The History of Mahjong – Presented to You in a Simple way For Beginners

During a recent visit to my parent’s house I noticed a solid black briefcase on the kitchen table. I was curious as to what was inside. From it’s size, I thought it might be a laptop computer. My mom opened the briefcase to reveal several colorful tiles and game pieces. She informed me that it was her Mahjong tile set. She plays this ancient Chinese game weekly with her friends.

Playing Mahjong Online

I am a big fan of playing Mahjong on the computer. I wondered if there were differences in the rules of my mom’s physical board game versus my computer game. There are many differences indeed, just as there are many versions of Mahjongg available.

The board version is an intense game of strategy, logic, and planning. My mom plays with three other players and has to work with a partner. The computer version I play is basic in comparison as I just try to match tiles together to remove them from the Mahjong tile pile.

Mahjong History Guide

What is the history of Mahjong? Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game that has a debatable origin. There are several theories as to who invented Mahjong. Some believe that Mahjong wasn’t invented until the middle of the 19th century. Believers of this origin maintain that Mahjong was based on current Chinese card and domino games.

Others believe that Confucius invented the game around 500 BC. Confucius was known as a great Chinese philosopher. The theory that he started Mahjong is based upon observation that game piece tiles and popularity relate to his philosophies and travels.

The Modernization of Mahjong

Mahjong made its way to the United States by the early 20th century. The game was translated into English. In 1937 the National Mah Jongg League was created. The rules of Mahjong were reviewed and revamped.

Who plays Mahjong? Mahjong has had a variety of players. The game requires four players and takes a few hours to play. Therefore, it is an ideal game for parties or special occasions. Players in China have played Mahjong to celebrate life events.

When Mahjong became popular in the United States it was primarily played by the Jewish population. Mahjong is now making its way across all backgrounds and age levels. The physical tile game is familiar to the older generation while the computerized version is bringing in the younger generation.

But How do You Play Mahjong?

How do you play Mahjong? Good question. The answer is that it depends. There are basic rules, but rules tend to vary based on the geographic region. The main goal of the game is to find matching tile suits and complete the 14 to 17 tile set. There are rule books that cover the Western version of the game.

The Mahjong game that my mom plays is closer to the ancient Chinese version then the computerized version I play. She enjoys the complexity and strategy of Mahjongg as well as the benefit of playing with her good friends.

Mahjong is an exciting game to try whether you want to play with friends or on your own. I find playing the computer versions both entertaining and relaxing. Many games websites, such as Grandmatrix.com, have several PC versions of Mahjong available.

The different versions are akin to the variety of Mahjong history, rules, and players around the world. Start your exploration of the Mahjongg variations by searching GrandMatrix under the keyword ‘Mahjong’ and you will be well on your way to fun!

How to avoid losing your shirt on the Mahjong table. Some commonsense tips on how to manage your money carefully.

Here we will examine the odds, best bets, and some strategy. If you haven’t played internet Mahjong is that the odds are far better than other games of chance like Roulette or Slots. So if you haven’t discovered internet Mahjong you should!

The important thing in Internet Mahjong as in any casino game is to win and collect money and here we show you how in simple steps.

How to Play Mahjong

Internet Mahjong is played 8 decks of cards and chances on a hand dealt from a full shoe 8 decks is as follows: a banker can win 0.46, a player 0.44, and a tie 0.09. Obviously the bank wins most of the time.The casino will take a commission on the winning Banker hand of 5% and payouts on tie bets of 9:1. This Gives the following advantages to the casino: on a banker bet the advantage is 1.056%. On a player bet its 1.24%. On a tie bet with 8:1 odds its 14.43%

Forget card counting and probability, this is a pure game of chance and each play is seperate from any other. All you need to know is the bet with the best odds of success and you will have as much chance of winning as any other player.

