Chow

A chow uses the left player's discard to finish a sequence such as 2-3-4. Hong Kong and many Chinese tables allow it.

American mahjong has no chow. If a line needs a sequence, you build it from your own draws. If someone says chow, you are probably not at an American table.

Sichuan 血战到底 usually does not chow either. Riichi may chow from the left, but a riichi declaration needs a closed hand.

American mahjong has no chow

A chow takes the left player's discard to finish three consecutive tiles in one suit. Only the left discard can be chowed.

American mahjong does not do this. A discard is called for identical tiles or a win. Sequences on the card are built from your own draws.

If someone says chow, you are probably not at an American table.

American mahjong does not chow.