Mahjong*

Mahjong, known as 麻將/麻将 (Májiàng) in Chinese, is a traditional game that utilizes illustrated tiles and shares similarities with rummy. While it's a popular gambling game, it's important to note that playing for real stakes is not a requirement to enjoy the game.

Game Components

• Tiles: Mahjong is played with a set of tiles, which includes three suits numbered 1-9 (Dots, Numbers or Characters, and Bamboo), each with four copies. Additionally, there are three distinct dragons (Red, Green, and White), and the four winds (East, South, West, and North). Special tiles like Flowers, Seasons, and Jokers (in the American version) may also be used, adding variety to the game.

Gameplay Overview

• Objective: The game is typically played by four participants, each striving to form specific sets of tiles. These sets include numeric sequences (e.g., 5-6-7 of the same suit, called a "Chow"), triplets and quadruplets (which can be drawn from the discards out-of-turn, referred to as "Pung"), pairs, and other patterns. Achieving "Mah Jongg" (declaring victory) takes precedence over all other actions.

• Turn Sequence: Players take turns either drawing from a central stockpile known as the wall or from other players' discarded tiles. The goal is to complete the required sets to win the round.

• Special Actions: "Pung" (declaring a triplet or quadruplet) takes precedence over "Chow" (declaring a numeric sequence). In the event that a single discard could result in multiple players achieving "Mah Jongg," priority is given to the player who would have played next in the usual sequence.

History and Variants

• Origins: Mahjong originated in China during the mid-19th century and was introduced to the United States in the 1920s. It has since gained popularity and is now played in various forms across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

• Scoring Variations: While the fundamental rules of gameplay remain consistent, there exists a wide array of scoring schemes and rule-sets. Notable categories of Mahjong rule-sets include Chinese Classical, Hong Kong Old Style, Japanese, Taiwanese, Western, and American, each with its unique scoring and gameplay nuances.

Conclusion

Mahjong's enduring popularity, rich history, and diverse regional variations make it a beloved and enduring pastime enjoyed by players around the world.