Rochester Gamers Community

Mahjong is a traditional Chinese set-collecting game, often played for money, similar in many respects the Western game of rummy. Four players, each playing individually (no partnerships), vie to be the first to "go out" with a hand of 14 tiles (4 sets of three, plus a pair).

Although in essence a card game, Mahjong is played with tiles rather than cards (the latter are available as an alternative, although the game experience is much inferior). The caliber of the components is central to the enjoyment of this game; and the look, feel and sound is just not right unless played with good-quality tiles.

There are 9 values (1-9) in 3 suits (circles, bamboo and numerals), with 4 duplicates of each combination, in addition to several special or bonus tiles. Players attempt to collect sets of three - either suited sequences of consecutive values, or duplicates of the same suit and denomination. Sets of all four duplicate tiles are also possible, but require an extra tile be added to the hand to maintain the correct number for going out.

The prelude to the game consists of mixing ("washing") the tiles - quite a noisy process if performed correctly! - then arranging the tiles into four walls that constitute the draw deck. Each turn consists of a draw and discard. Discards may be claimed up by other players to complete their sets. Play passes to the right unless a discard is claimed (in which case the claiming player is next to discard).

Some tiles and sets will double the value of a player's hand should he win. In addition, certain winning hands are worth one or more doubles, e.g., one-suited (pure) hands, or hands containing only duplicate sets (no sequences). Obviously, putting together several doubles has a big effect on increasing payout for a winning hand (but usually makes it more difficult to be first player out). The specifics of scoring, and even the type and number of bonus tiles available, varies widely between the many different styles of Mahjong, so one should be very clear which system is in effect before agreeing to play!

While its mechanics resemble rummy, the spirit of Mahjong is much like that of another gambling game, poker. Games may run late into the night, with snacks and drinks in plentiful supply. Success does not come from winning often, as much as from winning big.

A good Mahjong set (with tiles of a decent size and heft) would be expected to cost a little over $100. Thus, its value for money compares favorably with some big-box component-rich designer boardgames, but is offset by the restriction on player numbers and repetitive gameplay with limited player interaction. A Mahjong table (square tabletop with raised edges to prevent the tiles falling off) is useful although not essential. Hence, this is not a game to be purchased by the uninitiated, but rather by someone who already enjoys the game and has a reliable contingent of fellow players to call upon.

For me, Mahjong evokes pleasant memories of time spent with immediate and extended family, often around Chinese New Year. For the sake of nostalgia and family tradition - and also because it's great fun - I play this once or twice a year, ensuring that there are many opportunities at other times to introduce my relatives to more innovative games.