Chapter 2: From Mahjong Novice to Expert
[30 Common Tile Combinations Summary]
In Mahjong, "tile combinations" (搭子) refer to sequences or triplets formed in a player's hand. A sequence is three consecutive tiles of the same suit, while a triplet is three identical tiles.
(1)、Types of Tile Combinations
There are two-sided combinations, edge combinations, edge-center combinations, center combinations, pairs, and composite combinations. This chapter explains each type.
Two-sided Combination
Can form a sequence by drawing tiles from either end.
Example: 6-7 of Characters (万) can become a sequence with 5 or 8 of Characters.
Edge Combination
Forms a sequence by drawing 3 or 7. Composed of two edge tiles.
Example: 1-2 of Bamboos (条) or 8-9 of Characters.
Edge-Center Combination
Composed of one edge tile and one center tile.
Example: 7-9 of Dots (筒) becomes a sequence with 8 of Dots.
Center Combination (嵌搭)
Forms a sequence by drawing the missing center tile.
Example: 6-8 of Characters becomes a sequence with 7 of Characters.
Pair
Two identical tiles. Becomes a triplet when a third is drawn or claimed.
These combinations help players optimize their strategies and enhance gameplay.
(2)、Common Tile Patterns & Terminology
Edge Tiles (19)
Shoulder Tiles (28)
Tip Tiles (37)
Center Tiles (34567)
Edge Combination (12/89)
Edge-Center Gap (13/79)
Note: Applies to Dots and Bamboos too.
Shoulder-Center Gap (24/68)
Center Gap (35/46/57)
Note: Categories 6/7/8 are called "gap combinations" with varying efficiency.
Two-Sided Sequence (23/34/45/56/67/78)
Three-Sided Sequence (23456/34567/45678)
Triple Gap (135/246/357/468/579)
Quadruple Gap (1357/2468/3579)
Quintuple Gap (13579)
Four-Tile Sequence (1234/2345/3456/4567/5678/6789)
Note: Requires two tiles to form two sets.
"Big Belly" Pattern (ABBC: 1223/2334/3445...)
"Edge Belly" Pattern (AABC：1123/2234/3345/4456/5567/6678/7789 or ABCC：1233/2344/3455/4566/5677/6788/7899)
Key rule: Prioritize breaking "big belly" without pairs, "edge belly" with pairs.
Derivative Tiles
Example: 2 of Characters is a derivative of 4 of Characters.
"Carrying Pole" Pattern
Extends "big belly" with one close and one distant tile.
Dual-Edge Derivatives
Efficient for forming pairs or sequences.
Double Pairs
Strategy depends on tile quality and existing combinations.
Double Jump Pairs
Keep edge/shoulder pairs for flexibility.
Triple Jump Pairs
Discard middle tiles to optimize combinations.
Two-and-a-Half Pairs
High-efficiency pattern for flexible play.
One-and-a-Half Pairs
Requires discarding to form two-and-a-half pairs.
Extended Two-and-a-Half Pairs
Adjust based on pair/tile balance: "Discard 7 keep 5" or vice versa.
Composite Patterns
Can form multiple sets with one draw (e.g., 245667).
Classic 245667 Pattern
Common in gameplay with dual combination options.
Gap-Linked Pairs
Requires strategic discarding.
Triplet with Lone Tile
Useful for improving weak listening positions.
Triplet with Sequence
High-efficiency listening pattern (e.g., 6 of Dots can trigger 5-way listening).
(3)、Calculating Tile Drawing Probabilities
Count Visible Tiles
Track discarded tiles to estimate remaining draws. Prioritize combinations with more available tiles.
Simplified Priority Rule
Early game: Keep edge combinations.
Late game: Prioritize center combinations.
Example: If 2-3 and 5-6 of Characters have equal drawing chances, keep 2-3 early and 5-6 late.
