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'''Japanese mahjong''' {{kana|麻雀、 麻将、 or マージャン}} is the Japanese varation to the 4-player table card game of mahjong, whose objective | <div style="float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em;">__TOC__</div> | ||
'''Japanese mahjong''' {{kana|麻雀、 麻将、 or マージャン}} is the Japanese varation to the 4-player table card game of mahjong, whose objective can be best described as a combination of gin rummy and poker. Even though tiles are primarily used to play the game, the game is available online and can be played with regular mahjong playing cards. It's a four player game that combines the elements of calculation and strategy that is found in many strategy board games with the elements of risk assessment, observation skills, and luck. | |||
The Japanese variation is primarily played in Japan. Yet, it is available to everyone via a few Internet sites and video games. With the past 10 years or so, the game is spreading its way into Western cultures. While a few Westerners were exposed to the game prior to the creation of mahjong anime and manga, Western interest had significantly sparked a new wave of Western riichi players. The formation of play groups across North America and Europe is indicative of that trend. | |||
Gin rummy can trace its origins back to the mahjong that was played in China. Gin rummy is a card game which centers itself towards developing [[mentsu|tile groups]] of sequences (1-2-3, 6-7-8) and/or triplets (9-9-9). | Gin rummy can trace its origins back to the mahjong that was played in China. Gin rummy is a card game which centers itself towards developing [[mentsu|tile groups]] of sequences (1-2-3, 6-7-8) and/or triplets (9-9-9). | ||
Besides the tile groups, players also need to meet another condition called | Besides the tile groups, players also need to meet another condition called [[yaku]]. The yaku can be synonymous to "poker hands", where yaku are a set of patterns or conditions. Just like a poker hand, for example the "full house", each yaku is associated with a name. In addition, yaku directly affect the value of a player's hand, as each yaku has an associated value. The yaku add richness and depth to the game but at the same time requires some additional starting knowledge. When mahjong is not played on/via a computer, scoring by hand also requires additional starting knowledge. The game is otherwise known as '''riichi mahjong''', due to a feature in the game rules allowing [[riichi]]. | ||
Finally, the game is a zero-sum game. All players begin with a certain number of points, usually 25,000. Player hands are used to take points from other players. So, it is the objective of each player [[Tile efficiency|to develop their hands]] to accumulate more points than any of the opponents. Individual hands are scored with appropriate yaku and [[dora]]. Each [[Agari|winning hand]] value is determined with the number of [[han]] and [[fu]], that corresponds to a specific number of [[Scoring|points]]. On the flip side, it is also the objective of each player to [[Defense|minimize point losses]] against opponents. | |||
==Game development history== | ==Game development history== | ||
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===Rules overview=== | ===Rules overview=== | ||
{{main|Rules overview}} | |||
Unfortunately, the rules to the game is complex. The basic game mechanics can be generally in compliance with other mahjong variants. | Unfortunately, the rules to the game is complex. The basic game mechanics can be generally in compliance with other mahjong variants. | ||
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{{main|Japanese mahjong setup}} | {{main|Japanese mahjong setup}} | ||
The game's setup features the | The game's setup features the 136 tiles, arranged in four walls of 17 tiles long double-stacked. After shuffling the tiles, all four players are responsible for creating the initial setup, which has every tile face down. A dice roll is used to determine both the initial dealer at the start of the game as well as the '''wall break''' at the beginning of each hand. After this process, both the [[dead wall]] is separated; and the tiles are dealt to each player to produce their [[haipai|starting hands]]. Play begins once the dealer makes the initial draw and discard. | ||
==Game play== | ==Game play== | ||
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{{main|Kawa}} | {{main|Kawa}} | ||
Every player's discard is organized and [[discard pile|arranged in front of them]]. Per convention, players line up their discarded tiles in rows of six. This is not a necessary convention, but it is the preferred convention. The discard pile is used two | Every player's discard is organized and [[discard pile|arranged in front of them]]. Per convention, players line up their discarded tiles in rows of six. This is not a necessary convention, but it is the preferred convention. The arranged discard pile is used for two primary purposes: as record of a player's discards, and as an indicator of [[Genbutsu|safe-tiles]] for [[defense|defensive play]]. Additionally, players learn and are able to discern player hand states by reading the discard piles. | ||
===Furiten=== | ===Furiten=== | ||
