Ruleset guide
Chinese Mahjong vs Japanese Riichi Mahjong
Mahjong variants share tiles and vocabulary, but procedure and scoring must stay attached to a named ruleset.
Context: Multiple rulesetsMCR and Riichi share basic meld structures but differ in winning requirements, scoring, declarations, bonuses, and defense.
Shared foundation
Both use numbered suits, honors, drawing, discarding, and a four-player table.
- Four melds and a pair is a common standard shape.
- Claims expose information.
Defining rules
MCR uses its fan table and eight-point minimum; Riichi requires a yaku and adds riichi, dora, and furiten.
- Fan are not yaku.
- MCR bonuses are not dora.
- A complete shape can fail each system for different reasons.
At the table
Use the official or organizer-approved document for disputes. Agree on minimums, bonuses, payments, and local options before dealing.
Key takeaways
- Both use numbered suits, honors, drawing, discarding, and a four-player table.
- MCR uses its fan table and eight-point minimum; Riichi requires a yaku and adds riichi, dora, and furiten.
- Do not merge advice from different rulesets.
Lesson checkpoint
Finish lesson & practice Turn the explanation into recall.
Source notes
Reviewed references
- Mahjong Competition RulesWorld Mahjong Organization / European Mahjong Association ยท Reviewed 2026-10-14
MCR structure, play sequence, 81 scoring elements, and the 8-point minimum.
- WRC Rules 2025World Riichi Championship ยท Reviewed 2026-10-14
Riichi terminology, yaku requirement, furiten, dora, and competitive procedure.