If you’ve never experienced the buzz and buzz of excitement surrounding a game of American Mahjong, then you’re missing out on one of the most popular gaming trends in American history. Thanks in large part to its rich history and continuous evolution, Mahjong is a great way to bring family and friends together for a challenging and exciting game of strategy. Once you learn how to play Mahjong, other games won’t even compare.

Every great game has its own specialized vocabulary, and American Mahjong is no exception. In fact, newcomers to the game can often be overwhelmed by the sheer number of hand names, game variations, and special situations during play. But this only adds to the appeal of the game and adds a sense of exclusivity to the experience. One such term that you will find in American Mahjong is Goulash.

Basically, a Goulash occurs when a game ends in a tie. Players can go for a Goulash when all walls, including the hot wall, have been fully depleted and no one has declared mahjong yet. Each player must donate 100 points to the pot (similar to the pot in poker), after which the game starts over. However, during a goulash, the winds do not rotate as they normally would. Another Goulash variation involves playing for the whole kitty instead of points. In this variation it is more difficult to get out because only a charleston is allowed while chows are not allowed at all. The winner who declares mahjong will take the entire pot.

Learning to play Mahjong is a rewarding and exciting experience. Sure, your friends and family might start to wonder what strange language you’re speaking, but they’ll soon be joining in on the fun!