The animal tiles
Singaporean and Malaysian sets include animal tiles in addition to the eight flowers and seasons. The most common are the cat, mouse, rooster and centipede. When drawn they are set aside like flowers. Matching pairs — cat with mouse, rooster with centipede — often trigger instant payments from other players.
Scoring
Hands are scored in tai, with common sources including dragon and wind pungs, matching flowers, all chows, all pungs and flushes. Tables agree on a minimum and a limit.
Instant payments
A distinctive feature is that some bonus combinations are paid immediately, during the hand. Drawing your own seat's flower set, or a matched animal pair, can bring money in before anyone wins.
Learning and teaching
Singapore has a lively teaching scene, with beginner workshops at cultural centres and private classes, and many families keep their own house rules. It is a friendly style for learners who enjoy frequent small rewards.
