What is Kong?

What is Kong?

Built‑In Unplug Time for Modern Life and What is Kong

 

Whether you’re looking to escape the “always-on” grind or to find your social life again, a mahjong game offers some much-needed Built-In “Unplug Time”. Everyone’s phones are facedown, the group chat is quiet, and work emails are off.  The clacking of mahjong tiles replaces doom-scrolling. Mahjong is a quiet rebellion against digital noise.

 

What is Kong

In mahjong, you often hear the term Kong. The term is used in most Asian versions as well as the American version.  Rules for Kong are significantly different between the Asian and American versions. 

Kongs in the American Version

  • Kong is a set of four identical tiles. It can be four 3 Dots, four North Winds, or four Flowers, all of which must match a hand on the NMJL card. Since Jokers are used in American mahjong, they can be used to complete a Kong. You can have four Jokers or any combination of tiles and Jokers.

 

  • Kong in American mahjong doesn’t always require that you do a replacement tile draw.

 

  • Kong must match the specific hands listed on the annual card from the NMJL.

 

  • When you have an exposed Pung (set of 3), you are not allowed to add a fourth tile to create a Kong, which is allowed in Asian versions.

 

Kongs in the Asian Versions

Kong is a set of four identical tiles.

 

A replacement tile must be drawn from the end of a wall when a player declares Kong.

 

There are three types of Kong:

·         Concealed Kong – all from hand.

·         Big Melded Kong – three in hand plus one discarded

·         Small Melded Kong – adding to a previously exposed Pong

 

Bonus points or doubles in scoring are often given to a player.

 

A Quick Overview of Differences

American Version Kongs – A set of four identical tiles that match a hand on the NMJL card. Jokers can be used.

 

Asian Version Kongs – A set of four identical tiles and a replacement tile is required. No Jokers.

 

Mahjong is structured enough to keep your brain engaged and the competition spicy, but relaxed enough that the conversation flows effortlessly. The way gatherings were before the digital world took over.

 

Turn game night into an analog event with an American Mahjong Set.

 

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