Picking Your First Mahjong Hand

Choosing a hand is one of the most challenging beginner skills. Instead of searching the entire card, begin by examining your strongest tile patterns.

Look for:

• Pairs and groups of matching tiles

• Several tiles from the same suit

• Connected numbers

• Odd or even number patterns

• Flowers, winds, and dragons

• Flexible tiles that fit several hands

• Jokers that can support larger groups

Identify two or three possible hands before the Charleston. Compare how many tiles you have for each option, but do not count a joker toward a required pair.

Stay flexible during the Charleston and early turns. Your best hand may change as you receive new tiles and observe what other players discard or expose.