The Mahjong Kong Rules
- Introduction
- Definition
- Claiming a Kong
- After Declaring a Kong
- Importance of Drawing
- Robbing the Kong (抢杠)
- Finally
Introduction
In Mahjong, one important move you can make is called “Kong.” So, what does that mean? If one of the other three players at the table discard a tile, and you already have three identical tiles in your hand, you can declare a “Kong.” This is known as an Open Kong.
When you call for a Kong, you lay down that fourth tile face up on the table. After that, you draw a new tile from the end of the pile to keep your hand going. Finally, you’ll need to discard one of your less important tiles to complete the process. It’s a way to score points and continue playing the game.
There’s also something called Concealed Kong. This happens when you have four identical tiles in your hand and declare a Kong directly. You simply place all four tiles face down on the table. After that, you draw a tile from the pile and discard one from your hand, just like with a Open Kong.
Definition:
Kong is formed when a player has four identical tiles.
Tiles in your hand
When you draw another 9 Dot or some player just discard a 9 Dot
Say it, Kong!
Take this 9 Dot and put all four tiles face up on the table beside you
Careful! When you declare a Kong with another player, maybe someone is wating for Robbing you.
Remember, after declare a Kong, you should draw another tile, and then discard a tile. Otherwise, you won’t be able to have a chance to win, because you’re missing a tile to match the rule 4 sets and 1 pair.
After you declare a Kong, find the tile wall where it start from beigning, draw the last one tile.
Woo! Another Red Dragon? Maybe another Kong for the next time.
Let’s discard the West Wind that you don’t need or whatever.
Here is the tiles in your hand, now
And the tiles faced up on table beside you
Claiming a Kong
There are two ways to declare a Kong:
Concealed Kong (from your hand)
If you have four identical tiles in your hand, you can declare a Kong without needing to claim a discarded tile. You reveal all four tiles and place them face up on the table.
Open Kong (from a discarded tile in this round)
If you have three identical tiles and another player discards a matching tile, you can declare an Open Kong. You reveal your three tiles, take the discarded tile, and then draw an additional tile from the wall to maintain your hand size.
After Declaring a Kong
After you declare a Kong, whether it’s an Open Kong or a Concealed Kong, you must draw a tile from the wall. This tile is drawn from the end of the wall, which is the last tile in the stack.
Importance of Drawing
It is crucial to draw a tile after declaring a Kong. If you fail to draw a tile, your hand will be considered incomplete. This means that you will not be able to win the game with that hand, but it won’t effect the game continue.
The tile you discard
The rest of your tiles
The tiles you declare a Kong
See, after you declare a Kong, you still need to discard a tile, but what if you didn’t draw a tile before you discard a tile, your tiles is incomplete now. No matter what you draw in next round, it just can’t match 4 Sets and 1 Pairs.
Robbing the Kong (抢杠)
Definition
Robbing the Kong occurs when a player has the opportunity to claim a tile that another player has just declared as part of their Kong. This can happen if the tile that completes the Kong is discarded by the player who declared it.
Tiles in another player, waiting for 6 Dot or 9 Dot
If you declare a Kong of 9 Dot.
You: Kong!
He can just rob you, game over.
Claiming a Robbing the Kong
If a player declares an Open Kong and another player has the matching tile in their hand, that player can immediately declare a Qiang Kong and the player win the game.
Remember, the Concealed Kong (from player hand) is not in this case.
Turn Order
After successfully claiming a Robbing the Kong, the player who declared it will take their turn as usual, drawing a tile from the wall and discarding one tile from their hand.
Strategic Implications
Robbing the Kong can significantly alter the dynamics of the game. It allows players to disrupt their opponents’ plans while advancing their own hand. However, it also requires careful observation of the tiles being played and the potential hands of other players.
Finally
So, you just learned how to make a Kong in Mahjong. Here’s some related rules, maybe you also want to check:
Happy playing!