Ball System
Balls System: Understanding Mahjong Scoring
In Mahjong, scoring can vary based on the combination of tiles a player uses, but the fundamental principle remains the same: the more complex the combination, the higher the points awarded. Below is an overview of the basic scoring rules and how different hands contribute to your final score.
Basic Scoring Rules:
Standard Win (10 points): A typical win, where a player completes their hand with a regular combination of tiles, earns them 10 points.
Pong of Dragons or Winds (10-20 points): A Pong is a set of three identical tiles. If a player forms a Pong using Dragon or Wind tiles, they can earn between 10 to 20 points, depending on the specific tiles used.
Pure Combination (40-80 points): If a player manages to form a hand with tiles that all belong to the same suit (e.g., all Bamboo, all Circles, etc.), they earn a significant bonus. The value of this hand can range from 40 to 80 points, depending on the complexity of the tiles and the hand.
Secret Hands (50+ points): Some hands are considered secret because they are harder to achieve, such as a hand composed entirely of Pongs (e.g., three identical tiles in each set). These hands are worth at least 50 points or more, rewarding players for achieving a difficult and rare combination.
Self-Drawn Hand (Double Points): If a player wins by drawing the final tile themselves, without using any discarded tiles, their score is doubled (x2 multiplier). This is a more challenging method of winning, but it provides a significant reward.
Betting and Paying Points: When a player wins, other players must either pay them points or follow the betting system set for the game. In some variations, players contribute to a pool and the winner takes the entire amount, while in others, they simply pay the winner based on the value of their hand.
Variation in Scoring: Different Mahjong variations, such as Hong Kong, Japanese, or American Mahjong, may have unique scoring methods and additional rules that can influence how points are calculated. However, the core idea remains the same: the player with the most valuable hand, or the first to declare “Mahjong,” wins the game and claims the points.
In summary, the more difficult and rare the combination of tiles a player forms, the more points they’ll earn. The key to mastering the game lies in understanding the value of each combination and aiming for the highest-scoring hands possible while keeping an eye on your opponents’ moves!