How to Claim Tiles in Mahjong: Chow, Pung, Kong & Winning Rules
When a player discards a tile, you may be able to claim it. This is one of the important parts of Mahjong. It determines how hands are built, how turns are interrupted, and who gets priority.
Here is exactly what you can do and when.
The Three Ways to Claim
Chow (Chi)
– Three consecutive tiles (eg 3-4-5)
– Can only be claimed form the player on your left
– Does not interrupt the flow of play beyond your turn
Pung/Kong
– Three or four identical tiles
– Can be claimed from any player
= Interrupts turn order immediately
Mahjong (Sik Wu)
– Claim a tile to complete your winning hand
– Can be claimed from any player
– Overrides all other claims
Priority Rules
If more than one player wants the same discarded tile, Mahjong takes priority over everything. A Pung or Kong beats a Chow. A Chow only works if no higher-priority claim is made.
What Happens When You Claim
When you claim a tile:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes slow the game and frustrate other players
The “Dead Hand” Risk
If you declare a win incorrectly