How Does Counting Cards in Poker Work [Pros & Cons]

There are many strategies players can employ, but knowing when to hit in Blackjack is crucial. Some big winners have had those lucky nights and beaten all the odds simply because they know what to do in different situations. Players can increase their chances of winning at blackjack by utilizing simple strategies. This article explains the simple blackjack table and how the odds directly affect your long-term bottom line when gambling. When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack Your first two cards must determine whether you hit or stand. Standing means that you're happy with the hand you've been dealt and won't draw any more cards. Instead, you should draw another card (or more) to improve your hand. Knowing each card's value will help you make the right decision. Cards with faces, such as jack, queen, and king, carry a value of 10, while cards with numbers carry a value of one. It depends on your hand whether an ace is worth 1 or 10 points. The most critical aspect of Blackjack is knowing when to hit and stand, which is one of the most significant aspects of the game. In the game, the same is true when deciding whether to split or double down. Players can take action by clicking on the hit or stand button in an online casino. They can use different hand signals to communicate with the dealer at a brick-and-mortar casino. After you've signaled, your hand is complete. If your hand totals 21 or less, you can hit, but you shouldn't hit too close to 21. Busting occurs when the total exceeds 21. When to Hit in Blackjack Generally, you should hit against the dealer's card if you have an eight. However, you have a chance of making a good hand in a deck that contains so many tens. In the same way, if the dealer shows a high card and is likely to make 21, you should also consider hitting your high cards. But, again, it's just a matter of beating the dealer's total. Take another card if you're unlikely to win anyway. For instance, you're likely to lose if you hold 13 or 14 and the dealer has 7 or above. When to Stand in Blackjack You should stand if your total is 17, 19, or 20. No matter what the dealer has, taking another card doesn't benefit you. Look for good totals that can be split. For example, when you get 8-8, 9-9, or 10-10, you can split them into two new, perfectly good hands. In addition, it's important to know how soft and hard hands differ. An ace is part of a "soft" hand (which counts as 1 or 11), while other cards are part of a "hard" hand. When the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, you should stand if you have a "hard" 16. In this case, if you have an A-5 and a "soft" 16, you should hit if the dealer shows a 2 or even double down if the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or 6. Again, that's because a soft hand can result in a much stronger total if a high-value card is drawn. Conclusion Due to the fact that players must make decisions during the game, Blackjack is a unique and popular casino game. Therefore, people view Blackjack as a game in which logic is more important than luck. As a result, a safe win can't be guaranteed. Although you can never be sure whether you'll win or lose at any game, learning the basics and Blackjack rules can certainly increase your odds. FAQ Do you stay or hit at 13, 14, and 15 in Blackjack? Basically, you should hit in situations other than the following: 13 stands against the dealer's 2 through 6 14 stands against the dealer's 2 through 6 15 stands against the dealer's 2 through 6 Should I hit on 15? If your hand's total is 15, you should always hit unless the dealer has 2–6. Do you hit on 16 vs. 7? The reality is that no matter what you do in this situation, you have more chances of losing. In other words, 61% of the time you'll bust if you hit and you'll lose 74% of the time if you stand. Do you hit on 16 vs. 10? You still need a strong hand if the dealer has a 10. It's good advice to hit if holding a hand of 10 or 12–16. Do you hit a 12 against a 3? Yes, you should hit a 12 if the dealer has a 3. Do you hit a 12 against a 2? Yes, you should hit a 12 if the dealer has a 2. Do you hit on 15 against a 10? In a double- or multi-deck game, if your 15 consists of an 8-7, hit against a dealer's 10 up card. Do you hit a 13 against a 10? Yes. You should only stand if you have a 13 and the dealer has 2–6. Hit or stand on 16? If you have a hard 16, you should stand if the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Do you hit on 13 in Blackjack? It's common practice to stand on 12 and higher if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6. Hit or stand on 17? When your total is high, it's normal to get confused about when to hit in Blackjack. It's generally better to stand on 17 or higher if the dealer has a 7, 8, or 9.

