Pung and Kong Explained: Key Sets in Mahjong

Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game where players must form specific sets of tiles to win. Besides a pair of identical tiles, there are other formations necessary to complete a hand. In this article, we are going to focus on two crucial combinations to win in Mahjon: Pung and Kong.
The first consists of a set of three identical tiles, while the latter refers to a set of four. However, it’s a bit more complicated than that, because certain rules make a Pung or a Kong valid.

What a Pung Means in Mahjong

Pung is one of the most basic sets in Mahjong and one of the first to be declared in each deal. It consists of three identical tiles, and there are two ways to make it. First, a concealed Pung is made from tiles drawn from the wall (i.e. a stack of tiles). In this case, the Pung is not yet declared but kept in the hand. The other way is to complete the Pung by taking a discarded tile, in which case it is placed on the side of the board.

How a Kong Works in Mahjong

A Kong, on the other hand, is a set of four identical tiles. It is harder to make and therefore is rarer in Mahjong matches. Similarly, there is the possibility of making concealed Kongs, by drawing all four tiles from the wall.

But, in this case, there are two other ways to form it:

• take a discarded tile and turn a concealed Pung into an open Kong.
• Take a tile and add it to an open Pung.

Another bonus point for the Kong is that it allows the player who declares it to take an extra tile.

3 Key Differences Between a Pung and a Kong

Although they seem to be very similar, the difference between the Pung and the Kong is more than just the tile count. Let’s take a closer look at these differences and compare them side by side.

1. Number of Tiles

As we mentioned, the most notorious difference between the Pung and the Kong is the number of tiles that compose it. To make a Pung, you only need three tiles, either drawing them from the wall or taking one discarded by another player.
Instead, to make a Kong you need four tiles, which can likewise come from the wall or discarded tiles.

2. Declaring Rules

The first concept to know is that declaring a set means opening it and placing it face-up on the board. That’s what distinguished concealed Pungs and Kongs from open ones. A concealed Pung can be kept for several turns in the hand. But, if you take a discarded tile to complete it, it needs to be declared and open.

Declaring a Kong follows similar rules. But there’s an additional one. If there’s an open Pung on the table, it can be turned into a Kong if you obtain the corresponding tile.

3. Effect on Gameplay

The Pung is a beneficial set when playing Mahjong. However, since it’s relatively easy to make it, it does not provide any extra bonus to the player. It only helps them clear the hand and advance the game towards a Wu (winning)!
But the Kong, given its rules and difficulty to create, allows the player who declares it to take an extra draw. This directly impacts the final score, as it can increase the final count.

How to Know When to Use a Pung or a Kong

Pungs help clear the hand and open room to other sets and moves, so it’s usual to declare it more often. This doesn’t mean that it’s always declared, because sometimes it’s more beneficial to keep it, especially during the early rounds.

As for Kongs, players must think more carefully about when to declare them. It provides an extra draw but also informs other players about your hand and what tiles you possibly have. It’s important to remember that experienced players are constantly counting and guessing which tiles and moves their opponents are looking for.

Improve Your Mahjong Game with Pung and Kong Practice!

Now you’re familiar with two of the most significant sets in Mahjong. In any game, the first thing any player does is to look for potential sets and continue to work their way to complete them — either by discarding unproductive tiles or by taking discarded ones. The best way to recognize them is to keep practicing.