4. Developing winning strategies
Keywords:
mahjong strategytile selectiondecision makinggame tactics
Developing good strategy is key to winning at Mahjong. Learn when to keep tiles, what to discard, and how to read the game.
Strategic Thinking
Mahjong is not just about luck - good strategy can significantly improve your chances of winning. Learn to think ahead and make smart decisions.
Tile Selection Strategy
What to Keep
- Tiles that complete sequences or triplets
- Tiles that can form multiple combinations
- Honor tiles if you're collecting them
- Tiles that other players are discarding (they may not need them)
What to Discard
- Isolated tiles with no potential combinations
- Tiles that other players are collecting (observe their discards)
- Safe tiles that are unlikely to help opponents
Reading the Game
Pay attention to what other players discard:
- If someone discards many tiles from one suit, they may be collecting another
- Watch for patterns in discards
- Notice when players skip claiming tiles - they may be close to winning
Defensive Play
Sometimes it's better to play defensively:
- Discard safe tiles when opponents seem close to winning
- Avoid discarding tiles that others might need
- Break up your hand if necessary to prevent others from winning
Offensive Play
When you're close to winning:
- Focus on completing your hand quickly
- Take calculated risks if you're ahead
- Claim tiles when it helps you win faster
Practice Tips
Use the interactive game above to practice making strategic decisions. Learn to evaluate which tiles to keep and which to discard in different situations.