"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.

Learn the fascinating game of American Mahjong with this expert guide. This affordable best-selling book is one of the only available game strategy guides that is specifically geared toward American Mahjong (Mah Jongg) and follows the official National Mah Jongg League rules. Offering first-time players an easy-to-follow guide to this complex game, A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg includes simple, easy-to-follow instructions and clear diagrams to walk the reader through each step of the game, including how to select a hand, how to play and how to develop winning strategies. A key feature is the color text which clearly shows various hands and tiles. This Mahjong guide includes: Step-by-step instructions for gameplay. Hands-on "Do It" exercises Tips and quizzes for easy learning Mahjong background and history An explanation of tile symbolism Glossary of Mahjong terms A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg is the perfect guide for all skill levels to learn Mahjong--from Mahjong beginners to pros.

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 game of Mah Jong has been accepted as the .... guide to the rules and scoring of this fascinating game. Using specimen hands to illustrate techniques, it outlines the most correct and popular method of playing the game"-- Back cover.

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.

Master the game of Mahjong with this must-have game strategy guide for Mahjong beginners and enthusiasts. Originally played with cards, and then piece carved from ivory or bamboo, the Chinese game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg" is well over a thousand years old. Said to have originated in the court of the Emperor of Wu, for centuries Mahjong remained a diversion exclusively for the royal class of China. Mahjong has been called "the game of a hundred intelligences." When played by experts it can be fast and subtle—even difficult to follow. A Mah Jong Handbook is the all-comprehensive Mahjong guide, offering a clear and concise introduction to the classic Chinese, Western, and Japanese rules of the game and outlining its many variants. A great way to learn Mahjong—it presents the complex rules in a clear format, introducing those unfamiliar with the game to its rules and techniques. It will also allow more experienced players to expand their understanding of winning strategy quickly. Part One covers the rules of the game. Part Two provides alternatives, variations, and additions to the game. Part Three explores the fundamentals of successful strategy. With illustrations of sample hands, scoring charts, and a glossary of terms, A Mah Jong Handbook is an invaluable resource—a complete guidebook to the ancient but always fascinating game of Mahjong. This Mahjong guidebook includes: 176 page, full-color book Play basics like scoring, wall-building and rules Essential tools to improve and enhance game-play skills Winning strategies to be on the offensive and play defense Tips to master the game through actual examples and scenarios A Mah Jong Handbook is the book that readers will need to become a knowledgeable, confident and winning Mahjong player.

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.