A guide to mahjong tiles

Some symbols look similar at first. Use the small rank in the corner and the names below to tell them apart. Most tiles need an exact match; flowers and seasons have their own rules.

Circles

9 designs

Match the same number in this suit.

1: circles

2: circles

3: circles

4: circles

5: circles

6: circles

7: circles

8: circles

9: circles

Bamboo

9 designs

Match the same number in this suit.

1: bamboos

2: bamboos

3: bamboos

4: bamboos

5: bamboos

6: bamboos

7: bamboos

8: bamboos

9: bamboos

Characters

9 designs

Match the same number in this suit.

1: characters

2: characters

3: characters

4: characters

5: characters

6: characters

7: characters

8: characters

9: characters

Winds

4 designs

Match the exact same symbol.

East wind

South wind

West wind

North wind

Dragons

3 designs

Match the exact same symbol.

Red dragon

Green dragon

White dragon

Flowers

4 designs

Any two flowers form a pair. The F mark distinguishes them from seasons.

Plum blossom

Orchid

Chrysanthemum

Bamboo flower

Seasons

4 designs

Any two seasons form a pair. Look for the S mark; they do not match flowers.

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter