Understanding the Best Mahjong Hand:
FFFF 2468 222 222 (any 3 suits, like pungs, any even no.)
The best hand on the NMJL 2025 card is under the 2468 category:
FFFF 2468 222 222 (any 3 suits, like pungs, any even no.)
This hand is not only easy to memorize but is flexible. You can use jokers in almost every meld and the pungs can be any even number.
The Kong of Flowers
Let’s start with the kong of flowers. In this meld, remember all flower tiles are identical. There are 8 flowers available, and with 8 jokers in play, your odds of completing this meld are very good.
Grouping of Singles
The second part of the hand consists of a grouping of four singles in one suit: 2468. While jokers cannot be used here, you can choose any of the three suits: bams, craks or dots. This part of the hand is the most challenging, so prioritize completing this meld during the Charleston.
Versatility of the Hand
This hand's versatility shines through with additional like pungs. These can be any even number in the other two suits. Yes, any even number! In American mahjong, "like" means "alike." If your first pung is made up of 2s, your second pung must also be 2s. If you start with 6s, the second must be 6s as well.
Examples:
FFFF 2468 222 222
FFFF 2468 444 444
FFFF 2468 666 666
FFFF 2468 888 888
These are ALL winning hands!
Collecting Tiles
When the tiles are dealt, focus on collecting flowers and all even numbers. You already know you want to use this hand, so there’s no hesitation in choosing from the card.
What about the winds? Pass them on. Any odds? You don’t need those either. Dragons? You can discard those too. Concentrate on gathering 2s, 4s, 6s, 8s, flowers, and, of course, jokers!
Memorization and Confidence
This hand is so easy to memorize that if you forget your card, you will still know it by heart. Other players will be impressed as you navigate the Charleston with ease. You won’t even have to think twice; just collect evens and flowers!
Strategy and Luck in Mahjong
Mahjong is a game of both strategy and luck. If you want to add speed to your game, reduce the overwhelming anxiety of the Charleston, and maintain flexibility, this is the hand for you. Especially if you are new to the game and trying to remember the set up, deal, Charleston and basic rules, just play this hand.
Teaching the Best Hand
I teach mahjong lessons every week, and this is the hand I ensure my new students master. Knowing this hand well can significantly improve their chances of winning. If nothing else, they will have the best luck if they are familiar with the best mahjong hand to play on the 2025 NMJL card.
Enjoy the Game
Have fun playing this favorite flexible hand for a while. If you are playing to meet new friends and pick up a new hobby, leave the strategizing for online practice and try for a variation of this line every time. Remember, the new mahjong card will be released in April 2026!