Common Sense Strategy

Never bet on the tie. The odds are overwhelmingly in the house’s favor Also, as the bank will win in the end, why not bet the banker’s hand. Even after paying the commission, you still have odds in your favor. So bet with the bank. This is the best bet (this is also why they charge the 5% commission)

Play and Money Management

You know now the best bet, but not how much to bet. This is also important. In online Mahjong , it is crucial. You must decide to have self-control. A majority of players often wager more than they can afford to lose. Don’t be one of them. Follow the three simple rules below:.

1. Before you start Internet Mahjong you MUST decide how much you are going to loose. Write it down, stick to it. That is your limit.
2. Budget the money you have and allocate just so much to each round of play
3. Each time you win, allocate a percentage to the opposite pocket. Leave it there. Don’t deviate and that money is out of play. A smart player will put ALL of a winning hand out of play.

For example you have decided $1,000 to wager and to lose. You will bet the game betting the table minimum (let’s say $50). Put your winnings as per rule 3, out of play, After the 20th round you’ll only have played the $1,000, However, the money out of play, your winnings make sure you spend them and don’t give them all back – have some fun!

This strategy works for online Mahjong , and is the strategy of the winner. If you leave with only small winnings, you are a WINNER. You must remember that. Forget it, spend you winnings, don’t follow your strategy, chances are you will lose.

Internet Mahjong can be profitable and fun, but you must be disciplined and place the bets with the best odds of success and then you can be a winner at internet mahjong.

A comprehensive summary of the history of the game of Mahjong.

Did Confucious Invent Mahjong?

One of the myths regarding the origin of Mahjong suggests that Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, developed the game about 500 BC. According to this myth, the appearance of the game in various Chinese provinces coincides with Confucius’ travels at the time he was teaching his new doctrines. The three dragon (Cardinal) tiles are said to coincide with the three Cardinal virtues bequeathed by Confucius; the Red dragon for Benevolence, the Green for Sincerity, and the white Filial Piety. Also, the myth has it that Confucius was fond of birds, which would explain the name “Mahjong” (sparrow).

However, there is little or no evidence of Mahjong’s existence prior to the Taiping era, which effectively eliminates Confucius as a likely inventor.

Was Mahjong Originally a Card Game?

Another theory implies the game was developed from existing Chinese card and domino games, sometime around 1850. Some historians believe it was based on a Chinese card game Madiao, dating back to the early Ming dynasty. This game was played with 40 paper cards. These forty cards, numbered 1 to 9 in four different suits along with four extra flower cards, are quite similar to the numbering of Mahjong tiles today.

There is great debate about to whom the creation of the game should be attributed. One theory is that Chinese army officers serving during the Tai Ping Rebellion created the game to pass the time. Another theory is that a noble living in the Shanghai area created the game between 1870 and 1875. Others believe that two brothers created Mahjong around 1850 in the city of Ningpo from the earlier game of Madiao.

Banning of Mahjong in China

Mahjong was banned in China in 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was founded. The new Communist government forbade any gambling activities, which were regarded as symbols of capitalist corruption.

After the Cultural Revolution, the game was revived, and once again Mahjong became one of the favorite pastimes of the Chinese people.

Mahjong in the western world

In 1895, Stewart Culin, an American anthropologist, wrote a paper in which Mahjong was mentioned. This is the first known written account of Mahjong in any language other than Chinese. By 1910, there were written accounts in many languages including French and Japanese.

1920s – Mahjong Fad in America

The game was imported from China to America in the 1920s and became a sensation, especially amongst women. Mahjong Nights were popular, with players decorating rooms in Chinese style and dressing in Chinese costume. Several hit songs were recorded during the mahjong fad, most notably “Since Ma is Playing Mah Jong” by Eddie Cantor.

An important English writing from the time was Joseph Park Babcock’s “Rules of Mah-Jongg”, which, simplified in 1920, was simply known as the “red book”. This version of the rules was widely adopted in America and took on a number of trademarked names, such as Pung Chow or the Game of Thousand Intelligences. Many of Babcock’s simplifications were abandoned when the 1920s fad died out.

