Mahjong Singles, Pairs, Pungs, and Kongs
American mahjong hands are built from exact group sizes. The card shows those groups visually, while players use terms such as pair, pung, kong, quint, and sextet. Group size determines joker eligibility and whether a discard may be called.
Group-size glossary
- Single
- One exact natural tile.
- Pair
- Two identical natural tiles.
- Pung
- Three identical tiles.
- Kong
- Four identical tiles.
- Quint
- Five identical tiles, normally requiring at least one joker.
- Sextet
- Six identical tiles, normally requiring at least two jokers.
Calling by group size
Single or pair
An ordinary discard cannot normally be called merely to complete the group.
Pung or larger
The most recent discard may be called when it immediately completes a legal exposure.
Concealed hand
Groups must remain concealed when the card marks the hand concealed, except for a permitted final winning call.
Spacing defines groups
Read the spaces between clusters on the card. Four identical symbols together indicate a kong; two together indicate a pair. Color and notes add meaning, but spacing is the first clue.
Before calling
- Confirm the exact card line.
- Count the required group size.
- Verify every natural tile is identical.
- Confirm joker use is legal.
- Check exposed or concealed status.
Group questions
Can a pung contain two jokers?
Yes, if the group is joker-eligible and the natural tile identifies what the jokers represent.
Why does a quint need a joker?
A standard set contains only four natural copies of an ordinary tile.
Is every group of four a kong?
It is a kong only when all four tiles are identical and match one four-tile cluster on the card.