Eight of the 144 tiles in a mahjong set break the matching rule in a helpful way. They are the Flowers and Seasons, and they are the reason even a crowded board usually has a few forgiving pairs. This guide explains what the bonus tiles are, how their matching loophole works, and what it means for your strategy. For the full tile reference, see Mahjong Tiles Meaning.
The Eight Bonus Tiles
The bonus set is two groups of four. The four Flowers are Plum, Lily (or Orchid), Chrysanthemum, and Bamboo-flower, each numbered 1 to 4. The four Seasons are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, also numbered 1 to 4. Each tile is unique; there is only one Plum, only one Winter, and so on.
The Matching Loophole
Unlike every other tile, bonus tiles do not need an identical match. Any Flower matches any other Flower, and any Season matches any other Season, regardless of which flower or season is shown. So a Plum can match a Chrysanthemum, and Spring can match Winter. This is the one place where “same picture” is replaced by “same family.”
Strategy Impact
Because any two Flowers form a pair, the bonus tiles are usually the easiest matches on the board. When the layout gets crowded and you cannot find a suit or honor match, scan for Flowers and Seasons first; they often unlock the rest of the board. See the rules guide for how this fits the matching rule overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Flower match a Season?
No. Flowers only match Flowers, and Seasons only match Seasons. The two groups stay separate.
How many bonus tiles are on the board?
Eight: four Flowers and four Seasons. They make up four pairs in total.
Want to spot them fast? Open the Classic layout and look for the picture tiles among the suits and honors.