One of the most exciting moments in American Mahjong is calling “Mahjong!” and knowing you’ve completed a winning hand. But what happens next? Scoring!
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card provides the official framework, assigning point values to every possible winning hand. Understanding these values and the bonuses and penalties that affect them is essential for both beginners and experienced players.
How to Win in American Mahjong
To declare a winning hand in American Mahjong, you must:
- Complete a valid hand exactly as shown on the current year’s NMJL card
- Hold a total of 14 tiles
- Clearly declare “Mahjong!”
Once you’ve done this, scoring begins.
Categories of Winning Hands
The NMJL card includes different categories of hands, each with a set point value:
- Most Standard Hands: 25–30 points
- Quints: 40+ points
- Singles and Pairs: 50–75 points (bonus is built into these values)
The more difficult the hand, the higher the score.
The Basics of American Mahjong Scoring
1. Point Values Come from the NMJL Card
Each winning hand on the card has a designated value, typically starting at 25 points but sometimes much higher.
2. The Winner Collects from All Opponents
When you win, you collect the point value of your hand from each of the other three players.
- Example: If your hand is worth 25 points, you receive 25 from each opponent (total of 75 points).
3. Exposed vs. Concealed Hands
- Concealed hands (completed without calling for discards until you can call for the final tile) are harder and therefore worth more.
- Exposed hands are worth slightly less since they are easier to complete.
4. The Bettor
The bettor either pays or collects an amount equal to the player they bet on.
Bonuses and Penalties in American Mahjong
Certain circumstances change how points are scored or collected:
- Jokerless Win: Winning without jokers doubles the hand’s value.
- Self-Picked Tile: Drawing your winning tile from the wall doubles the payment from all players.
- Winning on a Discard: The discarder pays double the hand’s value, while others pay the base value.
- Heavenly or Earthly Hands: Wins by East before or right after the Charleston are considered self-picked, with the dealer receiving double.
- Wall Game: If no one wins before tiles run out, no points are exchanged—though some groups collect a kitty for the next hand.
Key Takeaways on American Mahjong Scoring
- The NMJL card sets official point values for all winning hands.
- Winners collect from every opponent, with possible bonuses for jokerless wins, self-picks, or discards.
- Concealed hands score higher than exposed hands.
- House rules may adjust scoring, so always confirm before play.
Scoring in American Mahjong rewards strategy, skill, and a little luck. Once you master how points work, you’ll not only play smarter but also enjoy the game’s deeper strategy.
Sources:
Mah Jongg Made Easy p 26
THE VALUE OF A HEAVENLY HAND (Article 41)
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