If you're interested in the basics of Teen Patti, we have a complete analysis of the game's rules and step-by-step instructions on how to get started. We'll also review the complexities of betting and the nuances of playing blind or seen and share expert tips to help you improve your strategy. The Origin and Progression of Teen Patti Teen Patti or 3 Patti, a skill, strategy, and luck-based game, has long been a favorite pastime in many regions of the world, particularly South Asia. Frequently compared to poker, this traditional card game is an intriguing blend of probability, psychology, and decision-making. Originally developed in India, Teen Patti is believed to have drawn inspiration from the British card game 3-Card Brag, a popular game among British soldiers stationed in India during colonial times. The game's evolution over time reflects a unique mixture of cultural exchange and local adaptation, leading to the creation of a game that is uniquely Indian but has elements of its European ancestor. This genesis has given Teen Patti a unique identity. The game's digital transition has been nothing short of outstanding, with top online casino sites increasingly including Teen Patti games in their portfolios. This has expanded the game's reach, making it available to a global audience and introducing it to players who may never have had the opportunity to play it in its traditional form. Teen Patti's availability at online casinos has broadened its appeal and added a new dimension to the game, enhanced by high-quality graphics and interactive interfaces. Teen Patti Rules The rules of the 3 Patti game are simple. After your first bet, the ante, you will receive three cards while the dealer's cards are hidden. You can decide whether to play based on the cards you have. A queen or higher must be one of the dealer's three cards to qualify. The objective is to build the highest-ranking hand. Teen Patti sequenceMeaningTrio or trailThree cards of the same rank. Three A's are the highest, and three 2's are the lowest.Pure sequenceThree consecutive cards of the same suit.Sequence(Straight run)Three consecutive cards but in different suits. The ace-2-3 is the second hand in rankings after A-K-Q. King-ace-2 is not a valid hand.Color or flushThree cards of the same suit but out of sequence.Pair/doubleA pair is formed by two cards of the same rank. If two players have an identical pair, the winner is determined by the third card's value. High card or no pairWhen no other hand combination forms, you have the highest-ranking card. Getting Started With Teen Patti  With basic rules and straightforward gameplay, Teen Patti is a simplified version of the classic game of poker. Virtually anyone can pick up the game after watching a few rounds. Let's take a look at specific steps. Decide on Stake Value Before cards can be dealt, the players need to decide on the minimum size of stakes, and then each player’s boot amount is added to the pot. The pot money in Teen Patti is typically capped at 1,024 times the ante. However, you're not subject to this rule if you're playing a no-limit game. Dealer Deals the Cards As soon as the initial pot has been decided, the dealer will deal the cards clockwise until everyone has three cards. All cards must be dealt face down. According to Teen Patti rules, two betting rounds are available. Note: If you decide to look at your cards before making the second wager, you must bet the ante twice or double the bet of a blind player. Players who decide to do this are called seen players, those who don’t are referred to as blind, and double betting is called chaal. In the first round, you must place the ante. In the second round, the betting depends solely on the players. However, a blind player can't bet more than twice the current stake. Furthermore, blind players can become seen at any time during the game. A seen player can only bet the current stake four times. As the game progresses, all players can pack or fold their cards. Possible Moves The game begins with the person sitting to the dealer's left. Each player has the same options during the game (fold, call, or raise), no matter if they play blind or seen. Additionally, the player's bet amount will depend on the previous player's stake and whether the player is playing blind or seen. Request a Sideshow When three players remain in the game, and one seen player plays after the other, the latter player can request a sideshow with the first seen player, who can then accept or refuse. Upon accepting the sideshow request, both players privately compare their hands, and the player with a lower Teen Patti hand must fold. Players who request sideshows must fold if their hand rankings are equal. If the sideshow request is denied, the betting process continues as usual. The Final Showdown Once only two players are left in the game, one of them can ask for a showdown. If a showdown takes place, players compare their hands, and the one with the highest card wins. In a pot-limit game, an alternative showdown occurs when the pot has reached the set amount. Then, all players must show their cards. Teen Patti Variations Players looking to add a twist to the classic gameplay can choose a different type of Teen Patti game. Given the existence of more than 50 variations, further classification is required. It's easiest to separate them in the following way: Joker variations Variations with different hand rankings Other gameplay and rule changes The proliferation