Mahjong Card Game (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of the Mahjong card game is to be the first player to complete a winning hand by collecting sets and runs of cards.

Adaptation for 2 Players: Mahjong is traditionally played with four players, but it can be adapted for 2 players. In this adaptation, the rules are adjusted to maintain the essence of the game while accommodating the smaller player count.

Setup:

1. Use a standard deck of 52 cards with the jokers removed.
2. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal 13 cards to each player.
3. Place the remaining cards face down in a draw pile. This pile serves as the stock.
4. Flip the top card of the draw pile face up next to it. This card starts the discard pile.

Scoring:

• Mahjong card game typically does not involve scoring as it is primarily focused on completing winning hands. The winner of each round is determined by being the first player to declare Mahjong by forming a complete hand.

Gameplay:

1. Starting Player:
   • Decide who will start the game. This player will be referred to as Player 1.
2. Turns:
   • Players take turns clockwise. Each turn consists of drawing a card, optionally melding combinations, and discarding a card.
3. Drawing Cards:
   • At the beginning of their turn, a player must draw one card from either the stock pile or the discard pile.
4. Melding Combinations:
   • After drawing, if a player has valid combinations of cards in their hand, they may choose to meld them.
   • Valid combinations include sets of three or four cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s) or runs of three or more consecutive cards in the same suit (e.g., 4, 5, 6 of hearts).
   • Melded cards are placed face up on the table in front of the player.
5. Discarding Cards:
   • After melding (if desired), the player must discard one card from their hand onto the discard pile.
6. Declaring Mahjong:
   • The round ends when one player successfully forms a complete winning hand by collecting the required sets and runs of cards.
   • The winning player declares Mahjong and lays out their winning hand on the table.
   • If neither player declares Mahjong and the stock pile is depleted, the round ends in a draw.

Differentiating Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 starts the game and takes the first turn, including drawing, melding, and discarding cards.
• Player 2’s Turn: Player 2 follows Player 1’s turn, taking the same actions sequentially.

Summary: Mahjong card game, adapted for 2 players, offers an enjoyable and strategic experience. Despite being originally designed for more players, the game retains its core mechanics and provides an engaging 2 player card game. The goal is to form valid combinations of cards and be the first to declare Mahjong by completing a winning hand.