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MAHJ — Ways to Play

Siamese Mahjong

2 players, 2 hands each — a completely different kind of game

Goal: Play Siamese Mahjong — the most popular 2-player format, where each player builds two winning hands at once

Estimated time: 8–11 minutesNeedsLesson 15

Why it matters: Only two of you? This is how you play. Same card, same tiles — completely different challenge.

Step 1 of 10

Two Players. Two Hands Each.

Siamese Mahjong is the standard way to play American Mahjong with two people. Instead of one hand, each player builds two winning hands simultaneously — using two racks, one in front of the other.

NMJL® card, tile set, joker rules, calling, and exposures — all identical. Scoring is the exception: it varies by table (Siamese isn't official) — see below.

“Siamese Mah Jongg®” is a trademark of its owner. MAHJ is an independent educational tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.