1930s – National Mah Jongg League

By the 1930s, many revisions of the rules had developed that were substantially different from Babcock’s classical version. Standardization came eventually with the formation of the National Mah Jongg League in 1937, along with the first American mahjong rulebook, “Maajh: The American Version of the Ancient Chinese Game”.

While mahjong was accepted by U.S. players of all racial backgrounds during the Babcock era, many consider the modern American version a Jewish game as many American mahjong players are of Jewish descent. Also, the NMJL was founded by Jewish players and at the time considered a Jewish organization.

1970s – New Versions of Mahjong

British author Alan D. Millington revived the Chinese Classical game of the 1920s with his book, “The Complete Book of Mah-jongg” (1977). This handbook includes a formal rules set for the game. Many players in Western countries consider Millington’s work authoritative.

Current developments

Today, the popularity and demographic of players of Mahjong differs greatly from country to country. There are also many governing bodies, which often host exhibition games and tournaments.

In Japan, there is a traditional emphasis on gambling and the typical player is male. Many devotees there believe the game is losing popularity and have taken efforts to revive it. In addition, Japanese video arcades have introduced Mahjong arcade machines that can be connected to others over the internet, as well as video games that allow a victorious player to view pictures of women in varying stages of undress.

Recent Mahjong Developments in China

Mahjong culture is deeply ingrained in the Chinese community, family life and popular culture.

In 1998 the China State Sports Commission, in the interest of changing mahjong from an illegal gambling game to an approved ‘healthy sport’, with the principles of no gambling, no drinking and no smoking.

They published a new set of rules, now generally referred to as Chinese Official rules or International Tournament rules.

Mahjong International Tournament Rules

In international tournaments, players are often grouped in teams to emphasize that mahjong from now on is considered a sport.

The new rules are highly pattern-based. The rulebook contains 81 combinations, based on patterns and scoring elements popular in both classic and modern regional Chinese variants.

Some table practices of Japan have also been adopted. Points for flower tiles (each flower is worth 1 point) may not be added until the player has scored 8 points. The winner of a game receives the score from the player who discard the winning tile, plus 8 basic points from each player; in the case of zimo (self drawn win), he receives the value of this round plus 8 points from all players.

The new rules were used in an international tournament first in Tokyo, where in 2002 the first World Championship in Mahjong was organized by the Mahjong Museum, the Japan Mahjong Organizing Committee and the city council of Ningbo, China, the town where it is believed mahjong most likely originated. One hundred players participated, mainly from Japan and China, but also from Europe and the United States. Miss Mai Hatsune from Japan became the first world champion. The following year saw the first annual China Majiang Championship, held in Hainan. The next two annual tournaments were held in Hong Kong and Beijing. Most players were Chinese, but players from other nations attended as well.

In 2005, in the Netherlands, the first Open European Mahjong Championship was held, with 108 players. The first prize was won by Masato Chiba from Japan. The second European championship is in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2007.

Critics say that these new rules are unlikely to achieve great popularity outside of tournaments. They argue that regional versions are too well-entrenched, while the international rules use many unfamiliar patterns. The new mahjong’s advocates claim that it meant to be a standard for international events, not to replace existing variations.

These are the steps for setting up a standard Hong Kong (or Singapore) Mahjong game board.

Setting the Prevailing Wind and Game Wind

To determine the Player Game Wind, each player throws three dice (two in some variants) and the player with the highest total is chosen as the dealer or the banker. The dealer’s Wind is now East, the player to the right of the dealer has South wind, the next player to the right has West and the fourth player has North. Game Wind changes after every round, unless the dealer wins.

In some variations, the longer the dealer remains as the dealer, the higher the value of each hand.

The Prevailing Wind is always set to East when starting. It changes after the Game Wind has rotated around the board, that is, after each player has lost as the dealer.

