Chapter 3 of 12 · Section 2 of 2
All 15 steps of this section, written out on one page. The pictures and activities aren’t included: to see them, open a step in the lesson.
The notes in parentheses explain how to read a line. Read them before you decide which tiles fit. Open each note to see what it tells you to do.
Any 1 Suit
Pick one numbered suit and use it for every group that shares that color. It can be Bams, Craks or Dots.
Part of a line
222
Blue: Craks
555
Blue: Craks
(Any 1 Suit)
Any 2 Suits / Any 3 Suits
Use 2 or 3 different numbered suits, as the note says. Go by which groups share each color.
Part of a line
333
Blue: Bams
666
Red: Craks
999
Green: Dots
(Any 3 Suits)
Any 1 or 2 Suits / Any 1 or 3 Suits
The same line can be made with a different number of suits. The card often prints such a line twice, with “or” between the copies, and each copy has its own colors. Pick one copy and follow its colors. If a line with this note is printed only once, check the instructions on your card.
On the card: the same line twice, with “or” between the copies
Copy 1
FF 444 555 666 777
or
Copy 2
FF 444 555 666 777
(Any 1 or 3 Suits · These Nos. Only)
Copy 1: the numbers in one color, so one suit, here Dots · 14
FF
Flowers
444
Dots
555
Dots
666
Dots
777
Dots
Copy 2: the numbers in 3 colors, so 3 suits · 14
FF
Flowers
444
Blue: Craks
555
Red: Bams
666
Green: Dots
777
Blue: Craks
Not allowed: 2 suits, which neither copy shows
FF
Flowers
444
Blue: Craks
555
Red: Bams
666
Green: Bams too
777
Blue: Craks
The note allows 1 suit or 3, not 2. Copy 2 prints the 5s and the 6s in different colors, so they need different suits.
These Nos. Only
“Nos.” is short for numbers. Use exactly the numbers printed in the line; don’t move them to another run or a favorite number. The normal Joker rules still apply.
Part of a line
222
444
666
(These Nos. Only)
Moved to 4s, 6s and 8s
Only 2s, 4s and 6s. Moving them to 4s, 6s and 8s isn’t allowed.
Any 3 Consec. Nos. / Any 4 Consec. Nos.
“Consec.” is short for consecutive. Pick 3 or 4 numbers in a row, such as 4–5–6–7. Keep each group the size it is printed. Every number stays in the range 1–9.
Printed
111
222
333
(Any 1 Suit · Any 3 Consec. Nos.)
One choice: moved to 4–5–6, in Craks
444
555
666
Any Like Odd Nos. / Any Like Even Nos.
Pick one allowed odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) or one allowed even number (2, 4, 6 or 8). “Like” means you use that same number in each of the suits the line names. In the first example every group uses 5s; in the second, 8s.
Printed
111
111
111
(Any 3 Suits · Any Like Odd Nos.)
One choice: the odd number 5 in every group
555
Bams
555
Craks
555
Dots
Printed
222
222
222
(Any 3 Suits · Any Like Even Nos.)
One choice: the even number 8 in every group
888
Dots
888
Bams
888
Craks
7s: an odd number, so not allowed here
You don’t need to memorize every short form now. Come back to these examples when you meet a note you don’t know.
Some notes set the rules for Dragons or say which groups must share a suit. Open the examples and compare them.
Any Dragon
Pick one kind of Dragon for that group of identical tiles: Red, Green or White. Don’t mix different Dragons inside a pung or kong.
Part of a line
DDD
(Any Dragon)
DDD: pick one kind of Dragon for the whole group
Any 2 Dragons
Use 2 different kinds of Dragons, in the separate groups the line names. For example, a Red Dragon group and a White Dragon group.
Part of a line
DDD
Red Dragons
DDD
White Dragons
(Any 2 Dragons)
Matching Dragon
Use the Dragon that goes with the numbered suit: Red with Craks, Green with Bams and White with Dots.
Part of a line
555
Green: 5 Bams
DDD
Green Dragons match Bams
(Matching Dragon)
Opposite Dragon For reference
Use a Dragon that doesn’t match the numbered suit beside it. With Bams, Red or White counts as opposite; Green is the matching Dragon. When a line has more suits, its colors show which Dragon fits, as in Section 1, step 7.
Part of a line
555
Green: 5 Bams
DDD
Red Dragons
DDD
White Dragons
DDD
Green Dragons match Bams
(Opposite Dragon)
The 3 red DDD groups are 3 choices for the same printed group: pick one.