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The process of drawing and discarding, as well as making claims to discard is the process of hand development. As a player, after the initial deal of hands, players have a ''start hand''. So, the aim of a player is to develop this hand into a '''[[tenpai]]''' hand, and eventually a '''complete hand'''. Typically, a complete mahjong hand is composed of '''4 tile groups and a pair'''. The hand may be open or closed and have '''at [[Yaku|minimum 1-yaku]]'''. This is a total of 13 tiles plus 1 (the winning tile), like so: | The process of drawing and discarding, as well as making claims to discard is the process of hand development. As a player, after the initial deal of hands, players have a ''start hand''. So, the aim of a player is to develop this hand into a '''[[tenpai]]''' hand, and eventually a '''complete hand'''. Typically, a complete mahjong hand is composed of '''4 tile groups and a pair'''. The hand may be open or closed and have '''at [[Yaku|minimum 1-yaku]]'''. This is a total of 13 tiles plus 1 (the winning tile), like so: | ||
:{{#mjt: | :{{#mjt:234m666s11p567p11z}} May win with: {{#mjt:1p}} or {{#mjt:1z}} | ||
Per [[atozuke|the yaku rule]], it is | Per [[atozuke|the yaku rule]], it is impossible to win with the first tile by discard unless [[riichi]] has been declared. However, the the second tile may be claimed for a win under any circumstance in the [[East round]], or for the [[dealer]]. | ||
A hand that is one tile away from being complete is in | A hand that is one tile away from being complete is in [[tenpai]]. A hand that is one tile away from tenpai is one [[shanten]]. A hand that is two tiles away from tenpai is two shanten, and so on. Experienced players may sense how likely they are to win a hand based on their initial shanten number. | ||
There are two notable '''exceptions''' to the 4 tile groups and a pair pattern. Players can try to form [[Chiitoitsu|seven pairs]] or the rare [[Kokushi musou|thirteen orphans]] hand. Both of these hands are closed by default. | There are two notable '''exceptions''' to the 4 tile groups and a pair pattern. Players can try to form [[Chiitoitsu|seven pairs]] or the rare [[Kokushi musou|thirteen orphans]] hand. Both of these hands are closed by default. | ||
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*'''Consecutive same suit Sequences'''. Sequences must be in consecutive numbers per the following examples: | *'''Consecutive same suit Sequences'''. Sequences must be in consecutive numbers per the following examples: | ||
{| class=wikitable width | {| class=wikitable style="width:30%; min-width:215px;" | ||
! Closed !! Open | ! Closed !! Open | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=center| {{#mjt:123m}} ||align=center| {{#mjt: | |align=center| {{#mjt:123m}} ||align=center| {{#mjt:4'35p}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=center| {{#mjt:678p}} ||align=center| {{#mjt:4'56s}} | |align=center| {{#mjt:678p}} ||align=center| {{#mjt:4'56s}} | ||
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*'''Same suit triplets'''. Triplets are three-of-a-kind. As such, the tiles must be of the same kind both in number and suit. Per examples: | *'''Same suit triplets'''. Triplets are three-of-a-kind. As such, the tiles must be of the same kind both in number and suit. Per examples: | ||
{| class=wikitable width | {| class=wikitable style="width:30%; min-width:215px;" | ||
! Closed !! Open | ! Closed !! Open | ||
|- | |- | ||
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Usually, a player's hand value decreases in the event of an open hand, but this may not always be the case, especially for some [[yakuman]] hands. Japanese mahjong strategy centers on knowing when to appropriately make the above calls. Knowledge of the yaku plays a large part in this decision making process. | Usually, a player's hand value decreases in the event of an open hand, but this may not always be the case, especially for some [[yakuman]] hands. Japanese mahjong strategy centers on knowing when to appropriately make the above calls. Knowledge of the yaku plays a large part in this decision making process. | ||
==End of a hand== | ==End of a hand== | ||
The procedure of drawing, discarding, and maintaining a hand ends with many different scenarios. The ideal for any player is the completion of the hand and winning it. A hand may end when all the tiles, except for the dead-wall tiles, are drawn, or when a player chombos, meaning making an illegal play. After the end of the hand, points are exchanged accordingly. Then afterwards, the tiles are reshuffled to setup the next hand, or renchan. | The procedure of drawing, discarding, and maintaining a hand ends with many different scenarios. The ideal for any player is the completion of the hand and winning it. A hand may end when all the tiles, except for the dead-wall tiles, are drawn, or when a player chombos, meaning making an illegal play. After the end of the hand, points are exchanged accordingly. Then afterwards, the tiles are reshuffled to setup the next hand, or [[renchan]]. | ||
===Winning a hand=== | ===Winning a hand=== | ||
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{{main|Chombo}} | {{main|Chombo}} | ||
