Mahjong
The Chinese Game of Tiles and Tactics
Published on 19. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-83886-654-9 (ISBN)
Description
The clickety-clack of mahjong tiles being mixed by a group of friends is one of the most soothing and distinctive sounds found across East Asia and, increasingly, North America. First developed in southern China in the early 19th century, mahjong - meaning 'sparrow' - is a fun and popular game that tasks you with solving a tile-matching puzzle before you run out of moves. Played by four people using 144 tiles, mahjong is not just a game of luck; it requires strategy, pattern recognition, and an understanding of the other players' tactics. Mahjong introduces this highly engaging and competitive game, which helps develop concentration and mental agility while at the same time building relationships and a sense of community. The book is divided into chapters designed for the beginner, offering a brief background history, with introductions to the tiles, rules, playing the game, and popular variants and competitions. Find out how to shuffle and stack tiles to start the game; learn the difference between a kong and a pong and how this can win you points; understand the significance of the honour tiles, including the four winds and the three coloured dragons; and find out what 'winning from the wall' means to complete a 'legal hand'.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Amber Books Ltd
Product notice
Flexible plastic/vinyl cover
Illustrations
Glossary; Illustrations; Halftones, color
Dimensions
Height: 165 mm
Width: 124 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
386 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83886-654-9 (9781838866549)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Joseph Brant is a British writer, editor, publicist and consultant based in London. After graduating in English Literature from University of London, Joseph worked as a writer for various newspapers, magazines, film and video game companies before heading to Beijing as part of a Sino-European funded exchange program, where they continued to write for prestigious Chinese publications. Notable projects have included award-winning mobile games, and genre fiction collections, as well as contributing to titles on Chinese mythology and street fashion. Joseph is an experienced Mahjong player, and has taught the game for over a decade to players of all ages. Xueting C. Ni has written extensively on Chinese culture for over a decade, working with companies, institutions and festivals, to help improve understanding of China's heritage, culture and innovation. She is the author of Chinese Myths and From Kuanyin to Chairman Mao: An Essential Guide to Chinese Deities. Her curated anthology of Chinese science fiction, Sinopticon, won Best Anthology at the BFS Awards, 2022.
Content
Introduction
The Evolution Of Mahjong A Game Of Tricks And Tiles Mahjong In America The Mahjong Set as Artefact
Dragons, Flowers, Winds and Suits Understanding the Tiles of Mahjong What else may be in your Mahjong Set? Basics of the Game Mechanics Preparing to play Claiming Tiles
The First Game A Sample Game Lessons Learned Strategies
Scoring Before Playing What Earns You a Fan Scoring with Kongs The "Special Hands" How to Add Up Your Score
The Long Game Tactics and Patterns How to act as the round develops Losing Small, Or Playing for Draw
Variations Around the World Mainland, Hong Kong, and other regions Taiwanese, Singaporean & Malaysian Mahjong The Modern Japanese game, Riichi Korean Mahjong Less Than Four Players?
Mahjong Etiquette, Superstitions, and Penalties Etiquette Superstitions Penalties
Mahjong in Film and TV
Appendix Scores and Fan Tables Glossary
The Evolution Of Mahjong A Game Of Tricks And Tiles Mahjong In America The Mahjong Set as Artefact
Dragons, Flowers, Winds and Suits Understanding the Tiles of Mahjong What else may be in your Mahjong Set? Basics of the Game Mechanics Preparing to play Claiming Tiles
The First Game A Sample Game Lessons Learned Strategies
Scoring Before Playing What Earns You a Fan Scoring with Kongs The "Special Hands" How to Add Up Your Score
The Long Game Tactics and Patterns How to act as the round develops Losing Small, Or Playing for Draw
Variations Around the World Mainland, Hong Kong, and other regions Taiwanese, Singaporean & Malaysian Mahjong The Modern Japanese game, Riichi Korean Mahjong Less Than Four Players?
Mahjong Etiquette, Superstitions, and Penalties Etiquette Superstitions Penalties
Mahjong in Film and TV
Appendix Scores and Fan Tables Glossary