Rule variations

Restrictions on the winning hand – Maximum number of Chows

Chows are very seldom excluded from the game, but by allowing a winning hand consist only of Pungs, Kongs, and a pair, the game is made much more difficult. This makes it more plausible to aim at valuable combinations, e.g. a hand consisting of only one suit, etc. On the other hand, excluding Chows results in deals that often end in a draw.

Four Winds does not prohibit you from collecting or claiming Chows, but you cannot go out having more Chows in the hand than is allowed. Declaring ‘Out’ on a hand which does not meet the requirements specified is considered a faulty declaration of Out, and the normal penalties are applied.

In the American, Australian and British rules the number of Chows is often limited to 1.

To specify maximum number of Chows allowed in a winning hand:

Choose Preferences on the File menu.
From the Rule Presets list, choose a customized rule preset.
Choose Winning & Draw under the Rules section of the category tree.
Enter a number from 0 to 4 (no limit) in the Max Chows box.
To specify exceptions to this restriction, click the Exceptions button on the same option page.

Note: Limitation on number of Chows does not apply to irregular hands with Chow-like series (these are not considered technically as Chows though it is possible to compose these hands by using Chows).