Happy International Mahjong Day!

On August 1st, International Mahjong Day deals a game to get the celebration started! Play your tiles well, and perhaps you’ll honor the day with a win.

The 19th-century strategy game became popular in the United States in the 1920s. While we play the game with tiles, it’s much like rummy. The players meld beautifully designed tiles with Chinese characters and symbols to earn points. Melds include pongs, kongs, chows, and the mighty Mahjong.

Because Mahjong traveled great distances, it challenges people from many different backgrounds. As a result, Mahjong also breaks down communication barriers, bringing neighborhoods and communities together. Since people of all ages play, the game also bridges the gap between generations.

There are also a variety of styles of Mahjong, including American, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japanese, just to name a few. Find the version you enjoy best to play. Learn several different ways to play and play them all. If you’ve never played, the season is perfect to learn.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalMahjongDay

Take time to teach someone how to play Mahjong. If you don’t know how to play, gather some friends together, and learn! It’s simple once you can recognize the different characters and symbols. The tiles make Mahjong ideal for playing all year long, indoor, and in a park on a summer day.  Use #InternationalMahjongDay to share on social media.

INTERNATIONAL MAHJONG DAY HISTORY

Riichi Mahjong Central founded International Mahjong Day to increase the awareness of Mahjong and how to play. Japanese style Mahjong is growing in popularity in Japan. This platform especially lends itself to a social element. As a result, professional leagues, much like those in the United States, are growing, too.