A Mahjong set with Winds in play will usually include a separate Prevailing Wind marker (typically a die marked with the Wind characters in a holder) and a pointer that can be oriented towards the dealer to show Player Game Wind.

In sets with racks, a rack may be marked differently to denote the dealer. These winds are also significant as winds are often associated with a member of a Flower tile group; typically 1 with East, 2 with South, 3 with West, and 4 with North.

Dealing Mahjong Tiles

All tiles are placed face down and shuffled.

The dealing process that follows is ritualized and complex to prevent cheating. (But casual players, or players with Mahjong playing cards, may wish to simply shuffle well and deal out the tiles with fewer ceremonial procedures.)

Process of dealing

Each player stacks a row of tiles two deep in front of him, the length of the row depending on the number of tiles in use:

• 136 tiles: 17 tiles for all players
• 144 tiles: 18 tiles for all players
• 148 tiles: 19 tiles for dealer and player opposite, 18 for rest
• 152 tiles: 19 tiles for all players

The dealer then throws three dice and sums up the total. Counting counterclockwise so that the dealer is ‘1’, a player’s row is chosen. Starting at the right edge, ‘sum’ tiles are counted and shifted to the right.

The dealer now takes a block of 4 tiles to the left of the divide.

The player to the dealer’s right takes 4 tiles to the left, and players (counterclockwise) take blocks of 4 tiles (clockwise) until all players have 12 tiles for 13-tile variations and 16 for 16-tile variations. In 13-tile variations, each player then takes one more tile to make a 13-tile hand. In practice, in order to speed up the dealing procedure, the dealer often takes one extra tile during the dealing procedure to start their turn.

The board is now ready and new tiles will be taken from the wall where the dealing left off, proceeding clockwise. In some special cases, tiles are taken from the other end of the wall, commonly referred to as the back end of the wall. In some variations, a group of tiles at the back end, known as the dead wall, is reserved for this purpose instead. In such variations, the dead wall may be visually separated from the main wall, but it is not required.

Unless the dealer has already won, the dealer then discards a tile.

Charleston

In the American variations, it is required that before each hand begins, a Charleston is enacted. This consists of a procedure where three tiles are passed to the player on one’s right, followed by three tiles passed to the player opposite, followed by three tiles passed to the left.

The dealer can demand for a second Charleston, followed by an optional pass to the player across of one, two or three tiles. This is a distinctive feature of American Mahjong that may have been borrowed from card games.

What exactly constitutes a winning hand?

In the most common version of the mahjong game, a mahjong set of 144 tiles is used to play. Thirteen tiles are distributed to four players sitting in the position of east, south, west and north. Each player then takes turns drawing from what is leftover from the 144 tiles. A winning hand is made up of 4 melds of three tiles and a pair of tiles for “eyes”. This means that the winning hand is composed of fourteen tiles.

What is a meld?

The mahjong set is composed of 3 suits along with honor tiles and flower tiles. The three suits are dots, bamboos and characters. Each suit consists of a sequence of tiles numbered 1-9. Each number also exists in quadruplets. To make a meld, you need to have three tiles in a sequence of the same suit, or make three of a kind in the same suit.

For the honor tiles, they a broken down between the wind tiles and also the dragon tiles. The wind tiles are east, south, west and north. The dragon tiles are green, red and white. Each of these tiles is also in quadruplets but unlike the suits, you cannot make a meld of them in a sequence.

The flower tiles are used for bonus points but cannot be used to make a melds. If these tiles are drawn, the player puts the tiles in front of him. This serves as a reminder of the extra potential points he accrued should he win the hand and he redraws new tiles.

How do you play the game?

Now that there’s a basic understanding of what constitutes a winning hand: 4 melds of 3 tiles and a pair of the same tiles for a total of fourteen, it’s time to describe the sequence of play.

