What is mahjong?
Mahjong is a tile game for four players that began in China in the 19th century. Players draw and discard tiles to build a winning hand. In the United States most people play American mahjong, which adds jokers, a passing round called the Charleston, and a new card of winning hands every year.
It's a rummy-style game with tiles
Like the card game rummy, you draw and discard to collect sets. Instead of cards you use engraved tiles: three suits numbered 1 to 9, plus winds, dragons and flowers.
There are several versions
Chinese, Hong Kong, Japanese (riichi) and American mahjong share tiles but not rules. American mahjong uses 152 tiles including 8 jokers and a yearly card.
It isn't mahjong solitaire
The free phone game called mahjong is usually mahjong solitaire, a one-player matching puzzle using the same tiles.
Common questions
Is mahjong a gambling game?
It can be played for money, but it doesn't have to be. Many American groups play for small stakes or chips, and plenty play for nothing at all.
Is mahjong Chinese or American?
Mahjong began in China. American mahjong is a version that developed in the United States in the 20th century, with jokers, the Charleston and a new card each year.
Is mahjong like rummy?
Yes, in spirit: you draw and discard to build sets. The difference is that you use tiles instead of cards, and in American mahjong your hand must match a pattern on the card.