Want to learn American mahjong, but feel like everyone else already knows what they’re doing?
We’ve all been the person staring at the tiles, looking back at the card, and wondering how any of it goes together.
That’s why we created Mahjong Made Simple, our beginner-friendly video series at Katsco Designs. We break the game into smaller lessons so you can learn one piece at a time—and revisit anything you need to see again.
Follow along below, watch the videos as you go, and let’s make mahjong a little less intimidating.
What is the goal of American mahjong?
Before we meet the tiles or look at the card, let’s start with the big picture: What are you trying to do?
The goal of American mahjong is to be the first player to complete a 14-tile hand that matches one of the specific patterns on your mahjong card.
Think of the card as your menu of possible winning hands. Throughout the game, you collect tiles and discard others, working toward one complete pattern.
You aren’t simply collecting matching tiles or making any combination you like. Your finished hand must match the pattern and requirements printed on the card.
For now, remember: your tiles are the pieces, your card shows the possibilities, and your goal is to bring them together.
Watch the lesson: The Goal of American Mahjong