Mah-Jongg: Basic Rules & Strategies

by Dieter Kohnen

The "Bird of 100 intelligences"--that's what mah-jong means in Chinese, and if you want to find out why so many millions of people have become enchanted by the game for so many thousands of years, this colorful guide is the next best thing to having the mythical creature perched on your shoulder telling you its secrets. It's a quick game to learn and fast-paced to play. You get a quick introduction to the tiles and sticks, including the Circles (or dots), Characters (or cracks), Winds, and Honors. The basic moves are clearly explained and shown, with practice games that take you step-by-step through the opening moves, the middle strategies, combinations, and sequences, and the endgame. Special tips and shortcuts show you how to assemble your tiles into winning complete sets, with moves that would take years to learn by trial and error. You also learn 24 different variations and versions with colorful names like the Twins of Heaven, the Twins of Hell, the Green Hand, the Nine Lanterns, the Dragon, and three Japanese-style games. (Best of all, you'll learn that strange "bird's 100 intelligences" along the way.) Sterling 64 pages (all in 2-color), 6 5/8 x 8 3/4.

Genres: Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1998

Reviews

[Jbussen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just started playing Mahjong so naturally I wanted to do my diligence. I am playing American Mahjong and this book, did not have American style, it was a general Mahjong. Really good as everywhere you go there will be different rules, not just twixt countries and regions but amongst groups. Think house rules for 8 ball or poker. This book actually gave the reasons behind a strategy so you could add (or not) it to yours. It further breaks strategy suggestions between early-late hand composition/discards, and even how to sabotage another players hand effectively. This book added to my basic intuitive sense of the game but gave me a better overall "feel" for the game and how to play. Only 2 stars because I really wanted more. I will keep looking but a good primer.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In spite of some typographical errors, this book offers a good overview of the game and strategy. I haven't yet played Mah-Jongg; however, being exposed to the terminology and set-up has given me the feel that I'll be coming at the game with a bit of background and some fundamentals before starting.

Trying to keep track of all of the elements of the game is a bit overwhelming, but not unlike learning the rules to any other new game: Ok, let's just start playing, and I'll figure it out as we go!

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for beginners.

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic introduction to the game.