Popular Mahjong Types

Mahjong has been around for ages, and while many of its classic variations aren't readily available online, you can still find some exciting versions at online casinos. For Filipino players looking to dive into the world of Mahjong, there are options out there.

If you're keen on exploring more Mahjong variations, our comprehensive guide covers Chinese Mahjong variants and others. The sheer number of other variants is vast, so be sure to read through to the end to discover them all.

Chinese Mahjong Variants for Filipino Players

Changsha Mahjong

Changsha Mahjong is a popular variant played in China's Hunan Province. To play this version, players must use unique tiles consisting only of 2s, 5s, or 8s. Special tiles that are initially drawn from the playing surface are not allowed, and the use of winds is also prohibited. Each round's winners get to participate in a special lottery for bonuses, which often doubles their score.

Chinese Classical Mahjong

Considered the oldest Mahjong variant still played today, Chinese classical mahjong gained popularity in America during the 1920s under various names. While it's less common in Asia now, it maintains a dedicated following in the West. In this version, each player scores, and it's possible to surpass the winning score.

Competition Mahjong

This variant adheres to the international mahjong standard, adopted by various mahjong societies. Established by the All-China Sports Federation in July 1998, it's used for competitions and sometimes for casual play. It emphasizes calculation and strategy, incorporating a wide array of alternative scoring rules.

Other Mahjong Variants to Explore

Filipino Mahjong

There are sixteen tile hands in Filipino mahjong. Tiles can be considered wild in some cases. Moreover, Honors are viewed as extra benefits.

Taiwanese Mahjong

The most popular form of mahjong in Taiwan is called Taiwanese mahjong, which employs hands of sixteen tiles, offers incentives to dealers and repeat dealerships, and enables many players to win from a single discard.

Japanese Mahjong

Mahjong is standardized in Japan and South Korea as Japanese Mahjong, which is also frequently seen in video games. The rules of Riichi and Dora are distinctive features of this version. Also, to account during play, tile discards are carefully put in front of each player in discard order. To finally increase their worth, some rules swap out certain number 5 tiles for red tiles.

Korean Mahjong

Korean Mahjong is a fantastic variant for three players that is distinctive in many ways. The seasons and one outfit are entirely absent. Play is quicker, and scoring is easier. The use of disguised hands is widespread, and no melded chows are permitted. Riichi plays a crucial role in the game as well.

Pussers Bones

A quick-moving variation called pussers bones was created by sailors in the Royal Australian Navy. Instead of using the terms East, South, West, and North, it employs terms like Eddie, Sammy, Wally, and Normie.

Singaporean Mahjong

Hong Kong and Singaporean mahjong are two closely related varieties. Four animal bonus tiles are used in Singaporean mahjong, and there are several alternate scoring methods that provide rewards midway through the game if specific criteria, like a kong, are satisfied. Melds might also come in a format that's distinct from the majority of other versions.

Vietnamese Mahjong

Vietnamese mahjong features eight special jokers. However, there are only eight additional flowers, bringing the total to 160 tiles. In a modern twist, jokers are tripled or quadrupled, resulting in 176 or 184 tiles.

Western Classical Mahjong

Joseph P. Babcock, an employee of Standard Oil, introduced mahjong to America in the 1920s, and Western Classical Mahjong is a direct descendant of that game. Today, this term primarily refers to the Wright-Patterson regulations, used by the American military, and other similar American-developed variations.

The Most Popular Mahjong Variant for Filipino Players

The most widely recognized Mahjong variant is Solitaire Mahjong, a single-player matching game that utilizes a set of mahjong tiles instead of playing cards. Rather than being a physical tabletop game, it's more commonly played on a computer. While it's entirely different from the traditional four-player mahjong game, it borrows its name from it. Many Filipino players enjoy this digital version for its accessibility and engaging gameplay.

Finding Your Best Mahjong Game in the Philippines

The sheer variety of mahjong types is vast, so it's best for players to focus rather than try to master every single one. While the core gameplay remains similar across variations, the scoring systems might differ.

The ideal approach is to select one or at most two games and become proficient in them. Once you've mastered those, you can then explore other versions. For those who prefer playing solo, Solitaire Mahjong is an excellent choice, offering a relaxing yet strategic experience for Filipino players.