Singaporean Mahjong scoring rules
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Singaporean Mahjong scoring rules are similar to that of the Chinese Classical system, but accounts for the different set of tiles used therein. Again, standard payment variations apply, although variants exist where the dealer must also pay and receive double.
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[edit] Point translation function
The point translation function in Singapore scoring is exponential, with one unit of score given to a zero-point hand. There is a maximum scoring limit of five points. Points are given out as follows:
- A meld of any dragon scores one point.
- A meld of the seat wind or the prevailing wind scores one point.
- Each animal tile collected scores one point. One more point (for a total of five) is awarded if all four animals are collected.
- Each flower tile that matches a player's seat wind scores one point.
- A complete group of four flower tiles scores a total of two points, one for the flower tile that matches the player's seat wind, and one for collecting all four.
- A mixed terminals hand scores one point.
- An extra tile win, either off a Kong or off of a Flower tile, scores one point.
- Robbing the Kong scores one point.
- Winning on the last available tile scores one point.
- A sequence hand scores one point, unless no flower tiles have been collected, when it scores four points. In addition, the winning player has to be waiting for one of at least 2 different tiles in order to win.
- A triplets hand or a mixed one suit hand scores two points.
- The three lesser scholars hand scores three points.
- A pure one suit hand and the four lesser blessings score four points.
- Any winning hand where seven flower tiles have been collected scores five points.
- A pure terminals hand, and the three great scholars, four great blessings score five points.
- The "thirteen terminals" score thirteen points, as it is extremely difficult to obtain.
[edit] Instant payment
In Singapore scoring, scores may be paid out immediately when performed. That is, a player may earn points during the game that are kept regardless of whether the hand is won or lost. The points are paid from each of the other three players (eg. an instant payout of two points results in the player who receives the instant payment the equivalent of six points). These points, as they are given out during the course of the game, and not at the end of each round, do not contribute to any scoring limit.
- Exposing a Kong will pay out two points.
- Obtaining both the Red and Black flowers that match the Player's seat wind pays out two points, four if both tiles are in a player's initial 13 tiles (before Flower replacement).
- Obtaining the cat and mouse animal tiles, or the centipede and chicken animal tiles, pays out two points, four if the two animal tiles are in a player's initial 13 tiles (before Flower replacement).
- Obtaining an entire group of flower tiles pays out four points.
- Obtaining an entire group of animal tiles pays out four points.
[edit] Paying for all players
High-risk discards are also an element of Singapore-style scoring, with the player making such a discard paying for the other two losing players, in addition to their own (the other two losing players are vindicated - they do not pay anyone anything). High-risk scenarios only occur when a player is visibly near victory, with that player winning because of a high-risk discard.
The following is a typical list of high-risk scenarios:
- Dragon Tile Set Scenario - Player A has two Dragon Pongs or Kongs exposed. Player B discards a third Dragon and the Player A is able to Pong/Kong it or complete an eye with it (and thereby winning), forming a third set of Dragons. If Player A wins the game with Player B's discard or his own tile, Player B pays all winnings.
- Wind Tile Set Scenario - Same as Dragon Tile Set Scenario, but requires three exposed Wind sets and completing a fourth with a discard.
- Double Limit Scenario - Player A has the maximum number of doubles (typically 5) exposed. Player B discards a Dragon tile, a Prevailing Wind or a Player Game Wind that is taken by A. If Player A wins the game with Player B's discard or his own tile, Player B pays all winnings.
- Full Color Scenario - Player A has 3 or 4 sets of the same suit (bamboo, number, character) exposed. If Player B discards a tile of the same suit and Player A uses it to win, Player B pays all winnings.
- Fresh Discard Scenario - There are less than 7 tiles remaining in the wall. If Player B discards a fresh tile (one not previously discarded) and Player A wins with it, Player B pays all winnings.
- Fresh Discard Kong Scenario - There are less than 5 tiles remaining in the wall. If Player B discards a fresh tile (one not previously discarded) and Player A completes a Kong with it, Player B pays all winnings payable to Player A for the Kong. This has no effect on the payout when the game is won.