Kongs Match Pair For reference
The kongs must use the same number as the pair. Follow the line’s colors and other notes for the suits each group needs. This example shows only the matching number: a pair of 6 Bams, a kong of 6 Craks and a kong of 6 Dots. It is not a complete winning hand.
Part of a hand: 10 of its 14 tiles, not a complete winning hand
Pair: two 6 Bams
Kong: four 6 Craks
Kong: four 6 Dots
All 3 groups use the number 6
Read each note together with the colored pattern. A short phrase alone is not a complete hand.
Notes marked For reference are less common. Look them up when a line on your card uses one.
The number can change from line to line; the rule stays the same. Here the pair is 3 Dots, so both kongs must be 3s too.
Fits the note · part of a hand, 10 of its 14 tiles
Pair: two 3 Dots
Kong: four 3 Bams
Kong: four 3 Craks
All 3 groups use the number 3
Now check a fragment on your own. Find the group that doesn’t follow the note.
Check this one · part of a hand, 10 of its 14 tiles
Pair: two 3 Dots
Kong: four 3 Craks
Kong: four 6 Bams
This is meant to follow Kongs Match Pair. Which group breaks the note?
Only change a printed number if the line’s instructions allow it. The pattern shows what stays the same as you choose.
If the line allows any like numbers, each matching spot uses the number you pick. If you pick 5, a 3-tile group still has 3 tiles.
Printed
111
111
(Any 2 Suits · Any Like Nos.)
You pick 5: each group keeps its 3 tiles
A 5 and an 8: not like numbers
With “Any 4 Consec. Nos.”, 1–2–3–4 can become 4–5–6–7. Each group keeps its size and its color relationship. A run never goes past 9 back to 1.
Printed (the teaching line of the next step)
FF
11
222
333
4444
(Any 1 Suit · Any 4 Consec. Nos.)
Moved to 4–5–6–7, in Dots · 14 tiles
FF
44
555
666
7777
Not allowed: 7–8–9–1, because a run never goes past 9 back to 1
77
888
999
1111
“These Nos. Only” means only the numbers printed. The year’s digits are fixed too: 2026 is 2, Soap, 2, 6—not a run you can move.
Part of a line · the year
2026
4 singles: 2, Soap, 2, 6
Those two 2s are in separate single spots in the year. They are not a pair. You cannot rearrange them or replace them with a Joker.
First, read the line. FF means 2 Flowers. The numbered groups have 2 + 3 + 3 + 4 tiles.
The whole teaching line · 14 tiles
FF
green ink
11
blue ink
222
blue ink
333
blue ink
4444
blue ink
(Any 1 Suit · Any 4 Consec. Nos.)
Your choice: 1–2–3–4 in Bams
Tiles that fit this choice, under their printed groups · 14 tiles
FF
Two Flowers
11
Pair of 1s
222
Pung of 2s
333
Pung of 3s
4444
Kong of 4s
2 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 4 = 14. Try another suit or starting number. The printed line stays the same; what changes is how you choose to read it.
In this line, the printed numbers stay as they are. The red 2s and 8s use the same suit, and the blue 4s use a second suit.
The Ds are printed in green, the third color, so they take the third suit: they are that suit’s Dragons.
The whole teaching line · 14 tiles
FF
green ink
222
red ink
888
red ink
444
blue ink
DDD
green ink
(Any 3 Suits · These Nos. Only)
Pick a different suit for each color
Blue ink
Red ink
Green ink
Blue = Craks · Red = Bams · Green = Dots
Tiles that fit this choice, under their printed groups · 14 tiles
FF
Two Flowers
222
Red: three 2s
888
Red: three 8s
444
Blue: three 4s
DDD
Green: three White Dragons (Soaps)
2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 14. FF is printed in green, but the Flowers still have no suit. The Ds, however, do follow the suit given to green.
Try matching the colors to suits another way. Keep the numbers 2, 8 and 4, and keep all 3 suits different.
An exposure is a completed group that you show the table after a legal call. C and X tell you whether the hand allows those calls during play.
You may call a discard to finish an allowed group of 3 or more identical tiles, and then show that group. You may also call a tile that completes Mah Jongg. X allows calls, but it doesn’t make you call.
Category: Consecutive Run · a teaching line
FF
111
222
3333
DD
(Any 3 Suits · Any 3 Consec. Nos.) X 25
Under X: you called the 2 Bam to finish your pung of 2 Bams and laid the pung face up on your rack. Then you threw away a 9 Crak: 3 shown plus 10 on the rack makes 13.
Close up: on your flat top, the pung you showed
On your rack: 10 tiles
Your discard
3 shown + 10 on your rack = 13.
Call it and show your pung of 2 Bams, as above.
