Mahjong

Mahjong is a game for four players that originated in China. It's a game of skill, strategy, intelligence, calculation and luck. Depending on the variation which is played, the amount of luck may vary from 20 to 80 percent. In China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and other countries mahjong is often used for gambling.

In America, the National Mah Jongg League formed in 1937, along with the first American mahjong rulebook, Maajh: The American Version of the Ancient Chinese Game. Despite it being Chinese in origin and accepted by players of all racial backgrounds when first introduced by Babcock, American Mahjong is considered a Jewish game, as many American mahjong players are of Jewish descent. At the same time, this traditional Chinese game was banned in its homeland 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 has become one of the favorite pastimes of the Chinese people.

Today, the popularity and demographic of players of Mahjong differs greatly from country to country. In America, most players of American mahjong are women. In Japan, there has been a much greater emphasis on gambling before other le gender of the players is much less divided. There are also many governing bodies of Mahjong, many of them hosting exhibition games and tournaments. In Japan, 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.

Mahjong can be played either with a set of Mahjong tiles, or less commonly, a set of Mahjong playing cards. Playing cards are often used when travelling as it reduces space and is lighter than their tile counterparts, but are of a lower quality in return. In this article, "tile" will be used to denote both playing cards and tiles.

Many Mahjong sets will also include a set of chips or bone tiles for scoring, as well as indicators denoting the dealer and the wind of the round. Some sets may also include racks to hold tiles or chips (although in many sets the tiles are generally sufficiently thick so that they can stand on their own), with one of them being different to denote the dealer's rack.

If you're interested in trying your hand at Mahjong, here are some resources to help get you started:

Mahjong Vinyl Attache: This set features a black vinyl case with an easy carry handle. This set is an Asian version and each ivory colored resin tile measures 1 1/8" by 3/4" by 1/2". The case holds all the tiles and dice and measures 9" by 6 1/4" 1 3/4". Instructions are included.

Mahjong - American: This American version of Mahjong features 166 playing tiles, 4 colorful plastic racks, 2 dice, playing chips, and instructions. The tiles measure 1 1/2" by 1 1/16" by 4/16" (thinner than normal). Please Note: this set does not include a case.

Mahjong Deluxe Fabric Case: This deluxe Mahjong set features an elegant green fabric case with handmade trays. This set is an American version complete with Jokers, four wooden tile racks, and tiles that are made of bone and bamboo. Each tile features a bone face that is dovetailed into a bamboo backing and measures 1" by 3/4" by 1/2". The fabric case holds everything but the wooden tile racks for easy storage or travel, and measures 12 1/4" by 7 1/2" by 2". Instructions are included.

Mahjong - Vinyl Attache Set: This is a complete Mahjong game with everything you need to play this popular game. This smaller set comes with fine tiles and is compact enough to store or take anywhere with your family or friends.

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