Frequently Asked Questions

What is Malinguo?

Malinguo is an AI-powered mahjong training platform — think chess.com or Aim Lab, but for mahjong. It teaches mahjong through a five-dimension skill model (Tile Vision, Efficiency, Reading, Mental Game, Decision-Making) plus an AI coach named Mabao, and tracks a skill rating that updates as you train.

Is Malinguo real-money mahjong or gambling?

No. Malinguo has no gambling, no real-money play, and no in-app currency wagered on matches, anywhere in the app. Malinguo is an education and training tool, not a game of chance.

Do I play against real people on Malinguo?

No. All practice matches inside the Malinguo app are against AI opponents, clearly labeled as such throughout. The app contains no real-player matches, no gambling, and no real-money transactions of any kind.

What is Riichi mahjong, and can I practice it in Malinguo?

Riichi (Japanese) mahjong is one of the most widely played mahjong variants worldwide, built around declaring "riichi" when your hand is one tile from winning (tenpai), plus mechanics like furiten and dora tiles that add strategic depth. Malinguo supports Riichi as one of its 13 rule sets, with AI opponents, real-time scoring, and a step-by-step breakdown of hand values powered by Malinguo's own rules engine.

Note: Malinguo's Riichi rule set is Malinguo's own variant implementation, not identical to official competitive rulebooks such as the WRC (World Riichi Championship), EMA (European Mahjong Association), or the Tenhou ruleset. For example: multiple ron is resolved by head-bump (only the closest claimant in turn order wins, not every simultaneous claimant); there is no uma-oka placement/return-point system; and there is no nagashi mangan (mangan-on-exhaustive-draw) yaku.

How do I practice mahjong efficiency (WWYD) on Malinguo?

Malinguo includes "What Would You Discard" (WWYD)-style efficiency drills that train tile efficiency — one of the five core skill dimensions — with instant scoring and feedback, the same way chess puzzles or Aim Lab drills isolate a single skill for focused practice.

Is Malinguo free?

Malinguo is free to download, and the core training features are free to use. An optional subscription unlocks additional advanced content. There are no gold coins, no paid matches, and no real-money transactions anywhere in the app.

How do I download Malinguo?

iPhone and iPad users can get Malinguo on the App Store at apps.apple.com/us/app/id6775742829. Android users can download the official installer at malinguo.com/downloads/. Malinguo is also available as a WeChat Mini Program for users in China.

What is the five-dimension skill rating?

Malinguo rates mahjong ability across five dimensions — Tile Vision, Efficiency, Reading, Mental Game, and Decision-Making — similar to how a chess rating or an Aim Lab score tracks a single measurable skill over time. Ratings update as you train, showing exactly where you're improving.

Who or what is Mabao?

Mabao is Malinguo's built-in AI coach. It assesses your skill level, builds a training plan, gives real-time guidance during practice, analyzes your match data afterward, and visualizes its own reasoning so you can see why it recommends a given play.

Can beginners use Malinguo, or is it only for experienced players?

Malinguo is built for all skill levels. Beginners get guided onboarding, adjustable AI difficulty, and step-by-step rule explanations, while experienced players can use the efficiency drills and skill ratings to fine-tune specific weaknesses.