Mahjong FAQ · Learn at the table
A practical answer from Omaha Mahjong Club’s Chinese Mahjong learning library.
From the FAQ library
Chinese Mahjong
The dealer (East player) has the privilege of going first and breaking the wall. If the dealer wins a hand or the hand ends in a draw, the dealer retains their seat and deals again. If any other player wins, the deal passes to the next player counterclockwise (in the direction of play). This means a strong dealer can hold the East seat for multiple consecutive hands, accumulating a significant advantage in a session.
Continue exploring
Mahjong FAQ
Good Mahjong deserves good refreshments. Every class includes access to our self-serve station: - Chinese tea - Light snacks, such as pretzels and candy - Bringing your own snacks and beverages (of any kind) are welcomed
Read next →Mahjong FAQ
At the start of a game, seats are typically assigned randomly by rolling dice or drawing tiles. Each seat corresponds to a wind: East, South, West, and North, which determines each player's seat wind tile bonus for that round. East seat is the dealer for the first hand. After each hand, seats and wind assignments rotate, though the exact rotation method varies by ruleset. The game typically consists of at least one full East round and one South round.
Read next →