The game officially starts with the player sitting in the eastern spot. He starts off as the dealer with the privilege to be passed to each player accordingly unless the dealer actually wins the hand. If he does, he gets to be the dealer again.

The dealer draws first for a new tile from the “wall” leftover tiles stacked two tiles high in front of each player. He can choose to keep or discard the tile but always keeping in mind that he needs to have thirteen tiles in his hand. Or if he achieves a winning hand of fourteen he can declare it immediately and lay his hand out for all to see.

In the meantime, when a card is discarded, it is placed face up on the table. Any other players can “pung”, which is a declaration of three of a kind, and pick that tile up. In doing so, he needs to lay out his three of a kind before him. He also needs to discard a tile since he acquired an extra tile for his pung or else he risks his hand having one tile too many.

A pung is one way of advancing a hand for the required four melds with the external help of your opponents. Another way to do it is with a “chow”. A chow is a sequence of three tiles in the same suit. You can only make a chow with the discarded tile of someone to your left. Again, you need to place the chow before you and replace the tile you’re taking with one from your own hand.

The play always continues to the right of the person who last discarded the tile, whether it came from a pung, chow, or draw.

With the help from your opponents or your luck of the draw, a winning hand is constructed. The winning tile can come from anybody to finalize the 4 melds of three and the pair for eyes to total fourteen tiles.

As you can see, the concept of mahjong is simple enough but to be a good player, you need to be aware of your tiles, as well as how others are constructing their winning hands. What better way to learn this fascinating game than to start playing!

The Basics of Mahjong Play: Skill, Strategy, and the Winning Hand

Mahjong is a captivating game that has captivated players worldwide for more than a century. Combining elements of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, Mahjong is easy to learn but challenging to master. This article will introduce the basics of Mahjong play, including assembling a winning hand and the importance of skill and strategy in achieving victory.

The Objective of Mahjong

The primary goal in Mahjong is to be the first player to assemble a winning hand, known as a “Mahjong” or a “hand.” A winning hand typically consists of four sets of three tiles (either three identical tiles or a sequence of three consecutive tiles in the same suit) and a pair of identical tiles. The suits in Mahjong include Bams (Bamboo), Cracks (Characters), and Dots (Circles), in addition to the Honor tiles (Winds and Dragons).

The Basics of Mahjong Play

1. Dealing: At the beginning of the game, the tiles are shuffled, and each player builds a “wall” of tiles in front of them. The dealer, chosen by rolling dice, starts the game by dealing 13 tiles to each player.
2. Drawing and Discarding: Players take turns drawing a tile from the wall and then discarding a tile from their hand. The objective is to improve their hand by forming sets and pairs.
3. Claiming Discards: When a player discards a tile, other players can claim it to complete a set in their hand. However, this action may reveal information about their hand to their opponents, so claiming discards should be done strategically.
4. Going Mahjong: The first player to assemble a winning hand by drawing or claiming a discarded tile announces “Mahjong” and wins the game. The other players continue to play for the second and third places.

Skill and Strategy in Mahjong

• Tile Recognition: Recognizing the potential of various tiles in your hand and making wise decisions on which tiles to keep and discard is crucial to assembling a winning hand.
• Probabilities: Understanding the probabilities of drawing specific tiles can help you make strategic decisions about which sets to pursue and which tiles to discard.
• Reading Opponents: Observing your opponents’ actions, such as their discards and claims, can provide valuable insights into the tiles they might be holding and the combinations they are pursuing.
• Defensive Play: Sometimes, it’s essential to play defensively to prevent an opponent from winning. This may involve discarding tiles that are less likely to help an opponent complete a set or holding on to tiles that may be useful to them.

Mahjong is a fascinating game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Learning the basics of Mahjong play, such as assembling a winning hand and employing strategic decision-making, can provide a solid foundation for becoming a skilled and competitive player. With practice and experience, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this classic game and enjoying countless hours of entertainment with friends and fellow Mahjong enthusiasts.