"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." —Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League This is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg", offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also across the globe. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in, the game. Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy. With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past's and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong.

Whether you're an American Mah Jongg newbie or an intermediate player looking to gain an edge over your opponents, American Mah Jongg for Everyone is the perfect book to help you start practicing your game! Experienced international Mah Jongg instructors Gregg Swain and Toby Salk walk you through the basics of American Mah Jongg--introducing readers to the tiles, rituals, history, rules and winning strategies of the game. Using the humor, warmth and professional tips they share with their own students, this narrative-style instruction book offers an accessible way to learn this popular game. Topics include: Recognizing Mah Jongg tiles in different types of sets Building the walls and dealing the tiles Organizing your tiles and planning your play Understanding table rules and etiquette Winning strategies for various types of hands National Mah Jongg tournament director Gladys Grad contributes a foreword that explains why so many people love the game. Grad also has written a chapter that outlines the rules of Siamese Mah Jongg, a fun two-person game she created that you can't find in any other Mah Jongg book! This book comes with everything you need to get started playing, including: A timeless sample Mah Jongg scoring card A paper set to cut out and use while learning Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions Over 80 color illustrations Helpful practice exercises and quizzes that reinforce the lessons Access to a website that provides up to date information about the game A glossary of terms that every Mah Jongg player needs to know From the many different types of tiles and how to recognize them, personal stories about the game and historical trivia, American Mah Jongg for Everyone has something for anyone interested in this fascinating game.

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How has a game brought together Americans and defined separate ethnic communities? This book tells the first history of mahjong and its meaning in American culture. Click-click-click. The sound of mahjong tiles connects American expatriates in Shanghai, Jazz Age white Americans, urban Chinese Americans in the 1930s, incarcerated Japanese Americans in wartime, Jewish American suburban mothers, and Air Force officers' wives in the postwar era. Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture illustrates how the spaces between tiles and the moments between games have fostered distinct social cultures in the United States. This mass-produced game crossed the Pacific, creating waves of popularity over the twentieth century. Annelise Heinz narrates the history of this game to show how it has created a variety of meanings, among them American modernity, Chinese American heritage, and Jewish American women's culture. As it traveled from China to the United States and caught on with Hollywood starlets, high society, middle-class housewives, and immigrants alike, mahjong became a quintessentially American game. Heinz also reveals the ways in which women leveraged a game to gain access to respectable leisure. The result was the forging of friendships that lasted decades and the creation of organizations that raised funds for the war effort and philanthropy. No other game has signified both belonging and standing apart in American culture. Drawing on photographs, advertising, popular media, and dozens of oral histories, Heinz's rich and colorful account offers the first history of the wildly popular game of mahjong.

The Go-To Instruction Book To Learn The Rules, Sets, And Art Of The Game How to Play Mah Jongg: A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg offers first-time players an easy-to-follow guide to this complex game. Using simple easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams this comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the game, including how to play, how to build a hand, how to record scores, how to develop winning strategies and win like a Pro. In a lively, readable, and practical tone, this expert guide presents tips and tricks that will sharpen your skills so that you can play the Game like a professional. It also provides a comprehensive yet concise tutorial on the history of Mah Jongg, the Symbolism in Mah Jongg, the evolution of the game, the rules, and the various forms in which it is played. This book is just what you need if you want to learn everything about this complex game, improve your skills, knowledge of strategies and increase your winning ratio with impressive ease.

Master the exhilarating game of Mahjong with this introductory guide. This complete, easy-to-follow instructional Mahjong handbook includes over 150 full-color photographs and illustrations to introduce players to this captivating game. This is the first Mahjong book to fully cover the Cantonese or "old rules" game. It also includes all of the most popular variations, such as the Shanghai game, the 16-tile or Taiwanese game, and the 12-tile game. Included are the rules, tactics, techniques, strategy and the rituals only the most experienced players know. This Mahjong book includes: Easy-to-follow instructions Full-color illustrations and photographs Instruction on: Authentic Chinese Mahjong play Cantonese Mahjong play Shanghai Mahjong play American Mahjong play The 12-tile versions of the game The Complete Book of Mah Jong is the perfect guide for all skill levels to learn the different styles of Mahjong—from Mahjong beginners to pros.

Big sister JieJie and her little brother, DiDi watch as their Chinese-American parents and extended family pass the time playing mahjong, along with enjoying family chats, singing, good food, and hot tea.