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In Chinese mahjong, the best defense is a strong fast hand to beat out the others. While the same basic ideas apply (Build a hand with 4 sets and a pair, more difficult hand patterns score more), there are special additions to Japanese mahjong that make it more viable to play defensively and allow for a greater depth. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.The strategy is vastly different. She’s written for The Spruce since 2019, and you’ll also find her writing at many other online outlets, including Apartment Therapy, Prevention, Health, and Livestrong.Īdditional reporting was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Burry scoured internet reviews and other online resources to create this list of featured products. Chinese mahjong can be played with American sets, but it is important to acknowledge the differences in play, which are usually outlined in instructional booklets included in many sets.Īfter years of playing dominos and rummy, Madeleine Burry is fascinated by the game of mahjong. In the American game, the first person to match a hand of 14 tiles and thus "call mahjong" ends the game, whereupon tiles are scored and a winner is declared.
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Traditional Chinese mahjong sets have 144 tiles, while American version is played with eight additional joker tiles and different score cards. Ones that explain the different tiles, icons, and rules thoroughly and simply are best. Some sets also include tally sticks, which help with scoring.įor beginners and first-time players, it is also important to find a set that includes helpful instructions. In Chinese mahjong sets, you'll often find a wind indicator, which is used to indicate a seating arrangement in traditional play. If you're planning to play the American version of mahjong, note that traditional Chinese mahjong sets don't often include racks, pushers, joker tiles, or blank tiles. Also, look for options that include carrying cases that keep all of the pieces safe and organized. Lightweight materials like paper and plastic will be much easier to transport than bamboo or wood.
#MAHJONG CHINESE PORTABLE#
However, for those always looking to play with new partners in new places, finding a set that is portable is important. For example, some users might prefer larger tiles to more easily see engravings, while others might find thicker tiles more cumbersome.įor homebodies, portability may not be as important of a factor. These non-natural materials will make for more affordable and more portable sets and tend to last longer over time.Īlso, pay attention to the size of the tiles, which can be affected by the material used. More modern sets often include tiles made of plastic, wood, or even paper.
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However, these materials often discolor or break down over time. Traditional mahjong tiles are made from bamboo, ivory, and bone. You can usually play traditional mahjong with an American set, but not the other way around. These extra tiles often include jokers or blank tiles for replacing lost ones. Traditional Chinese mahjong needs 144 tiles, while American mahjong includes 166 tiles. The number of tiles included in your set depends on the variation of Mahjong you wish to play. What to Look for in a Mahjong Set Number of Tiles The Linda Li Set is a popular brand known for the American variation and comes in a cushioned, decorative bag for travel. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Boardįinding the best mahjong set is situational to your skill level, preference of play, and familiarity with the game, but we consider the Yellow Mountain Imports Mahjong Set an excellent choice for a classic take on the ancient game.