The Best Mahjongg Sets
If you're tired of mainstream strategy games and you don't want to game in front of a screen, learning the exciting game of Mahjong will give you a truly unique and challenging pastime. Mahjong, or Mah Jongg, is a Chinese tile game that is meant to be played with four people. Over the course of the rounds, participants take turns drawing unturned tiles, returning their own, and taking their opponents' discarded tiles to form combinations that score points. Mahjong, once mastered, is a fast-paced and social game that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're setting out to learn for the first time or you're picking up fresh equipment, our Mahjong sets are beautifully detailed and come with everything you need to get gaming in no time.
American-Wholesaler Inc. American Mah Jongg Set
Play Where You Please
The American Mah Jongg Set by American Wholesaler Inc is the complete package for transporting and playing the timeless tile game we all know and love (or are learning to love). This version of Mah Jongg contains all the pieces required for the traditional Asian style of play, as well as the extra flower and joker tiles needed for the Western game. This set comes equipped with four tile pusher/rack devices, dice, and canvas sleeves to keep all your moving parts stable. If you want a game case that has it all and won’t be a struggle to transport, American Wholesaler has your back.
Pros:
- The instruction booklet is informative and concise
- Hand-painted tiles
- Gambling chips included
Cons:
- The tile holders are very delicate
Yellow Mountain Imports Pro Chinese Mahjong Set
The Real Old School Gamer
Learning the standard rules of Mahjong is an enlightening experience made more manageable with Yellow Mountain Imports Pro Chinese Set. This Mahjong set features an artfully-designed red vinyl case complete with buttons and handhold for secure transportation. Each Mahjong tile is about a quarter dollar-sized and features all 144 units plus two blanks with original iconography. If you’re a sucker for the authentic, the bamboo style paint-job combined with traditional stylization make Yellow Mountain the premier importer of Chinese cranium challenges.
Pros:
- Holster for wind indicator and dice included
- Scratch-resistant tiles
- The tiles are amply weighted
Cons:
- The dice are tiny and can get lost easily
Yellow Mountain Imports Mojave Mahjong Set
The Full Box Set
If you’re in search of a proper Mahjong set that will stand the test of time, the Mojave adds flair and functionality to game rooms near and far. Cast in ivory-colored melamine, the 166 tiles are sleek, scratch-free, and imprinted with an artist’s touch. The designs and numbers are etched to provide further resistance to finger grease, while every ambiguous tile has anglicized lettering or Arabic numbering in the corners for easy identification. Beyond expert tiles, Yellow Mountain takes care to pay attention to the little details. The simple yet elegant wooden tile trays take up little room, the wind indicator rests in a beautiful holster, and every piece of the game fits seamlessly into their trays match after match.
Pros:
- Velcro holsters keep tiles in place
- The case has a zipper seal and side pockets
- Impressive customer support
Cons:
- The pusher magnet could be stronger
Hey! Play! Chinese Mahjong Game Set
Gaming for Cramped Quarters
When you’re just dipping your toes into the Mahjong world and you’re not ready to make a significant investment in the game, check out the Mahjong Game Set by Hey! Play!. This game is stripped down to the core and only includes the dice required to determine starting positions, two blank tiles, and the 144 standard tiles required for the Chinese style. The actual tiles are plain, albeit durable, and fit snugly into the game case for quick storage. Hey Play’s combination of an attractive case and essential tiles may not be the choice for established veterans. Still, if your table space is minimal and your curiosity level is optimal, it will be plenty to pique your interest.
Pros:
- Miniature size is great for travel
- Fun for all ages
- The floral patterned case is sturdily constructed
Cons:
- No instructions or English characters included
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the history of Mahjong?
Given China’s vast and ancient history, Mahjong is a fairly contemporary game. The modern game originated during the Qing Dynasty, most likely during the 19th century. While original in its form, the style of ‘draw-and-discard’ games are trendy in China, especially with cards. It is believed that Mahjong was originally a card game which made its conversion from stripped decks to 144 tiles as its popularity grew. The most likely predecessor of Mahjong is a card game named Penghu.
What do the regional variants of Mahjong consist of?
Regional variants of Mahjong are vast and distinct, encompassing everything from tile differences to entire rule revisions. The most popular Mahjong styles are Chinese, Hong Kong, Western Classical, and Japanese. However, these four variations hardly encompass the full range of variations. For example, ‘Chinese’ Mahjong is just the standard rulebook set forth by the Chinese Government right before the turn of the millennium.
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