Tile-based Puzzle Game: Mahjong and Its Regulations
In the early 1920s, American marketers imported Mahjong sets from Shanghai, painting a picture of a sophisticated game from an exotic country. Little did they know that this Chinese tile game would soon become a beloved pastime in the United States.
Mahjong, whose origins in China date back to the late 19th century, found its way into the lives of young American mothers in the 1960s and 1970s. They played the game weekly, building female-focused networks and forging a unique American version of the game.
The National Mah Jongg League, established in the late 1930s by a group of Jewish women, played a significant role in standardizing the American Mahjong rules, which differ from traditional Chinese Mahjong. The League created specific rule sets that catered to American players and culture, and these rules are still in use today.
The traditional Mahjong game set comprises 144 tiles, with the Bamboo and Circle suits being the most prominent. The set also includes 16 Wind tiles, a dozen Dragon tiles, and four Seasons and Flowers tiles. The best game sets are made from bamboo and ivory.
The game is typically played between four players, with the first player to collect four legal sets and one pair of tiles going out or "going Mah Jong." By the mid-1920s, smaller groups began making their own rules, leading to various American Mahjong variants.
The popularity of Mahjong soared in the United States, with Hollywood movie sets and New York galas echoing with the sound of tiles being clicked. Congress even imposed a tax on Mahjong sets in 1924 due to its growing popularity.
In the digital age, Mahjong has been adapted into several online games, such as Mahjong Dimension. Today, one can play Mahjong online without the need for a physical board, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Playing Mahjong offers more than just entertainment. A study by the University of Georgia suggests that playing Mahjong can boost mental health and help keep the mind occupied. Some pick up the game to get better at it, while others are more interested in the social aspect.
Despite its roots in China, Mahjong is played across the world, and every region has its unique rules. However, the core concept remains the same: collecting tile sets according to the type and number on them. Whether played in a quiet room or at a lively gathering, Mahjong continues to captivate players with its strategic gameplay and enduring charm.
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