of options is attributed to players' diverse preferences and skills. Some individuals seek more challenging versions of the game with higher levels of complexity. Muflis, also recognized as Lowball, stands out as one the most frequently played Teen Patti variations, closely resembling traditional Teen Patti. The distinctive aspect of Muflis lies in the reversal of 3 Patti hand rankings. In other words, what was previously regarded as the most favorable hand in standard Teen Patti becomes the least advantageous, and conversely, the weakest hand in the original version emerges as the winner in Muflis. In Lowball, the most desirable hand is 2-2-2. Tips for Playing Teen Patti To enhance your gameplay and boost your winning odds in Teen Patti, it's crucial to adopt effective strategies and tips. These recommendations, ranging from understanding the game's essence to smart betting, are designed to refine your decision-making skills and approach to the game. Start with small bets: That way, you can play more hands at once, giving you a greater chance of winning. Maintain a poker face: Don't bet first when you have good cards, and don't fold too soon if you have bad cards. It's important to read other players in this game. Winning will be extremely difficult if you're too easy to read.  Contain your emotions: Since this is a skill and chance game, being emotional can result in more loss than profit. Emotions lead players to make bad decisions, which results in huge losses. Don't be afraid to lose: It's important to accept that you can't win every time. Still, continuous practice will help improve your game tremendously.  Testing your skills: To truly master Teen Patti, it's crucial to continuously refine your skills and deepen your understanding of the game. One of the best ways to do this is by playing free games online. These free versions offer a risk-free environment where you can experiment with different strategies, get comfortable with the rules, and understand the nuances of both blind and seen play. Set limits before playing: Before joining a game, deciding on a budget that aligns with your financial comfort level is wise. This budget should be an amount you're willing to risk without affecting your financial stability. It acts as a safeguard against the temptation to overspend in the heat of the moment. Practice Makes Perfect in Teen Patti From the historical origins of the game to the nuances of playing it skillfully, we've covered a breadth of knowledge essential for any player. However, the key to success in Teen Patti lies in continuous learning and practice. So, as you go forth, keep in mind everything you've learned about Teen Patti and use this knowledge to excel in this fascinating game.

Lottery games captivate millions globally, promising life-changing fortunes if you just purchase a ticket. But did you know that even if you do win, you don't receive a large chunk of the prize? In 2022, for instance, a lucky Californian nabbed the biggest lottery win ever, a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, but took home "only" $628 million. Our objective here is to delve into the often-overlooked aspect of these games namely their profitability. Stay with us as we unravel the financial fabric of lotteries, a global phenomenon with far-reaching impacts. Overview of Lottery Systems Lotteries have a long and varied history, often intertwined with public welfare and fundraising. The history of lotteries dates back centuries, with their origins rooted in ancient times. The concept of drawing lots is mentioned in numerous historical documents, including the Bible. However, the first recorded signs of a lottery offering tickets for sale with prizes in the form of money appeared in the Low Countries (present-day Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) in the 15th century. These public lotteries were held to raise money for town fortifications and to help the poor. The idea quickly spread across Europe. In England, the first state lottery was held in 1569, with advertisements using the word "lottery" derived from the Dutch word "lot," meaning fate. In the 17th and 18th centuries, lotteries were widely used in Europe and the American colonies to fund public works projects, such as roads, libraries, churches, colleges, canals, and bridges, demonstrating their early role in supporting community development and public welfare. Revenue Stream of Lotteries Lotteries generate substantial income primarily through ticket and scratch card sales. The pricing strategy for these tickets is key—they are affordable enough to attract a wide audience yet priced high enough to ensure profitability. Major lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions, known for their massive jackpots, exemplify this strategy, as their lottery tickets are priced at $2. The allure of such life-changing sums drives massive ticket sales, leading to significant revenue generation. However, the revenue is mainly dependent on the jackpot offered. Let’s take the sales number of Powerball tickets as an example. For the draw on the 11th of October 2023, the jackpot rose to an astounding $1.764 billion, and the draw sales amounted to almost $258.5 million. Somebody won the jackpot that day, and it was reset for the following draw, equalling “only” $20 million. The draw sales were much smaller in comparison (almost $30.4 million) and the sales kept dropping down in the following draws because of the smaller prize