How much a hand is worth is determined by the number of Doubles it contains, up to the agreed limit.  Stakes are discussed in terms of how many points a hand with 1 Double is worth – this usually involves a pair of numbers; one for Hu by discard and by Zhi Mo (which is usually twice the amount agreed for Hu by discard).

For example, if 5 is the agreed limit and it is agreed that 1 Double is worth 10-20, the table below shows how many points each person loses or gains: 

5 doubles is usually considered the maximum limit. 

Players may agree to a fixed stake bonus (e.g. 100 points) for each double above 5. Players can also agree to additional stake bonuses for Zhi Mo or other special situations (e.g. Zhi Mo Dan Diao/Ka Long).

Occasionally, the stakes discussed might begin at 0 Doubles, so it is important to clarify if whether the count starts at 0 or 1 Double.  Also, extra points might be given for Zhi Mo.

Similarly, some number of points is decided for Kong/Yao (the amount is usually 2-2.5 times the amount for 1 Double) e.g. 20 for Kong/Yao, 40 for Um Kong/Yao.