Mah Jongg originated in China many centuries ago. Mah Jongg is not like most games where there is only one correct way to play. Over the centuries and throughout the world it has evolved. Playing Chinese Mah Jongg in Hong Kong is different than playing in Taiwan or even than playing in Beijing. There are rules of play according to the American Mah Jongg Association and the standards I have used here from the National Mah Jongg League which tends to be the more common approach. The Western and American games usually require the learning of numerous special hands whereas the Chinese and Japanese games tend to be more free forming. The key is to choose a style of play and learn and practice that way. Sometimes your decision is based on the version your friends play with because this is not a game you can play alone!
This web site is designed to introduce some of the basics of these three main styles of Mah Jongg. Rules and methods of playing will be introduced. All three use the same original tiles but that is where the similarity ends. The tiles right below show the three suited tiles -bamboos, dots and cracks. As you pass your mouse over you can see the flower and season set which is actually only used in American and Chinese Mah Jongg.
