Chinese vs Japanese vs American Mahjong: 7 Key Differences Explained (Clear Beginner Guide)
Chinese vs Japanese vs American Mahjong – Why These Styles Matter
If you’re new to the game, you’ve probably noticed that “Mahjong” doesn’t mean just one version. Chinese vs Japanese vs American Mahjong are the three most common styles worldwide, each offering different pacing, strategy depth, and scoring.
This guide breaks down the essential differences so you can choose your ideal starting point.
1. Tile Set Differences
Each version uses a different number of tiles, shaping gameplay and complexity.
Chinese Mahjong – 136 or 144 Tiles
- 3 suits + Winds + Dragons
- Optional Flowers/Seasons
- No Jokers
Japanese Riichi Mahjong – 136 Tiles
- No Bonus Tiles
- May include red fives (bonus tiles)
- Stricter hand structure
American Mahjong – 152 Tiles
- Uses Jokers
- Uses Bams, Craks, and Dots
- Flowers and Dragons included
- Largest tile set
Impact: American Mahjong is wildcard-friendly, Riichi is strict, Chinese is the most universal.
2. Structure of a Winning Hand
Chinese Mahjong
- 4 melds + 1 pair
- Sequences allowed
Japanese Riichi Mahjong
- 4 melds + 1 pair
- Must meet yaku requirements
- Preferred closed hand play
American Mahjong
- Hands must match the annual card
- Jokers allow flexible set formation
3. Scoring Systems
Chinese Mahjong
Simplified scoring with base points and bonuses.
Japanese Riichi Mahjong
- Han + Fu scoring
- Dora bonuses
- Riichi bets and penalties
American Mahjong
Fixed hand values based on the annual card.
4. Calling Tiles (Open vs Closed Play)
Chinese allows both styles, Riichi rewards concealed play, and American encourages open calling due to Jokers.
5. Special Rules
Chinese Mahjong
Minimal extras; Flowers optional.
Japanese Riichi Mahjong
- Riichi declaration
- Dora indicators
- Furiten restrictions
American Mahjong
- Charleston exchange
- Joker substitutions
- New card every year
6. Game Pace
- Fastest: Japanese Riichi
- Steady and strategic: Chinese
- Slowest: American (card referencing)
7. Difficulty for Beginners
| Version | Beginner Friendly | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Mahjong | Easiest | Universal, simple scoring |
| Japanese Riichi | Moderate | Yaku complexity |
| American Mahjong | Most complex | Card + Jokers + rules |
Which Style Should You Learn First?
Most players start with Chinese Mahjong because it teaches fundamentals that transfer to every ruleset.
- Tile efficiency
- Meld recognition
- Table reading
- Risk timing
