Riichi Mahjong is a strategic, social tile game played by four players. It combines skill, probability, observation, and a bit of luck — and it’s far more approachable than it might look at first glance.
This page will help you understand what Riichi Mahjong is, how to get started, and where to go next.
What is Riichi Mahjong?
Riichi Mahjong is the Japanese variant of Mahjong and the version most commonly played in Europe and international competition.
Players aim to build a winning hand by forming specific tile combinations, known as yaku. Unlike some other variants of Mahjong, Riichi rewards good decision-making, defence, and reading the table — not just speed or memorisation.
Games can be played casually among friends or competitively in tournaments, but the core principles remain the same.
Do I need experience?
No experience is required.
Many of our members learned their first game through the All-Ireland Mahjong community. You don’t need to own tiles, know the rules, or have played any other form of Mahjong before.
If you’re new, we recommend starting with:
- A basic understanding of tiles and hands
- Playing a few practice games (online or in person)
- Learning a small number of common yaku
Everything else comes with time and play.
What you need to play
To play Riichi Mahjong, you’ll need:
- Four players
- A standard Riichi Mahjong tile set
- A basic understanding of turn order, draws, and discards
At our meetups, tiles and guidance are always provided. Check out our next meetup here.
Online platforms are also a great way to practise at your own pace. We listed some in our Resources page.
How learning usually works
Most players learn Riichi Mahjong gradually:
- Learn how tiles are grouped into sets
- Understand what makes a hand valid
- Learn a few common yaku
- Practise calling or staying closed
- Begin to think about defence and discards
You don’t need to understand everything at once. It’s normal for the game to feel confusing at first — that’s part of learning.
Online and self-study resources
There are excellent online tools and references to help you practise between games. We’ve collected recommended apps, platforms, and reading materials on our Resources page.
Online play can be especially useful for:
- Learning at your own pace
- Playing short practice games
- Seeing scoring and yaku explained automatically
Learning with the community
Learning Mahjong is easier — and more enjoyable — with other people.
We regularly organise:
- Beginner-friendly games
- Teaching sessions
- Casual meetups
- Structured events for more experienced players
You’re always welcome to ask questions at the table, and no one is expected to play perfectly.
Ready to start?
If you’d like to learn Riichi Mahjong, the best next step is simply to get involved.
- Find the next game near you here
- Explore the Resources page
- Get in touch and tell us you’re new
We’re glad to have you!