In Mahjong, what is an 88 Fan?

Question

I am trying to learn about Mahjong. I keep seeing something called an 88 Fan, but the site never syas what it is. Can someone please elaborate?

Answer 1

Fan are the unit of measure for scoring in mahjong (Hong Kong style).  For example, a pong or kung of dragons is worth 1 fan.  All flowers or all seasons is 2 fan.  There are often patterned hands, which score a set number of fan, as well.  Example, in Hong Kong rules, a hand of all dragons and winds is referred to as "All Honors," and is worth 64 fan.

Under Chinese Mahjong rules, there are hands that score 88 points, so perhaps the reference to 88 fan is a blend of Chinese and Hong Kong scoring systems.