How to Settle American Mahjong Scores
Score settlement should begin only after the table verifies the winning hand against the current card. A consistent sequence prevents confusion about the printed value, final tile source, jokerless status, discarder responsibility, and running balances.
End-of-Game Settlement Sequence
Verify the hand
Match all fourteen tiles, exposures, suits, colors, and joker positions to one exact card line.
Identify the base value
Read the value printed beside that line on the current card.
Confirm the winning method
Record whether the tile was self-picked or claimed from the most recent discard.
Apply agreed adjustments
Use only the bonuses and payment rules stated before play.
Update every balance
Record the winner's gain and each other player's loss before the tiles are mixed.
Reconcile the sheet
Check arithmetic and resolve discrepancies while the game is still fresh.
Information to Record
- Game number and player positions.
- Name or seat of the winner.
- Printed card value.
- Self-pick or called discard.
- Jokerless status when relevant.
- Discarder identity when the scoring system uses it.
- Point changes or payments for all four players.
- Wall game, penalty, or correction notes.
Settle Now, Not Later
Before Mixing Tiles
The winning hand, final tile, exposures, and card line remain visible and easy to verify.
After the Next Game Starts
Players may remember the result differently, making correction harder and less reliable.
Use the Score Sheet as the Final Record
One person can write, but the table should confirm the result aloud. When a correction is needed, cross out the old entry cleanly and write the replacement rather than erasing the history of the change.
Settlement Questions
Who should calculate the result?
Any player can calculate it, but the full table should verify the arithmetic and rule application.
What if players disagree about a bonus?
Use the rule or table convention agreed before play. When no agreement exists, record the base value and clarify the convention before the next game.
Should a wall game be entered?
Yes when the group tracks game count, East rotation, or wall-game frequency, even if no points change.