Or let it go and wait for your turn. X allows the call; it doesn’t make you call.
X allows a call, but it never makes you call: both choices are allowed.
C does not mean “no Jokers.” The usual Joker limits still apply. A concealed hand can have Jokers in allowed groups, and a legal Joker exchange is still allowed. Chapter 7 covers calls and exchanges in full.
For now, look for the C or X before you choose a line. Don’t assume you can take any discard that would help.
Pick one answer. You can try again, and the explanation helps you check your thinking.
Category: Any Like Numbers · a teaching line
FFFF
777
777
DDDD
(Any 2 Suits · Any Like Nos.) C 30
You’re working toward a line marked C. When are you allowed to call a discarded tile?
Next to the C or X, the card shows what the hand is worth. That number is for scoring; it is not how many tiles you collect.
Category: Consecutive Run · a teaching line
FF
111
222
3333
DD
(Any 3 Suits · Any 3 Consec. Nos.) X 25
X 25: this hand may be played exposed, and it is worth 25.
Category: Any Like Numbers · a teaching line
FFFF
Flowers
777
Blue: 7 Dots
777
Red: 7 Craks
DDDD
Red: Red Dragons
(Any 2 Suits · Any Like Nos.) C 30
C 30: this hand must be played concealed, and it is worth 30.
These examples show how to read the labels. Both complete hands still have 14 tiles.
A hand worth more is not easier to finish. First, decide whether a line fits your tiles and whether you have a real chance to complete it. Chapter 8 explains how the value shown leads to payouts.
Before you decide on a line, check the details below. When you need an example of what can go wrong, open a reminder.
Not checking for the C
Before you call, check whether the line is C or X. A concealed hand lets you take a discarded tile only as the final tile that completes Mah Jongg.
Category: Any Like Numbers · a teaching line
FFFF
777
777
DDDD
(Any 2 Suits · Any Like Nos.) C 30
This 7 Dot would finish a pung, but not the whole hand. Under C, you let it go.
Thinking every printed number is fixed
Check the note. “Any 4 Consec. Nos.” allows a different run of 4 numbers. “These Nos. Only” keeps the numbers as printed.
Printed (the teaching line of Section 2, step 4)
FF
11
222
333
4444
(Any 1 Suit · Any 4 Consec. Nos.)
Moved to 4–5–6–7, in Dots · 14 tiles
FF
44
555
666
7777
Not allowed: 7–8–9–1, because a run never goes past 9 back to 1
77
888
999
1111
Seeing 4 identical tiles as 2 pairs
A kong is a printed group of 4 identical tiles. Two separate pairs are printed with a space between them. NEWS is 4 different singles, not a kong.
One kong, 2 pairs, or 4 singles?
5555
One kong
55 55
2 pairs, with a space
NEWS
4 singles, not a kong
Using a Joker in a pair
Jokers can be used in allowed groups of 3 or more identical tiles. They can’t fill singles or pairs, and that includes the separate tiles of a year or NEWS.
Pairs and singles take natural tiles only
33
2 natural 3 Dots
33
A Joker in a pair
2026
A Joker in a year
Not counting the tiles
Count all the tiles in the finished pattern. A winning hand has 14 tiles. But 14 tiles are not enough on their own: they must also fit one whole card line.
13 tiles: one Soap is missing, so it isn’t Mah Jongg
14 tiles: 2 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 2, the whole line
Taking groups from another line
Pick one complete line. You can’t join the start of one pattern to the end of another, or change a group’s size to fit your tiles.
Line A · Consecutive Run
FF
111
222
3333
DD
(Any 3 Suits · Any 3 Consec. Nos.) X 25
Line B · Consecutive Run
FF
11
222
333
4444
(Any 1 Suit · Any 4 Consec. Nos.) X 25
3 + 3 + 4 + 4 = 14 tiles, but from 2 lines, so it isn’t Mah Jongg. All 14 must fit one line.
A helpful last check: one whole line, right groups, right suit relationships, notes followed, 14 tiles.
Use the symbols, colors and Joker limits you’ve learned. You’ll get 11 questions, one at a time.
Pick an answer, read the explanation, then select Next question. Your first answer counts toward the score for this round. Afterward, you can review missed questions or start a new round.
Back and Next in the bottom bar move you from step to step in the chapter. They don’t submit answers or end this activity.
See what you can read without help. You’ll get 5 questions, one at a time.
Pick an answer, read the explanation, then select Next question. Your first answer counts toward the score for this round. Afterward, you can review missed questions or start a new round.
Try to get at least 4 out of 5. This short check helps you find topics to look at again; it doesn’t test everything you’ll need at a real table.