money. Scratch cards offer a different but stable income stream. They are less about gigantic windfalls and more about instant gratification with smaller, more frequent payouts. However, the revenue is nevertheless substantial. For example, The National Lottery brought in over ￡2.4 billion in scratch card sales in 2020. With the addition of online scratch cards, these types of lottery games are very accessible to the public leading to large revenues from customer engagement. Role of Taxation in Lotteries The benefactors of large lottery revenue shares are the state and federal governments. The US lottery revenue in the past 45 years has consistently risen. For instance, the government collected $31.22 billion in 2021. This is not surprising as the US imposes high lottery taxes on winnings, including both state and federal taxes in some states. In the United States, lottery winnings are subject to both federal and state taxes, and the rates can vary considerably based on the state where the ticket was purchased. Federally, lottery winnings are treated as income, with the top federal tax rate being 37% for winnings over a certain amount. State taxes on lottery winnings, however, vary widely. Some states, like California and Pennsylvania, exempt lottery winnings from state income taxes, whereas others, such as New York, can impose a state tax rate of up to 8.82%. Additionally, cities and counties may levy their own taxes on lottery winnings. For instance, New York City adds a municipal tax of up to 3.876%. This disparity in tax rates means that the net amount a jackpot winner takes home can differ substantially depending on their location. For example, a $100 million jackpot could net a winner in California significantly more than a winner in New York, purely due to the differences in state tax rates. The Allocation of Lottery Profits Lottery revenues are allocated in multiple ways, balancing prize distribution, operational costs, and contributions to public funds. A significant portion of the revenue is dedicated to prize money, ensuring the attractiveness of the game. Operational costs, including marketing, administration, and sales, require a revenue share, as they are vital for streamlining the whole process. Looking at real-world examples, the UK National Lottery and EuroMillions offer insights into this allocation. A notable portion of their revenue is channeled into public funds and charities. The UK National Lottery, for instance, contributes to various public sectors, including arts, sports, heritage, and community projects, demonstrating a commitment to societal benefit. Similarly, EuroMillions supports a range of charitable causes and community initiatives across participating countries. These practices push the ethical aspect of lottery fund distribution to the forefront. By contributing to public welfare and charities, lotteries are not just gambling platforms but also contributors to societal development. This revenue allocation model has been praised for its support of public services and scrutinized for potentially exploiting vulnerable groups. The ethical balance lies in ensuring that lotteries operate transparently and contribute significantly to the public good while promoting responsible gambling. A Breakdown of The Biggest Lotteries in the US and UK The lottery landscape is filled with numerous games, but a few stand out due to their immense popularity, substantial jackpots, and wide player base. The Powerball, Mega Millions, and The National Lottery of the United Kingdom are among these leading lotteries, each unique in its structure and impact. Next, we take a look at what the odds are of winning any of these lotteries, the biggest jackpots they’ve offered, and how profits are distributed. US PowerballUS Mega MillionsUK National LotteryOdds of winningApproximately 1 in 292.2 million1 in 302.6 million1 in 45 millionRecord jackpot$2.04 billion$1.537 billion￡66,070,646 (Lotto)Distribution of profits50% - prize pool35% - charitable causes6% - retailers commission9% - operational costs50% - prize pool35% - charitable causes6% - retailers commission9% - operational costs53% - prize pool25% - charitable causes12% - UK Government4% - retailers commission5% - operational costs Fair Revenue Distribution is the Name of the Game in State-Run Lotteries From the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, with the winner raking in $628 million, to the steady income from scratch card sales, lotteries generate substantial revenue. However, the broader impact of these profits extends beyond mere financial figures. Lotteries play a pivotal role in funding public welfare programs but also raise ethical questions, particularly concerning their impact on lower-income groups. While lotteries contribute to state and national economies, their overall economic impact is more nuanced, often representing a smaller fraction of total revenues and not being a definitive solution to larger economic challenges. As we look into the future, one can't help but wonder how technological advancements and changes in gambling laws will shape the lottery landscape. Will the ethical and economic discussions surrounding lotteries evolve with these changes? How will the balance between societal benefit and responsible gambling be maintained in an ever-evolving digital world and the popularization of online casinos? These are questions worth pondering as we consider the future of lotteries and their place in our societies.

