Mahjong is one of the most iconic and beloved tabletop games in East Asian culture. With origins tracing back to the mid-19th century, the exact history of the game remains a mystery. Today, the game is played by people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, uniting people in a shared passion.
The game is believed to have originated in the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui, China, but the exact details of its origin aren’t known. It is thought that Mah Jong was derived from the game of Mengu, which involves 150 cards. The game was first popularised in the late 19th century, when Europeans found out about it and popularised it around the world in the early 20th century.
Mahjong is a four-player game in which players match and eliminate the available tiles on the playing board. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of the designated number of tiles. It is typically played with a set of 144 tiles that feature identical symbols, including Bamboo Leaf, White Dot, Cracks, and Chinese characters.
The game has become a staple of family gatherings, as friends and family gather around the table to spend quality time together. It is popular among both the young and old as it is seen as a suitable form of entertainment for all ages. Mahjong is not just a game but a cultural activity that enhances relationships and strengthens bonds.
In the online space, mahjong’s popularity has grown exponentially over the last decade. A variety of virtual mahjong games exist, allowing people to play against one another or alone without the need for physical pieces.
In conclusion, mahjong is an iconic board game that is beloved around the globe for its cultural significance and for providing endless hours of entertainment and fun. Its history is rich and its current and future popularity is undeniable.