Your first pong

Today you grab a tile. Not just any tile. A third tile that matches two you already have. It's the simplest way to build a hand, and honestly, it's the most satisfying move in mahjong. Let me show you what it looks like.

Three of the same tile. That's a pong. Three 5-circles, three east winds, three red dragons. As long as all three are identical, it's a pong. You don't build a pong from your own hand alone. You already have two, and the moment someone throws the third one into the middle, you grab it before the next player's turn starts.

When someone throws a tile into the middle, you have a small window, a few seconds, to claim it. If you want to pong, you double-tap the tile the moment it lands. The game pauses, your two matching tiles come out of your hand, the third one joins them, and all three lock into a little exposed set in front of you. Everyone can see it for the rest of the round.

And here's the rule you need to remember. Pongs can come from anyone. Left, right, across, doesn't matter. If any player at the table throws the tile you need, you can claim it. Sheungs are different, but we'll get to those next class.

Okay. Your hand has two 5-circles sitting in it right now. Look at them. In a moment, someone's going to throw a 5-circle into the middle. When they do, double-tap it. Fast. Don't think.

Keep watching. It's seat west's turn next. I want you to look at HER, not at the tiles.

Let's do another one. This time I'm not going to tell you which tile to watch for. You've got a pair in your hand. Find it, and catch the third one when it drops.

That's class three. Pongs from any seat. Double-tap the tile, and it's yours. You've also had your first look at reading another player. Both those muscles keep growing as long as you keep playing. Next class: three in a row, same suit. That one has a special rule waiting for you.