The game of Mahjong consists of tiles and is played by four players. The Qing dynasty is credited for developing it, which spread across the globe by the early 20th century. Known as Sparrow because of the clacking of the tiles that resembled the chattering of sparrows, its origins are unknown. However, one theory suggests that it's an adaptation of an earlier card game called "madiao." Depending on how you shuffle the tiles, locals have also referred to the game as "dry swimming." It's a game of strategy, luck, and skill, and I'll cover everything you need to know, from the basic rules to the gameplay. What is Mahjong? The South China Morning Post reported that Mahjong, or Mah Jongg, originated more than 300 years ago in China. The game requires four players and is widely played in Asia and around the globe. After being introduced to the United States around 1920 by Joseph P. Babcock, an American businessman who had lived in China, the game gained particular popularity. New York's Abercrombie & Fitch was the first to sell Mahjong sets. The game of Mahjong consists of 144 tiles, each displaying an illustration from one of five categories. Chinese symbols or characters are used in the illustrations. Equipment Needed for Playing Mahjong Before I explain how to play Mahjong, I'll list the equipment you'll need in the sections below. Tiles There are 144 tiles in a Mah Jong (Mahjong) set, usually 30 x 20 x 15mm. Plastic has replaced bone or ivory as a common material for these sets. Below, you can learn more about the types of tiles in Mahjong: Four sets of nine circle tiles numbered 1-9. Among the 36 tiles, nine are in each of four sets. Each set of bamboo tiles contains 36 tiles numbered 1-9. 1. A sparrow or rice bird often depicts one of the bamboos. 2. Red and green bamboos represent 1, 5, 7, and 9. 3. The other bamboo tiles are represented only by green bamboos. Each of the four winds is represented by four tiles. The tiles have 12 dragons: Four Red dragons, which represent bright red characters. Four Green dragons represent bright green characters. Four White dragons, which represent completely blank tiles. A capital letter 'P' is used to denote a white dragon, which stands for 'Pai,' which means pure or white. Suits A mahjong set has numbered tiles called suits. Namely, there are only three suits in Mahjong, bamboos, characters, and dots numbered 1 through 9. There are four tiles of each suit, making 108 tiles in all. Since suit tiles can be chowed, punched, konged, or paired, they offer the most flexibility. Honors The Wind suit is one of two honor suits. Each tile features a compass direction character — north, east, south, and west. In order to recognize and organize this suit, you must learn to read the cardinal direction characters in Chinese. There are four sets with four tiles each. Therefore, there are 16 wind tiles in each game set. Arrows, or dragons, are the other honor suit. Each set of arrow tiles has three tiles. As a result of ancient imperial exams, archery, and Confucius' cardinal virtues, this trio has multiple meanings. Seasons and Flowers Flowers can be worn as an optional suit. Each tile has a picture of a flower and a number ranging from one to four. Interestingly, each region has its way of playing the flower suit. Flowers can be used as wild cards to complete tile combinations or as a Joker in card games. Moreover, you can earn extra points by using flowers. As with the flower tiles, the seasons are associated with a specific wind: Spring – East Summer – South Autumn – West Winter – North Even though each season has only one tile, all four-season tiles match. Wild Card or Jokers Joker tiles can be used in assembling a hand, but for example, you can use four jokers in Southeast Asian and Chinese mahjong variations, including Shanghainese mahjong. On the other hand, you can use eight jokers in American Mahjong. Dice To determine seating and wall breaking, dice are used. There are usually two to three dice in a typical set. Therefore, it would be sufficient to use any six-sided dice. There are, however, some differences between mahjong dice and normal board game dice, including rounded corners and red numbers one and four. Score Cards In Mahjong, hands range in difficulty from 1 to 88 points, and a simple sum is derived by adding the points from each hand. In order