The '''chombo''' is a penalty to the player, who performs specific illegal procedures. Other illegal procedures may be forgivable if done accidentally, like accidentally drawing a tile from a different part of the wall. However, things like cheating or winning without a yaku are more serious offenses. In the event of a chombo, the player must play out a penalty of points to the amount of a [[Scoring|mangan]]. Otherwise, the rules to chombo may be [[Rule_variations#Chombo|modified]]. | The '''chombo''' is a penalty to the player, who performs specific illegal procedures. Other illegal procedures may be forgivable if done accidentally, like accidentally drawing a tile from a different part of the wall. However, things like cheating or winning without a yaku are more serious offenses. In the event of a chombo, the player must play out a penalty of points to the amount of a [[Scoring|mangan]]. Otherwise, the rules to chombo may be [[Rule_variations#Chombo|modified]]. A more common practice involves docking penalized points after the game to expedite it and not waste time enforcing the penalty. | ||
== | ==Hand scoring== | ||
{{main|Scoring|Han|Fu}} | {{main|Scoring|Han|Fu}} | ||
Winning hands are awarded points based on | Out of all the mahjong variants, this is the most complicated scoring system. Winning hands are awarded points based on their composition. So, the appropriate amount of points are exchanged between players according to the tables in the [[Scoring|scoring rules]] of the game. The scoring for this game features two variables: [[han]] and [[fu]]. These two factor into the game's scoring equation and other factors to generate the game's [[scoring table]]. Naturally, the point exchanges are already handled by software and mahjong game sites. Even some automatic tables are capable of scoring calculations. Otherwise, players go on to [[Score table memorization|memorize the point values]]. | ||
Dealers receive roughly 50% more points when winning than non-dealers. However, if a non-dealer wins by draw, then the dealer must pay roughly 50% while non-dealers pay roughly 25% each. The winner of a hand collects any riichi bets on the table and additional points allowed by [[honba]]. | Dealers receive roughly 50% more points when winning than non-dealers. However, if a non-dealer wins by draw, then the dealer must pay roughly 50% while non-dealers pay roughly 25% each. The winner of a hand collects any riichi bets on the table and additional points allowed by [[honba]]. | ||
==Game Rounds== | ==Game Rounds== | ||
{{main| | To note the game's progression, game rounds are used. | ||
===Wind rounds=== | |||
{{main|Ba}} | |||
Games are organized into wind rounds. For each wind round, every player has the chance to be the dealer once. | |||
===Tonpuusen=== | |||
{{main|Tonpuusen}} | |||
For shorter games, players may play a single East Round. Here players only have the opportunity to hold the dealer seat once. After the conclusion of four wind rotations, then the game is brought to the end. Yet, the points may invoke the extra round and bring the game into the South Round. | |||
===End of game=== | ===End of game=== | ||
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* '''Negative points'''. When any player's points falls into the negatives, or below zero, then the game ends. At that point, the player has run out of point sticks. The game can continue when a player has exactly 0 points. Some rules may allow continuance of the game regardless, in order to complete the entire wind rotation. | * '''Negative points'''. When any player's points falls into the negatives, or below zero, then the game ends. At that point, the player has run out of point sticks. The game can continue when a player has exactly 0 points. Some rules may allow continuance of the game regardless, in order to complete the entire wind rotation. | ||
* '''Win and finish'''. On the final hand of the last round, if the dealer wins the hand, the dealer may choose to continue the game or end the game. A similar rule applies to the last battle of team matches. If the dealer's team is in the lead after the first hand of the very last rotation, the dealer may choose to end the match when the match would otherwise continue due to dealer repeats. In which case, teams will usually opt to end the match. | * '''Win and finish'''. On the final hand of the last round, if the dealer wins the hand, the dealer may choose to continue the game or end the game. A similar rule applies to the last battle of team matches. If the dealer's team is in the lead after the first hand of the very last rotation, the dealer may choose to end the match when the match would otherwise continue due to dealer repeats. In which case, teams will usually opt to end the match. | ||
* '''Extra rounds'''. The game may play out an extra round, when a regular game ends with all of the players under 30,000 points. In the case of [[ | * '''Extra rounds'''. The game may play out an extra round, when a regular game ends with all of the players under 30,000 points. In the case of [[tonpuusen]], the game extends into the '''South round'''. For a [[hanchan]], the game extends into the '''West round'''. This overtime round ends as soon as any player has over 30,000 points. If all the points remains below 30,000 after another full round, then another overtime round may be played in the next prevailing-wind. | ||
===End game score=== | ===End game score=== | ||
