Turn Flow

Turn Order Overview

Mahjong follows a specific turn order that determines when each player can act. The game proceeds counter-clockwise around the table.

Basic Turn Sequence

A standard turn follows this sequence:

1. Draw - Take one tile from the wall
2. Check for Win - See if you can declare Mahjong
3. Discard - Place one tile face-up in the center
4. Next Player - Turn passes to the player on your right

Starting the Game

The game begins with East (the dealer):

• East starts with 14 tiles (everyone else has 13)
• East draws first, then discards
• Play proceeds counter-clockwise: East → South → West → North

Interrupting Turns

Other players can interrupt the normal turn order by claiming discarded tiles:

Claiming Priority

If multiple players want the same discarded tile, priority is:

1. Win - Declaring Mahjong (highest priority)
2. Pung/Kong - Forming a triplet or quad
3. Chow - Forming a sequence (lowest priority, only from left player)

Special Situations

After Claiming a Tile

When you claim a discarded tile:

• You must reveal the completed set
• You discard a tile (if you haven't won)
• Turn order may skip players

Kong (Quad) Special Rule

When you declare a kong:

• You must draw a replacement tile from the dead wall
• Then you discard normally
• This ensures you always have the correct number of tiles

Turn Timing

• Players have a reasonable time to decide their actions
• If you want to claim a tile, you must do so immediately
• Once the next player draws, you can no longer claim the previous discard

Visual Flow Diagram

The turn flow in Mahjong can be visualized as a cycle:

• East (Dealer) → Draws → Discards
• South → Draws → Discards
• West → Draws → Discards
• North → Draws → Discards
• Cycle repeats until someone wins

Any player can interrupt this cycle by claiming a discarded tile, which may change the turn order depending on who claimed and what they claimed.