to win, Mahjong can be declared with a minimum of eight points in the official Chinese version. Using a scorecard, you can keep track of your score. Wind indicators Wind indicators display the current wind speed. Usually, it's held by the east (dealer). American Mahjong is referred to as a bettor, as the fifth player bets on who will win. Different sizes and shapes are available, but generally, the most common forms are a rotating cylinder, disc, or cube and its placeholder. Scoring Sticks and Coins There are many ways to play Mahjong, considering many elements such as points, cash, coins, or chips, but the most popular method is with scoring sticks, also known as ''bones''. This set is ideal if you have a Mahjong set without scoring sticks or prefer to play with more sticks. Racks and Pushers Tiles are held in racks while pushers, also known as "extending arms" or "helping hands," push the wall into place. Note that racks and pushers were traditionally separate. However, the modern set includes racks attached with pushers to make it more convenient. How to Play Mahjong? There are variations of the game in different regions, but the basic rules of Mahjong are the same: Face the illustration down as you shuffle the tiles. Dice are rolled, and the dealer gets the biggest roll, and the person to their right is the first to play. The players choose 36 tiles and arrange them into two rows of 18 each. After that, the "walls" are pushed forward, leaving a space on the table for discarded tiles. As the players take turns, they draw thirteen tiles from the pool, or the dealer divides them. When the first player draws a tile from the pool, he or she can keep it or discard it so that their total number remains 13. Then, this process is repeated in a circle by the players. After that, you can take a new tile or pick up one discarded by another player. Pong or Kong melds are formed when a player discards a tile, regardless of their turn. Compared to a Chow meld formed when the player to your left discards a tile. Note that a meld made using a discarded tile has to be announced and displayed to the other Mahjong players. The player with four melds, or suits, and a pair wins. The total number of tiles required is fourteen. How to Read Score Cards? Red, blue, or green numbers or letters represent the hands on a scorecard. Using different colors means using different suits since the colors aren't specific to a particular suit. For example, there are no suits for flowers and zeros, which will always be blue. 1-9 In accordance with the tile's specific number (excluding flowers) N,S,E,W North, South, East, West D Dragon R Red Dragon G Green Dragon 0 White Dragon (Soap) F Flower To organize the scorecard, you can use common patterns to categorize hands: Year A year's patterns, such as 2023. 2's, 0's, and 3's would be used in such cases. The white dragon is always used as a zero. 2468 Patterns that require even numbered tiles. Change-up This section varies Quints A hand with at least one quint (5 identical tiles), at least one of which is a Joker. Consecutive Runs Patterns of consecutive numbers. 13579 Patterns that require odd-numbered tiles. Winds-Dragons Patterns requiring wind and dragon tiles. 369 Patterns using 3's, 6's, and 9's. Singles and Pairs Patterns with single and paired tiles. There are several different combinations for each hand. It's possible to find combinations with non-matching tiles, but most have at least two matching identical tiles. Pair Two identical tiles. Pung Three identical tiles. Kong Four identical tiles. Quint Five identical tiles, with the use of Jokers. Sextet Six identical tiles, with the use of Jokers. Each hand has a value for scoring or gambling. The hand is marked with an 'X' or 'C,' depending on whether it is exposed or concealed: E Exposed C Concealed The Charleston (American Mahjong) The "Charleston" sequences before the gameplay are one of the main differences between American-style Mahjong and other Mahjong styles. Charlestons are exchanges of tiles among players. By passing tiles to other Mahjong players during the Charleston, players can get rid of tiles they don't want. There are three stages to the Charleston: The First Charleston (required) The Second Charleston (optional) The Courtesy Pass (optional) Let's examine each stage in more detail in the following sections. First Charleston You, as a player, must perform the first Charleston regardless of how many hands you have drawn from the wall. The step consists of three passes: 1st pass — To the right of each player, three tiles are passed. 