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For any 1-on-1 situation, even a two-player variation is possible. Though gameplay becomes even more limited than that of the three-player variation. The tile count is even less; and often, it is down to a single suit. | For any 1-on-1 situation, even a two-player variation is possible. Though gameplay becomes even more limited than that of the three-player variation. The tile count is even less; and often, it is down to a single suit. | ||
===Washizu=== | |||
{{main|Washizu mahjong}} | |||
'''Washizu mahjong''' is a particular variant, that changes the nature of the tiles. Here, three out of ever four tile type uses transparent tiles. This enables other players to be able to see most of the other players' hands. | |||
== Player environments == | |||
The game may be played under a number of different environments. Light play or new players may engage under casual settings, where rule enforcement is not so strict. Plus, the player pace may not be so rigorous either. Likewise, less emphasis on winning and losing is placed below that of merely enjoying the game and other players' company. Formality to the game is increased under tournament settings. Here, scores are pressed to the utmost importance, with the objective of placing well in the tournament and/or outright winning the event. Naturally, participants are expected to be knowledgeable of the rules and strategies. Commercial play are hosted in [[Jansou|mahjong parlors]], where players come to pay-to-play. Either at the parlors, casinos, or residences, gambling may be involved, whether it be legal or not legal. Finally, professional play involves televised games; and a staff may take detailed record of games and their results. | |||
=== Club play === | |||
=== Tournaments === | |||
{{main|Mahjong tournaments}} | |||
=== Jansou === | |||
[[Jansou]] are known as mahjong parlors. They're generally commercial establishments catered for mahjong play. Most jansou are located in Japan, but a small number are located in the United States. Typically, players enter these establishments to play with a fee. They typically apply their own [[Rule variations|game rules]]. | |||
=== Etiquette practices === | |||
{{main|Etiquette in mahjong}} | |||
A number of etiquette guidelines are in place, both written and unwritten depending on the playing environment. Players are recommended to learn and take heed of these guidelines in order to maintain a positive game atmosphere. | |||
==Media== | ==Media== | ||
[[Image:Nintendo mahjong.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An old hand held Nintendo mahjong game.]] | |||
===Blogs=== | |||
{{main|List of mahjong blogs}} | |||
Players have been writing about the game as they play it. Topics cover game activity, strategy, and overall experience. | |||
===Books=== | |||
{{main|List of mahjong books}} | |||
Books on various game subjects have been written. Many focus on player development regarding [[Mahjong strategy|game strategy and tactics]]. | |||
===Television=== | ===Television=== | ||
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===Video games=== | ===Video games=== | ||
{{main|List of mahjong video games}} | {{main|List of mahjong video games}} | ||
A number of video games featuring mahjong have been developed. The history of mahjong video games stretches as far back as the history of video gaming itself. By the 1980's, mahjong has been big enough in Japan, such that it was natural for the game to progress within the then fledgling video game industry. | A number of video games featuring mahjong have been developed. The history of mahjong video games stretches as far back as the history of video gaming itself. By the 1980's, mahjong has been big enough in Japan, such that it was natural for the game to progress within the then fledgling video game industry. | ||
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* [http://mahjong-europe.org/ European Mahjong Association website] | * [http://mahjong-europe.org/ European Mahjong Association website] | ||
: Their Riichi Rules for Japanese Mahjong contains detailed rules and terminology. A previous version was used by Crunchyroll's Saki anime translator. | : Their Riichi Rules for Japanese Mahjong contains detailed rules and terminology. A previous version was used by Crunchyroll's Saki anime translator. | ||
* [http:// | * [http://uspml.com/documents/japanese_mahjong_guide_v103.pdf Barticle's Japanese Mahjong Guide] | ||
: Barticle's Japanese Mahjong Guide can be downloaded from the downloads section. It contains even more detailed rules and terminology. | : Barticle's Japanese Mahjong Guide can be downloaded from the downloads section. It contains even more detailed rules and terminology. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Mahjong Wikipedia's Japanese mahjong page] | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Mahjong Wikipedia's Japanese mahjong page] | ||
* [http://www.ma-jan.or.jp/guide/game_rule.php Japanese Professional League rules] (''Japanese'') | * [http://www.ma-jan.or.jp/guide/game_rule.php Japanese Professional League rules] (''Japanese'') | ||
: JPML ruleset | : JPML ruleset | ||
* [http://www.osamuko.com Osamuko mahjong blog] | * [http://www.osamuko.com Osamuko mahjong blog] | ||
: A Japanese Mahjong blog for English speakers | : A Japanese Mahjong blog for English speakers | ||