Back and Next in the bottom bar move you from step to step in the chapter. They don’t submit answers or end this activity.
A card line puts 6 kinds of information together: the heading above it and 5 parts across it. Read them in this order before you decide whether the line fits your tiles.
Category: Consecutive Run · a teaching line, not a line from an NMJL card
FF
green ink
111
blue ink
222
red ink
3333
green ink
DD
blue ink
(Any 3 Suits · Any 3 Consec. Nos.)
X
25
Blue = Dots, red = Bams, green = Craks, run 1–2–3. The blue Dragons are White Dragons (Soap), the Dragon that matches Dots.
Each printed group over its tiles · 14 tiles
FF
Two Flowers
111
Blue: three 1 Dots
222
Red: three 2 Bams
3333
Green: four 3 Craks
DD
Blue: two Soaps
Moving the run to 4–5–6 would give three 4 Dots, three 5 Bams and four 6 Craks, with the same Flowers and Soaps.
Each printed group over its tiles: 1–2–3 becomes 4–5–6 · 14 tiles
FF
Two Flowers
111
Blue: three 4 Dots
222
Red: three 5 Bams
3333
Green: four 6 Craks
DD
Blue: two Soaps
Under X you may call a discard for the 111, the 222 or the 3333. A tile for the DD pair is different: you may claim it only when it completes your whole hand.
Your 13 tiles and the newest discard, a Soap
FF
Flowers
111
Blue: 1 Dots
222
Red: 2 Bams
3333
Green: 3 Craks
DD
Blue: Soaps
(Any 3 Suits · Any 3 Consec. Nos.) X 25
The Soap finishes the DD pair and, with it, all 14 tiles: you may claim it and declare Mah Jongg.
The same discard when you hold a 9 Crak in place of one 3 Crak
FF
Flowers
111
Blue: 1 Dots
222
Red: 2 Bams
3333
Green: 3 Craks
DD
Blue: Soaps
Fits no group
(Any 3 Suits · Any 3 Consec. Nos.) X 25
The Soap would finish only the DD pair: the 3333 still lacks a 3 Crak. It wouldn’t complete your hand, so you let it go, even under X.
This rack also has 14 tiles in the right group sizes, but it is not Mah Jongg. The green 3s are Bams, the same suit as the red 2s. Different colors must use different suits.
Not a win · 14 tiles, one suit used twice
FF
Two Flowers
111
Blue: three 1 Dots
222
Red: three 2 Bams
3333
Green: four 3 Bams
DD
Blue: two Soaps
Jokers in this line: they may fill places in the 111, the 222 and the 3333, never in the FF or DD pairs.
You saw this line on the card page in Section 1, step 2. Now place its tiles. Below it are 14 tiles in 5 clumps, A to E, in no particular order.
For each clump, pick the printed group it is meant to fill. Match its number first, then its size.
Then decide whether the hand wins, and why. Nothing is marked until you check.
Category: Consecutive Run · a teaching line, not a line from an NMJL card
FF
green ink
222
blue ink
33
blue ink
4444
blue ink
555
blue ink
(Any 1 Suit · Any 4 Consec. Nos.)
X
25
Fills printed group
Fills printed group
Fills printed group
Fills printed group
Fills printed group
This line is new. Read all of it—category, pattern, colors, notes, C or X and value—then answer the 5 questions.
Select Check my reading when all 5 are answered. Nothing is marked until you check.
Category: 2468 · a teaching line, not a line from an NMJL card
22
blue ink
4444
blue ink
DDD
red ink
666
blue ink
88
blue ink
(Any 2 Suits · These Nos. Only)
X
35
0 of 5 answered.
You’ve now worked through how the card is written. When you look at a line, read it in this order:
Category heading. It helps you find related hands. It isn’t a hand.
One line is one complete hand of 14 tiles. Read across it, not down the page.
Notes in parentheses say how you may choose suits and numbers.
X or C says how you may play the hand. Section 2 explains it.
The value is what the hand is worth if you win with it.
The card page from Section 1, step 2. Now you can read every part of a line.
Build the worked example’s teaching line in other allowed suits or from another starting number. Name each group out loud and count to 14.
Next, find a line on an agreed card and explain its symbols, suit relationships and notes. If a detail is new to you, check the instructions on that card.
Coming up next: Chapter 4 shows how to set up the table and deal. Use Next to go on to Chapter 4, or Back to look over this chapter again.
This is practice with teaching patterns, not proof of readiness for every annual card. This browser saves your answers and your place on this device. To clear them, use Reset saved progress on the main menu.