Mahjong's popularity in the US has always been a mystery to people. A simple yet intellectually challenging game that originated almost halfway around the world now seems to enjoy quite a generous vogue among Americans. Like all other games, the Mahjong tiles game has transformed and is not a replica of the original Chinese version. The modifications are nothing major that would alter the form or rules of the games, but they take the gameplay a notch higher.
It is believed that the game originated in the city of Shanghai in the latter half of the 18th century. This ancient Mahjong tiles game soon spread wide among the people and garnered love from all over the country. It became a household game in China, and people bonded over the game of Mahjong. The response was huge, and even to this date, you will find households in China that have Mahjong tiles games and still play on holidays.
In the 19th century, it was brought to America by merchants and travelers. Americans loved the game, and they made some fun contributions to make it an even more interesting game.
How Mahjong Tiles Game Came to America
While there is no one certain name that can be credited for bringing the game to America, records say tourists and entrepreneurs brought it back with them. By the 1920s, the whole of America was beginning to take an interest in and understand the game.
Parker Brothers manufactured the game on a large scale in America, which helped it to become a phenomenon in the country. They took a lot of effort to understand the game. The team studied the original Mahjong tiles and board and several scrapbooks from Shanghai. Soon America had its own Mahjong Tiles game that was not fundamentally different from its original version but with some additions.
Heinz, a scholar, researched the Mahjong game and its evolution. She studied several materials and conducted interviews with Mahjong players to get their feedback. Her work claims Mahjong had become a part of American culture and had social significance as well.
Mahjong became a community game, and almost every part of America was acquainted with the game like its own. During the second World War, people who had to isolate themselves found solace in this particular game, and it became a community-building activity.
Mahjong in America Today
During globalization, Mahjong went out of fashion and was considered a game mostly for housewives. However, in the past decade, we have seen a steep rise in the number of players all around the country. Young men and women had revived the game. Shops had begun to have at least one Mahjong set for sale. The sales increased, and soon shopkeepers stocked more Mahjong boards. Today, Americans even play online Mahjong games and enjoy them just as much as their ancestors did. The revival of this game has brought together old friends and family who can relish a good game now and then.
The Difference between Chinese and American Mahjong Tiles
As we already mentioned, the Mahjong tiles underwent slight changes in America. These changes, however, did not alter the elementary structure or rules of the game but only revised it.
When talking about American Mahjong tiles vs. Chinese Mahjong tiles, the most noticeable difference is the number of tiles. The traditional Chinese version has 144 tiles, but in the American version, we get eight more Joker tiles. Due to the difference in the number and type of tiles, the scorecard also varies.
While playing American Mahjong, one who matches a hand of 14 tiles before other players is the winner and thus ends the game.
One can play Chinese Mahjong with American tiles but not the other way around due to the absence of Joker in the Chinese version. No matter which version you are playing, read the instructions well before beginning the game.
Both versions are aesthetically pleasing and intellectually challenging. The addition of Joker in the American version adds additional excitement, making it even more fun.
America is forever thankful to Shanghai for inventing such an interesting game. People from all over the country today enjoy Mahjong. It is a great game to be played with friends and family on holiday. Being an easy game, it is not very difficult to grasp, like chess, but at the same time, it does not become boring after a few rounds. Therefore, next time you are out with your friends, keep aside your cards and try the Mahjong tiles games for a change. You are sure to love it.
