How to Host a Mahjong Tournament: Rules and Scoring
A mahjong party or tournament seats players in groups of 4, plays a round, then moves everyone to new tables. This guide covers setup, scoring and table manners. It does not list any hands, so use your own card. This page describes common rules, not an official rulebook. House rules vary, so agree on yours before you start.
One mahjong set for every table, plus a table and 4 chairs for each. Our tools plan for 4 to 24 players.
A current card for each player, if your group plays American mahjong. Everyone uses the card they normally play with.
A score pad and pencil at every table, or the printed score sheet from our tournament page.
A timer if you play timed rounds, and a bell or a shout to start and stop.
Snacks, water and prizes. A short break between rounds helps the evening go smoothly.
How a party or tournament is run
Seat players in groups of 4. Each table plays on its own, and every player plays for themselves.
Decide what a round is: a set number of hands (2, 3 or 4 is common) or a time limit (50 or 60 minutes is common). Say it out loud before the first round.
When a round ends, each player writes down their score. Many hosts plan about 50 minutes of play and 10 minutes to add up scores and move. These times are estimates.
Everyone moves to their next table. A planned seating chart tells each player where to go, so nobody has to work it out.
After the last round, add up each player's round scores. The highest total is first.
Moving between tables
Moving tables is what lets people meet new faces. Here is what our plan does for 4 rounds at common sizes.
Tables and sit-outs by number of players. A repeat pairing is two players who share a table again.
Players
Tables, sit-outs and repeats
8
2 tables, no sit-outs, 20 repeat pairings
12
3 tables, no sit-outs, 15 repeat pairings
16
4 tables, no sit-outs, no repeat table-mates
20
5 tables, no sit-outs, no repeat table-mates
24
6 tables, no sit-outs, no repeat table-mates
Scoring across tables
Scores are individual. Each player keeps their own total, and a score from one table counts the same as a score from another.
There are two common ways to score. Some groups use the values printed on their card. Others use flat points, such as one number for a win and a smaller one for a close second. Pick one before you start.
How scores are usually tallied
Step
What to do
After each round
Every player writes their own score on the sheet, and a tablemate checks it.
Running total
Add each round to the player's last total. Our scorekeeper does this for you.
Final rank
Highest total is first, then second, then third.
Prizes
Many groups give prizes to the top 3 players, plus fun ones such as most wins.
Hands with no winner and tie-breaks
Sometimes the tiles run out before anyone wins. This is often called a wall game or a draw. Many groups score it as zero for everyone and start the next hand. Some replay the hand. House rules vary.
If two players finish with the same total, common tie-breakers are most hands won, or the higher score in the last round, or one extra hand between them. Choose yours first and tick it on the card.
Table manners
Call tiles out loud and clearly, and pause a moment so everyone hears before the next player acts.
Keep your tiles in front of you, and do not touch other players' racks or walls.
If your group plays American mahjong, each hand usually starts with a tile swap, often called the Charleston, where players pass unwanted tiles in a set order. Agree on how your group plays it, because that varies.
Keep talk about your hand to a minimum while play is going on. Save the chatting for breaks.
Settle rule questions by asking the host, and keep it friendly.
Common house rules
Whether jokers are used, and whether they can be swapped.
Whether doubles apply to a score, and what causes them.
What happens after a mistake: a penalty, a lost hand or a correction.
Whether a round is 2, 3 or 4 hands or timed.
Whether players may look at their card during play.
Printable rules card for each table
Two cards print on each sheet, one for each table. Print one sheet for every two tables. Tick your group's house rules on the card. Lines are left blank for rules of your own.
Mahjong table card
Table
4 players at a table, each playing for themselves.
Write your own score at the end of every round.
Use your own card. Tick the house rules your group plays.
Round plan (estimates)
Players per table
4
Play time
50 min
Scoring and moving
10 min
Our house rules (tick)
2 hands a round
4 hands a round
Timed rounds
Scores from the card values
Flat points for wins
Jokers in play
Doubles apply
Wall game scores zero
Tie-break: most wins
Other rules
Mahjong table card
Table
4 players at a table, each playing for themselves.
Write your own score at the end of every round.
Use your own card. Tick the house rules your group plays.
How many players do you need for a mahjong tournament?
Mahjong is played at tables of 4. With 2 tables, which is 8 players, people can start to move between tables. Our tools plan for 4 to 24 players. If the count is not a multiple of 4, a few players sit out each round in turn.
How long should each round be?
Groups usually choose a set number of hands (2, 3 or 4 is common) or a time limit (50 or 60 minutes is common). We plan about 50 minutes of play and 10 minutes to score and move, as an estimate. House rules vary.
How are scores added up across tables?
Each player scores for themselves and keeps a running total. Scores from different tables are added together the same way. Use the scoring from your own card or a flat-points system your group agrees on.
What happens if nobody wins a hand?
That is often called a wall game, or a draw. Many groups score it as zero and move on, and some replay it. Choose your rule before the first round, since house rules vary.
Does this page list the hands from my scoring card?
No. Players use their own current card and their group's house scoring. We only plan the seating and add up the scores you type in.