Mahjong is more than just a game. In many Asian cultures, it has become a way of life. It has easily become the favorite hobby of many and has been completely absorbed as part of the lifestyle.
In other societies, the normal topic of many conversations may be the weather or sports, but in the Chinese community, the most frequent topic is often the players’ scores from the previous game of Mahjong.
The Mahjong game is played almost everywhere, at home, in private clubs, and is played on social occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, holidays, and almost any entertainment occasion.
Mahjong is idolized in much the same way that the game of golf is revered in the West. There is now an almost cult following, with associated theories hinting that Mahjong truly expresses individuality and provides an opportunity to express personal freedom and enjoy self-fulfillment.
Perhaps an immediate reason for the growing popularity is that it is easy to play and easy to learn. Players also claim that it relieves high blood pressure and improves mental focus and alertness. The therapeutic effects can often be noticed playing mahjong after a week of exhausting work.
The game offers opportunities, not only to socialize, but also to demonstrate the ability to be independent, without being influenced by opposing comments or actions of the opponents.
The Mahjong game is played with a set of 136 tiles, of Chinese characters and symbols. Four players are seated on each side of a square table. Different regions may use a different amount of tokens, but generally, each player receives thirteen tokens. The goal is to match all the tiles in his hand before the other players. Players, in turn, can draw a new tile from the table or pick up a matching tile discarded by another player. The second objective is to collect the hand with the highest score. The score is based on the probability of achieving a certain combination. The lower the probability of achieving the combination, the higher the score awarded.
Very few devotees of the game can explain the captivating appeal and why the game of Mahjong itself can be so alluring. Some avid gamers claim that the strategic maneuvers involved simulate challenges that can occur in real life. Once the game begins, reality is often suspended and players can easily be immersed in a world that is brimming with expectation and anticipation.
The endless variations make it difficult to assess the strength of opponents, and this can also add to the intrigue. No two games are the same, and each session presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With so much variety involved, the game of mahjong, which involves skill, calculated strategy, and a certain degree of luck, will always be interesting.