Why three players?
Finding four players is not always possible. Three-player mahjong lets three friends play a full game. Japanese sanma is a well-developed form with its own parlours and online ranks.
The changes
Characters 2 through 8 are removed. Chows are not allowed in most rules. The North wind is commonly set aside when drawn as a bonus tile (nukidora), worth a dora each, with a replacement drawn.
Higher scores
With fewer tiles and more bonuses, hands are often large. Players must adjust their sense of value and defense accordingly.
Other three-player games
Chinese families also play three-player versions, simply leaving a seat empty and adjusting rules. American Mah Jongg can be played with three players under League rules, with modifications to the Charleston.
