The number nine in Chinese characters — representing eternity.
Jiu means both nine and long-lasting/eternal. The Forbidden City has 9999 rooms honoring this symbolism.
Character Suit
Match with an identical tile. Both tiles must be free (no tile on top, at least one open side).
4 identical tiles per standard set
Character 9 has a distinctive hook shape. As the highest Character, it completes the numbered suits.
Explore all tiles in the Mahjong Tile Guide to learn matching strategies for every suit.