The game begins with all tiles placed on the table and shuffled. Once the tiles are shuffled, players arrange them into a wall. Next, players take turns drawing tiles from the wall and discarding tiles they do not need. Players must discard a tile at the end of each turn, even if it has the potential to make a match. If a player has discarded a tile that another player can use to make a match, they can legally call a "chow," "pung," or "kong." A chow is three consecutive tiles of the same suit, while a pung is three identical tiles of the same suit. A kong is four identical tiles that have been melded together.

Players must also keep track of the winds and their position in the game. There are four winds: east, south, west, and north, and their position determines the direction of the game. The player who starts with the east wind is typically the first to make a move.

The game is won when a player successfully matches all their tiles. However, players can also win by declaring a "mahjong." A mahjong is a complete set of matched tiles consisting of four sets of pung or chow and a pair. A pair is two identical hand tiles that have not been matched.

Mahjong is a game that requires a lot of strategic thinking and planning. Beginners are advised to start with the basic version of the game and gradually move up to more advanced versions. Players can also practice online and play with virtual opponents to improve their skills.

In conclusion, mahjong is a complex game with different versions and rules. The game involves matching tiles until a player has no more tiles left on the board or has declared a mahjong. Players must keep track of the winds, their position in the game, and make strategic moves. Overall, mahjong is an excellent game for people who enjoy strategy and problem-solving.