Picture: LRC HQ in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, October 9, 2026: The Ladies’ Recreation Club (LRC) has introduced its latest updates to Taiwanese Mahjong rules and scorebook guidelines for 2026, bringing several important changes to scoring, tile-calling restrictions and special winning hands.

The revised rules aim to clarify scoring interpretations and standardise gameplay, making it important for players, instructors and clubs to familiarise themselves with the changes before their next session.

Here are eight key updates players need to know:

1. Dragon Sequences: Only the Higher Score Counts

Players can no longer claim points for both a Pure Dragon and a Mixed Dragon sequence in the same hand. Only the higher-value combination will count towards the final score.

2. Swap Calling: A New Restriction

The updated rules introduce a restriction on what players can do after calling a discard to form a sequence. Players can no longer claim a discard to complete a sequence and then discard another tile from that same sequence during the same turn. The change is designed to prevent tile manipulation through what is commonly described as “laundering.” Example - If a player has 234 of bamboos, they cannot pick 1 bamboo and discard 4 bamboos in the same turn. In the next turn, the player may choose to discard 4 bamboos.

3. Honours Hand Revised to 90 Points

The Honours Hand, comprising exclusively Dragon and Wind tiles, has been adjusted to a score of 90 points under the updated guidelines.

4. Sixteen Orphans: Expanded Scoring Categories

The scoring provisions for the Sixteen Orphans hand have been expanded to include Sisters, Good Eyes and Step Ups, adding further scoring considerations for players completing this special hand.

5. Dealer Streak Bonus: No Pre-Agreed Cap

The updated rules remove the cap on the dealer streak bonus, often associated with the dice on the wall. Tables can no longer agree in advance to impose a maximum limit on this bonus.

6. Step Up Scoring Clarified

The new guidelines specify the scoring for Pure and Mixed Step Up combinations:

Pure Step Up — 10 points: Three Step Up Sheungs, with each consecutive sequence starting exactly one number higher than the previous sequence in the same suit.

Mixed Step Up — 5 points: Three Step Up Sheungs using all three suits—Characters, Bamboos and Circles.

Note: Four-set Step Up, no additional points are awarded for extending the combination to four sets.

7. Jewel Hands: Greater Flexibility

Jewel Hands can now be formed using either a Pung or a pair of the corresponding Dragons, expanding the permitted combinations under the revised guidelines.

8. Self-Drawn Gong Through the Flower Wall: 30 Points

A special scoring provision awards 30 points when a player wins through a specific sequence involving a self-drawn Gong: the player draws a replacement tile from the flower wall, forms another Gong, and then wins on the replacement tile drawn for that second Gong.

Players and Clubs Urged to Update Their Scorebooks The 2026 changes highlight the importance of using the latest LRC Taiwanese Mahjong scoring guidelines, particularly for organised club sessions and competitive play. From restrictions on sequence calling to revised bonuses and special-hand scoring, even small rule changes can influence strategy and final scores.

Players are encouraged to review the updated scorebook and ensure that all participants at the table are following the same rules before play begins.

For detailed rules, visit the LEARN section.

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