Game Variations

Variations and House Rules

From China to Karachi, Mahjong changes with every table. Explore the most popular versions, Chinese, Hong Kong, Western, Taiwanese and more. See how the rules, tile counts, and scoring systems compare.

• Game Variations | Learning to Play | Mahjong Basics

  The Mahjong Player’s Companion: The Book

  ByNaila Baig-Ansari October 30, 2025November 5, 2025

  The Book That Quietly Shaped Modern Play Use the book like salt; enough to enhance the game, never so much that it overwhelms the flavor. There is a certain kind of magic and buzz when we settle down at a Mahjong table to play. We greet each other with enthusiasm, settle into our seats with…
• Game Variations

  Karachi Style Mahjong Rules

  ByNaila Baig-Ansari October 21, 2025November 26, 2025

  Learning Mahjong with Monty In November 2024, I began learning how to play Mahjong with a group of women. Every Wednesday, Laila, Fiza, and I would dutifully attend our two-hour lessons, followed by high tea. Realizing what a community game this is, I soon convinced my friends Rabia and Rabea to start learning as well….