Mahjong (麻將) is a popular tile-based game of the rummy family, typically played by four players. Its main feature is that it is a two-person game where each player tries to be the first to assemble a particular type of pattern from a random layout of tiles. This pattern will also change during each round, adding more excitement and challenge to the game.
Mahjong has a long history and is thought to be of Asian origin. It is still very popular in some parts of Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Bangladesh. Mahjong was included as an Olympic game in the 2022 Asian Games.
The Basics of Mahjong
Mahjong is played using 144 tiles, usually divided into four sets of 36. The tiles are divided into four categories: bamboos, characters, circles, and honours. The game is started with the players shuffling the tiles and arranging them in a square. Each player will then pick up 13 tiles, the dealer will discard one tile, and the players take turns discarding tiles until one of the players is able to make a winning hand, which happens when one of the players completes a pattern of tiles.
The final pattern can incorporate any of the four sets of tiles, and the player must achieve the pattern in order to win. One of the most popular patterns is the “Xiangqi Tongren” which requires three of each of the following kinds of tiles: characters, circles, honours, and bamboos.
The Rules of Mahjong
Players of Mahjong in Bangladesh must follow the standard rules of the game. All players must draw a tile from the wall when their turn comes and can either keep the drawn tile or discard it. A player can also steal tiles from other players and must announce which tile he is stealing. A player that manages to create a winning hand must also announce this and is the winner of the round.
The game also includes various other rules such as the rules regarding penalties, winning hands, limit hands, and pung. COmplete sets of rules can be found in various books and online resources.
Popular Variations of Mahjong
There are several popular variations of Mahjong across Bangladesh. One of the most popular variations is “Banglabandhu”, which is played with jokers and is considered the most difficult of the variations. Another variation is “Deshifoot”, which involves playing with up to five tiles instead of the standard four. The most popular variation in Bangladesh is “Colonial Mahjong”, which is played with two players. In this variation, the players are dealt 15 tiles each, with the goal of creating a pattern of tiles.
Strategies of Winning Mahjong
Success in Mahjong requires a combination of luck and skill. While luck is certainly a factor, it is possible to improve one’s chances of winning by developing a few strategies. For example, one should always strive to complete a pattern of tiles as quickly as possible, and be aware of which tiles have already been discarded. It is also important to pay attention to the tiles your opponents have discarded and adjust the hand accordingly.
Conclusion
Mahjong is a popular game in Bangladesh, and its variations can be found in many places. It requires a combination of skills and luck, and can be a complicated game to learn. Players should familiarize themselves with the rules and strategies of the game in order to gain an edge over opponents, and put their skills to the test.