From Hong Kong to Riichi: A Guide to the Asian Mahjong Styles We Teach
Mahjong is a four-player game with 144 tiles, a surprising amount of strategy, and an oddly satisfying clack when you shuffle. It's a mix of luck, memory, timing, and social energy — like Gin Rummy's more tactile, more social cousin.
Like many traditional games, mahjong has evolved differently across regions — Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. all have their own versions with different rules, scoring, and tile counts. These are often called "styles" or "variants." The core goal across styles is the same: build a complete hand made up of four sets (like three of a kind or a run of three) and one pair. How you get there? That depends entirely on the style you're playing.
At Atlanta Mahjong Studio, we focus on Asian-style mahjong — and yes, there's more than one kind. (Curious why we focus on Asian styles instead of American? Here's the backstory.)
Here's a quick overview of the styles we teach, why they're fun, how tricky they are to learn, and what makes each unique. Whether you're brand new to the game or grew up playing a specific version with your family, there's a lesson (and a seat) for you.
Hong Kong Old Style
Complexity: ★☆☆☆☆ (Beginner-friendly)
Lesson options: Beginner, Advanced, Coaching
This is our house style — the classic, fast-paced, easy-to-learn version many Cantonese-speaking families grew up with. You win by completing four sets and a pair, and if you're playing casually, that's really all you need.
Hong Kong Old Style shines in its simplicity. Scoring is straightforward, hands move fast, and there's a lot of room to learn without getting overwhelmed. For new players, it's the best place to start — and it's what most of our Atlanta mahjong lessons begin with. For experienced players, it's the perfect reset: nostalgic, familiar, and endlessly replayable.
Our Hong Kong-style lessons range from complete beginner (tiles, game flow, basic hands) to advanced (scoring with faan, deeper strategy) to live coaching during actual gameplay.
Chinese Official (MCR)
Complexity: ★★★☆☆ (Structured and strategic)
Lesson options: One-day intensive, Monday night league
MCR — Mahjong Competition Rules — is the official international tournament standard, created by China's State Sports Commission to turn mahjong from a gambling pastime into a legitimate mind sport. It draws from Guangdong, Hong Kong Old Style, and Chinese Classical play to build one unified rule set, which means no mid-game debates about whose house rules win.
The big difference is the 8-point minimum: a hand has to be worth at least eight points to win, so you can't throw together four sets and a pair and call it a day. With 81 scoring hands to work toward — including MCR-only patterns like knitted hands and seven shifted pairs — every discard is a decision. Players call it "Hygienic Mahjong" because it strips out the luck and makes strategy do the work.
If you already play Hong Kong style and want more structure, or you're curious what tournament mahjong actually looks like, this is your next step.
Our MCR lesson is a one-day intensive covering all 81 hands, scoring, and live play. From there, MCR Mondays gives you a weekly table to put it to work.
Japanese (Riichi)
Complexity: ★★★★☆ (Strategic minds welcome)
Lesson options: Multi-session course
Riichi adds layers. Like, a lot of layers. You can't just build a hand — it has to include a valid scoring pattern called a "yaku," and there's a whole catalog of them to choose from. There's also the dramatic Riichi call itself, hidden Dora bonus tiles, defensive play strategies, and a complex scoring system.
If you enjoy poker-like tension, betting mechanics, or anime-style declarations of victory, Riichi is your game. It's popular among strategy lovers and players who enjoy the psychological side of mahjong.
Our Riichi lessons are taught as a multi-session course — because learning this style isn't a one-and-done situation. We also host World Riichi League (WRL) Minor tournaments for players ready to compete.
Filipino Mahjong
Complexity: ★★☆☆☆ (Fast and social)
Lesson options: Beginner class, monthly Filipino Mahjong Night
Filipino mahjong varies a bit by household, but the core vibe is fun, fast, and full of wildcards — literally. Some versions include "joker" tiles that act like wilds, and scoring is often quick and informal. The game is energetic and great for friendly competition, especially if you're not a fan of ultra-strict rulebooks.
This is the style Mrs. K grew up playing with her grandmother — and it's the heart behind why the studio exists. At our monthly Filipino Mahjong Night, games are lively, collaborative, and a little chaotic in the best way. If you grew up playing in the Philippines (or learned from your lola), you'll feel right at home.
Our Filipino-style lessons are beginner-friendly, and Filipino Mahjong Night is open to all levels — experienced players and newcomers alike.
So Which Should You Learn First?
That depends. Want to learn the basics? Start with Hong Kong Old Style — it's our most popular beginner lesson and the fastest way to get playing. Looking for drama, tension, and a bit of chaos? Riichi is worth the investment. Want a standardized rule set and a taste of tournament play? MCR. Want something nostalgic and social? Filipino might be your thing.
Most of our students start with Hong Kong mahjong lessons and branch out from there. Some stick with it forever. Others catch the Riichi bug and never look back. A few show up just for Filipino night because it reminds them of home.
We love helping players explore new variations — and if you grew up playing one style, trying another is like seeing an old game in a new light.
Ready to Play?
Atlanta has a big, diverse mahjong community. Our studio was built to give it a consistent, welcoming home — and to help more people discover the joy of the game.
New to mahjong? Start with a lesson.
Already know how to play? Take your game further with one of our advanced lessons or coaching sessions, join one of our leagues for regular play, sign up for an event or tournament, or just reserve a table and bring your crew.
The tiles are ready.
