Mahjong is a tile-based table game that originated in China many centuries ago. The goal of the game is for players to create sets of tiles from the walls of tiles which, when completed, can be used to score points. The game is usually played with four people, although it can also be played with just two or three people.
The game is popular around the world, most notably in China and Japan, though it is easy to find versions of it online to play regardless of geographic location. The game is thought to help people develop better problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, as well as fostering cooperation and communication between players.
Mahjong is played with a set of 144 tiles that have various symbols on them, many of which resemble real-world characters. The tiles are divided into different categories, including flowers, bamboo or dots, seasons, honor tiles, and characters.
Players use their tiles to form sets that are either three-tile sequences of the same type or four of the same tile, which is known as a “Pong” or “Chow”. Points are earned based on the sets created, as well as through other strategies.
Players must also use their tiles to build tile walls in order to block their opponents from being able to create their own Pongs and Chows. This tactic is known as “building walls” and can be used to either protect or score points, and can lead to some surprisingly creative gameplay.
In Azerbaijan, the rules of Mahjong are a bit different from those used in other countries. For example, consecutive sequences require three tiles, not four. Also, Sich fortune hands are not used as scoring.
Players in Azerbaijan must also be aware of the rule of separation. In this rule, players who are lucky enough to find a four-consecutive-tile sequence in the first dealing may “unpack” those tiles, creating two or three smaller sequences.
Additionally, the rule of inconsistency, which allows players to change tiles as they wish, can be used. This rule is only valid if a certain pre-determined condition is met.
Different sets made by players will score a predetermined number of points, with certain tricks and tactics sometimes leading to bonuses. In Azerbaijani Mahjong, the number of points is determined by counting how many tiles a player has left in their hand and applying a multiplier (which can be up to 5, depending on certain rules). Points are also scored in other ways, such as winning the game with the highest hand or successfully implementing certain strategies.
Mahjong is a popular tile-based game originating from China that has become popular all over the world. In Azerbaijan, a variation of the game is played that includes different rules and scoring potential. Players must use creative strategies and tactical thinking in order to win, making it a fun and engaging game.