit, and Kongs, i.e., four identical tiles of the same suit. The player who "Go Mahjong" wins the game.
Mahjong Strategies for Beginners
If you are a beginner who wants to know how to win in Mahjong, read the strategies below. They will help you beat your opponent in the game.
#1 Always Have a Clear Game Plan
In the Mahjong game, you need to carefully pick the tile you want and the ones you don't. You can figure out where the game is heading with a clear plan of action.
You must always have an eye on your opponent because they are watching your moves. They are trying to work out what hand you hold with the tiles that you pick up or don't.
In the game, you must confidently play bluff. In fact, some experienced players use bluff to win their games. Avoid rushing into the game. You must smartly use the tiles that you need for hand to achieve your goals.
#2 Be Flexible with Your Strategies
You must always be ready to abandon your game strategy and pick a new one to win the game. Not being flexible and changing your strategy can lead you into trouble.
If you want to know how to win at Mahjong, you must let the players guess your moves and plans. What's better? Well, this strategy goes hand in hand with any clear game plan and helps you win.
You can use an alternate tile if you can't find the one that you want for winning the game. Successful players believe in adjusting their game as it progresses. Abandoning your existing strategy and opting for a new one is considered a smart move.
#3 Don't Grab the First Discard
Grabbing the first discard should never be your game plan, as it reveals a lot about your moves. Also, any astute observer in the game could understand all your plans.
It can either reveal that you have a lack of experience or that you are playing a hand too early. Revealing too much is not recommended as it can make you lose. You must try to resist grabbing discards from time to time.
As there are multiple tiles in the game, there is a good opportunity for you to build a good hand. Remember that sometimes playing a hand later is sometimes a good move.
#4 Keep a Pair and Sit with Them
Pairs are considered to be handy to hold onto. You can use them to build a Chow, Pung, or even a Kong. Making a Pung as you go along is easy, especially when you already have a pair or two in your hand. Any experienced Mahjong player will suggest you to do this if you ask them how to win at Mahjong tiles.
In the game, you would be required to reveal your game prematurely if you claim the third tile early to create a Pung. It also makes it easier for other players to adapt to their strategies.
#5 Avoid Having Gaps in Your Tiles
While learning how to win at American Mahjong, new players often leave gaps between the tiles while setting up the track.
Lining up tiles in combinations helps you to find your next moves easily. But unfortunately, it also tells a lot about your strategy to your opponents. This way, other players might figure out what your game strategies are and can block you. Some players are so good at breaking down their opponents this way that they have learned how to win Mahjong every time.
Opponents can do this by not disclosing a tile. They do this not because they believe you need that tile. So, avoid having a gap in your tiles. Also, you must regularly watch your moves.
You can mislead your opponents using unrelated tiles to show that they have pairs. It's called giving an appearance of something that you do not have.
#6 Don't be Naive
Even if you are new to the game, you must familiarize yourself with some game moves. If you don't know what tactics your opponents may use, you will never learn how to win Mahjong game.
Not all the people you are playing with are new to the concept of Mahjong. So, being too naive about the game can make you lose it.
#7 Brace Yourself Near the End
As the game proceeds toward the end, it gets interesting. Since the game gets more fun, you must keep an eye on the tiles other players discard. Carefully watching the discarded tiles and planning your strategies can make you a winner. It's advised to discard the tiles that others have already discarded.
Conclusion
You can combine the strategies suggested in this post along with your skills to improve your game. With each round, your skills will improve. Furthermore, Mahjong offers an opportunity to learn from watching other players.
Consider playing with experienced players because they develop their strategies. Seeing them play can help you learn a lot.
You can understand Mahjong how to win online - not by reading guides, but by playing online. Learn how to win and play Mahjong online by typing play mahjong game on any search engine.
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