Beginner Mahjong Hand Chart: 5 Easy Hands to Learn First
The card holds ~70 hands; you need five to start winning. These beginner-friendly patterns appear (in some form) on every NMJL card and teach every core skill.
1. 2468 — The Even-Number Hands
Hands built entirely from 2s, 4s, 6s and 8s — the friendliest section on the card. Even numbers are easy to spot, the patterns are repetitive, and most are exposed hands so you can call freely. Watch the card’s colors: many 2468 lines demand two different suits.
2. Consecutive Run — The Staircase Hands
Runs like 1-2-3-4-5 or 3-4-5-6-7 in one suit, usually as pairs, pungs and kongs of consecutive numbers. These teach the most valuable skill in mahjong: seeing sequences in a messy rack. Start with the exposed run lines; the concealed versions are graduate school.
3. Like Numbers — One Number, Three Suits
The same number in all three suits (e.g. 5-dots, 5-bams, 5-craks). Easy to evaluate at a glance during the Charleston — if you hold five 7s across suits, this section is calling your name.
4. Winds & Dragons — The Honor Hands
Hands built from winds and dragons — no number tiles needed. Perfect when your deal is honor-heavy, and they teach you flower and dragon management. Many are concealed, so check the X/C marker before committing.
5. Year Hands — Playing 2026
Every card features hands built from the year’s digits: 2s, soaps (as zeros), 2s and 6s for 2026. They are thematic, satisfying, and force you to learn the soap-as-zero rule that trips up every beginner once.
How to Practice These Five
Play one category per game night until each feels automatic. Cross-reference with the full hands guide, print the cheat sheet, and learn to choose between candidates in how to pick a hand.