Beginner guide
Chow vs Pung vs Kong
This lesson uses Mahjong Competition Rules (MCR) whenever a precise rule is needed. Other Chinese and regional tables may differ.
Context: MCRA chow is three consecutive suited tiles, a pung is three identical tiles, and a kong is four identical tiles treated as one meld.
Core idea
A chow stays in one numbered suit and never wraps from 9 to 1.
- Pungs and kongs may use numbered or honor tiles.
- A kong requires a replacement draw.
Use it at the table
Claims follow ruleset-specific direction and priority.
- Under MCR a chow normally uses the discard from the player on the left.
- Kong declaration timing matters.
Ruleset boundary
Structure, procedure, and scoring are separate checks. Use the official MCR text for competition decisions and confirm another tableβs rules before transferring advice.
Key takeaways
- A chow stays in one numbered suit and never wraps from 9 to 1.
- Claims follow ruleset-specific direction and priority.
- Name the ruleset before applying the lesson.
Lesson checkpoint
Finish lesson & practice Turn the explanation into recall.
Source notes
Reviewed references
- Mahjong Competition RulesWorld Mahjong Organization / European Mahjong Association Β· Reviewed 2026-10-14
MCR structure, play sequence, 81 scoring elements, and the 8-point minimum.