2nd pass — Players pass three tiles to each other. 3rd pass — It's the responsibility of each player to pass three tiles to the player on the left. When you perform this step, you can choose to perform a "Blind Pass" by taking one, two, or three tiles and passing them to the player to your left. Second Charleston Performing the Second Charleston is optional and must be agreed upon by all players. Three passes are involved in this step: 1st Pass - Each player passes three tiles to the player on their left. 2nd pass - Players pass three tiles to each other. 3rd pass - Players pass three tiles to their right. It is possible to perform a "Blind Pass" at this step. Courtesy Pass When the First Charleston and Second Charleston are completed, two players who sit across may want to perform one last pass. Depending on the lesser tile request, one, two, or three tiles can be passed. The courtesy pass won't be completed between a player and the player if no tiles are exchanged. When all Charleston steps have been completed, the game can begin. Tips for Playing Mahjong If you still wonder, "how do you play Mahjong?" don't worry, as I will explain several Mahjong gameplay tips in the following sections, such as drawing and discarding tiles, calling tiles, rules of joker in Mahjong, how to end the game, and some common errors. Discarding and Drawing Tiles The excitement begins as players attempt to improve their hands. Since East has 14 tiles, it discards a tile when it starts the game. Unless a discarded tile is called (claimed by another player), the turn passes to the next player on the right. Next, a tile is drawn from the wall. Next, the tiles are taken from where the walls were broken. Finally, when two tiles are high; otherwise, the bottom tile is picked. In either case, the drawn tile can either be discarded or placed in the player's hand and discarded similarly. Their names are announced upon discarded tiles being placed face up in the center of the table. It won't take the other players long to figure out which kind of hand you want to build when you discard a tile. The turn moves to the next player on the left if the next player does not call the discarded tile on the right. Drawing the card, discarding it, and continuing the turn is continued until an interruption occurs by a call. Calling Tiles During the play, any player may use the tile they just discarded if it completes either a pung, kong, quint, sextet or some other exposed hand combination (the types of hands marked with an "X" on the scorecard). When a hand consists of only one tile, it is not permitted to call one for it to be completed. To complete the Mahjong hands, each tile must form a pair with the adjacent tile. Those tiles discarded before the most recent update are called dead tiles. If a player calls for a discarded tile, and that tile doesn't result in Mahjong, the combination completed by that tile is exposed face up on top of the rack and that combination cannot be changed for the rest of the game. Following the discarding of the tile, the player will discard a tile, and if no one else calls it, the turn will go to the player to the right. Some players' turns may be skipped when a tile is called. If several people call at the same time, provisions are made as follows: Any tile a player calls to complete the mahjong hand trumps any tile called by any other player. As long as none of the calls make sense in terms of completing a mahjong hand, the discarded tile will be given to the nearest player to complete the hand. You must draw all the tiles in your hand from the wall to hit a concealed hand (the hand with a "C" next to its value on the scorecard) that has been concealed. Except for the last one, which allows you to declare Mahjong, none of these things may be called tiles except for the last one. Joker Mahjong Rules In addition to tiles used in a pung, a kong, a quartet, and a sextet, jokers can replace any tile in any combination. As a result, you cannot use tiles for completing a pair or a single tile if you have one in hand. It is possible to exchange the joker for a tile in an exposed combination when a joker is substituting a tile if you happen to have the tile that is being replaced: Draw a tile from the wall as usual on your turn, or call for a discard before the turn. Substitute the substitute joker for the actual matching tile. It is possible to exchange multiple matching tiles for the exposed jokers. If you want your hand to remain populated with the right number of tiles, you must discard a tile. As long as the joker creates a combination, you do not have to expose any tiles when you exchange for it. In addition, it is permissible to exchange jokers in dead hands (hands not in the game due to a rule violation). How to End the Mahjong Game? The game of Mahjong ends when a player declares that it has ended or when they have drawn all the tiles on the wall. The game of Mahjong is created when the scorecard is filled in with tiles from the wall or tiles called from a discard. In addition, it may be added a tile from the wall. It is the player who declares "Mahjong" who wins the game. To determine the payout to the winner is based on the value of the hand and the way that Mahjong has been created: Type of Mahjong Payout Mahjong made off a discard. Discarder pays double the hand's value to the winner. Other players pay a single amount. Mahjong made off a draw from the wall. Each player doubles the value of each hand. There are no jokers in Mahjong, and it does not fall into the Singles and Pairs category. Winners of discarding hands are paid four times the hand's value. Other players pay double. A draw from the wall is used in Mahjong, which contains no jokers and is not categorized as Singles or Pairs. Four times the hand value is paid by each player. Draw As long as no Mahjong is called, all tiles from the wall have been collected, and the last discard has been made. The result of this is that no payouts are made as a result. Mahjong Game Rules for Errors Incorrect discards, incorrect exposures, and incorrect calls of Mahjong are some errors that can happen. In these types of situations, there may be penalties that have to be paid. As a general guideline, here are some general guidelines regarding errors: Error Penalty The table has been touched or announced by an accidentally discarded tile. Tile cannot be taken back. A tile has been announced incorrectly. Tile cannot be claimed. Tiles are called but not exposed. The call may be retracted. An incorrect exposure has been made. The exposure may be corrected before discarding. A player has too few or too many tiles. At the end of the game, the player's hand is dead (out of the game), but the winner will receive the same payout as all the other players. There are too few or too many tiles for three players. The game is replayed. Based on the tiles exposed on a player's rack, another discovers that the player's hand is impossible. The player's hand is dead. Mahjong is declared incorrectly in this case, but the hand has not been exposed. No penalty, and the game continues. Mahjong is declared incorrectly, and the hand is exposed. A player's hand is dead. In this game, the player pays the winner. Conclusion Mahjong is an excellent way to learn about Chinese characters, culture, and tradition, keep your brain sharp, and, most importantly, have fun. Learn the different variations of this game, and design your strategy based on your knowledge of the different tiles. FAQ How many players are in a game of Mahjong? Three or four players can participate in the Mahjong game. How many tiles are used per Mahjong game? A Mahjong game requires 144 tiles and two dice. However, the way people play varies from country to country due to cultural differences. How long does a game of Mahjong take? The Mahjong game can last around two hours. Is Mahjong Chinese or Japanese? Mahjong originated in China in the 19th century. How many Mahjong pieces do you start with? There are many variations of Mahjong, but usually, a player starts with 13 tiles Is Mahjong good for your brain? It’s found effective in middle-aged and elderly people that playing Mahjong improves attention, logical thinking, and short-term memory. Is Mahjong based on luck or skill? Mahjong game is a game of skill and luck, 25% and 75%, respectively. Is Mahjong difficult to learn? It’s not the easiest game to master, but the basics of the game can be learned in no time.