Mahjong is a popular game played with tiles that originated in China and is now known worldwide. While the original game was played between four players, various renditions of the games have been introduced over the years. Today Mahjong is available online, and players can play for fun or money against other opponents in real-time.
This article offers a helpful guide on Mahjong, including the game format and rules and where you can play Mahjong online for money.
What Is Mahjong?
A traditional game of Mahjong, called Classical Mahjong, is played between four participants, but it can also be played with two, three, or even five players. The game is unique from other card games as it involves engraved tiles instead of cards. These tiles were carved into the bone in the earlier days, but today plastic tiles are usually used.
A standard Mahjong set has 136 tiles; however, in some sets, four or eight surplus tiles are used as jokers or bonus tiles. These tiles are divided into categories like a suit of cards, and to play the game, players need to learn which tiles go together. The primary suits include circles, bamboo, dragons, seasons, flowers, winds, and Chinese characters.
The game’s purpose is to get Mahjong, i.e., getting the tiles into four sets and one pair. The game begins with a steady hand, i.e., a hand that is missing a single tile. So, the winning hand is made with 14 tiles. Players are given 13 tiles and are required to allocate 14 tiles into sets and a pair. A set means three identical tiles, and pair includes two tiles. A game has 16 rounds usually but can vary depending on player consent.
Playing Mahjong Online
Mahjong rules have a wide range of variations, but the primary rule remains the same, i.e., get a Mahjong as explained above. The player who first reaches a Mahjong is the winner. There are various versions of Mahjong, and the rules also vary accordingly.
For online gaming, the version normally used is Mahjong Solitaire. The game’s goal is to pair identical tiles until the board is clear. However, you can only pair free tiles, i.e., tiles not blocked by any other tile on the top or sides. Basically, the tile must slide out of the board without any other tile blocking it.
Once you begin removing these free tiles, other tiles become available so you can make new pairs. Once the board is clear, you have won the game.
Free Online Mahjong Games
There are plenty of free sites where you can play Mahjong and hone your skills. While some sites are solely dedicated to Mahjong, others feature other skill-based games as well. Here are a few sites where you can play Mahjong online.
- 247Mahjong
- Game Colony
- Dora Mahjong
While you have readily available options for playing Mahjong online for free, you can also play for money. There are plenty of online gambling sites where Mahjong is one of the featured games you can play for cash.
The most common multi-player format available online is a Mahjong tournament. These real-money tournaments are fun to play. Although they are very different from the classic version, players enjoy the excitement of the competition,
A standard tournament has sixteen rounds, where each player gets the chance to be the dealer four times. Depending on the tournament rules, the winner may get the pot, or the winnings may be divided among the first, second, and third-place winners.
Where can I Play Mahjong for Money Online?
As mentioned, there are plenty of online gambling sites where you can play Mahjong for real money. We have mentioned a few recommended sites here.
1XBet:
1XBet is a top-rated casino and sports betting site mostly known in Eastern Europe. In recent years, the platform has expanded to other markets, including Asia. The site offers a bonus of up to €1,500 and 150 free spins for slots players.
Spin Samurai:
Spin Samurai is a newly launched site that opened in 2020. In Asia, the platform is available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, among others. The site offers plenty of online casinos and live dealer games. As a new member, you can enjoy a bonus of up to €2,000.
JVSpin:
JVSpin is another newly opened yet highly popular platform that features over 7,000 casino games and is available in numerous countries, including many Asian countries. JVSpin also offers a decent welcome bonus too.