Mah Jongg…Keep The Brain Active
The regulars of the Mah Jongg Club…
Mahjong is a game that originated in China, commonly played by four players (with some three-player variations found in Korea and Japan). Similar to the Western card game rummy, mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and calculation and involves a certain degree of chance.
The game is played with a set of 136 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, although some regional variations use a different number of tiles. In most variations, each player begins by receiving thirteen tiles. In turn players draw and discard tiles until they complete a legal hand using the fourteenth drawn tile to form four groups (melds) and a pair (head). There are fairly standard rules about how a piece is drawn, stolen from another player and thus melded, the use of simples (numbered tiles) and honours (winds and dragons), the kinds of melds, and the order of dealing and play. However there are many regional variations in the rules; in addition, the scoring system and the minimum hand necessary to win varies significantly based on the local rules being used.
For my preference, I prefer to play with the same group of girls, just so you all are on the same page with rules etc. It is a very challenging game but also gives you a little time once you know the game to have a little fellowship along the way. Just like anything else in life, the group you are with, can make it an very reward able experience or just a group of competitive ladies. I am very fortunate to have the best group ever to play with. Many laughs are shared and it makes learning so much fun.
I had to show you this photo…look real closely! Kathy, is wearing a Mah Jongg Bracelet! Too Cute huh?! This adorable lady is the one who taught me to play this game. She is very patient and if it weren’t for her I would never entered the Mah Jongg world. We have been playing together for 4 years now…I am so glad I stuck with it and didn’t give up. Just like life…when we stick with something and learn, it is such a rewarding experience!
If you are looking for a way to stimulate the brain…very important as we start to age☺ I highly recommend this enticing game. The National Mah Jongg League website is here…check it out.
Your turn…do you play Mah Jongg? If not, what game or craft challenges you?
I would love to challenge you to become a follower of Pride in Photos Photography…you just never know what kind of surprises lies ahead☺
Laurie
XXOO
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Pride in Photos 
That looks really complicated. I have a version on my Gameboy, but haven’t played it in a long time. – Margy
Love your photos. I’ve never played Mah-jongg but love board and word games.
I’ve never played mah-jongg but love board games. Nice photos.
I love it. Looks like so much fun. Like a scrabble game 🙂
They are so serious!!!!! Kathy’s bracelet matches the Mah Jongg tiles!!!! Love this one!!!
I’ve never played mah jongg before but it looks fun! I’m going to have to give it a try!
What a pleasant surprise to learn that you play too. I used to play a lot but lack the time now. Wish you live nearby to challenge you a game or two 🙂
Irene, now wouldn’t that be fun to play a game together!! Such is life…
We have talked about learning this, but so far no. You have encouraged me to learn.
Fun post! I have never played Mah Jongg, but I do love playing, ‘Mexican Train.’ We play with the same group of people as well, and share a lot of laughs, food and fellowship. Games are a great centerpiece to such great connections!
That game is tough! I like to play sudko to keep my noggin challenged.
happy ww! and happy brainstorming 🙂
I love playing games that stimulate my brain – I’ve never played an ‘in person’ version of Mah Jongg – just the online version (which is more of a match two tiles until they’re all eliminated). 🙂 LOVE your friend’s bracelet! 🙂
WW: Unique Kitty Ornament
I’ve never heard of it, but it looks fun and I love her bracelet 🙂
I will be sure to tell her that you loved it. Can you believe you can get these at the Flea Market?
I too play it far too regularly on my mobile phone, it’s very addictive. Looks like the ‘real’ version is equally so, and very competitive as well!
Very addicting and so challenging!
I will have to check it out. I have always wanted to learn how to play and do play the computer version, but it would definitely be more fun with 3 other players. 😉
Just know the computer version of matching tiles is totally different than the board game of M.J. It takes awhile to catch on but once you do it is addictive.
that is what I was told. But it always looks so much fun. Wish me luck in finding 3 more partners.
Unitnow, I only know the computer game, where you have to find matching tiles to clean the board.
How about a post on the kind of the game as the ladies are playing it
The post at the top describes the game, but basically it is like rummy, makings sets and runs but with tiles instead of cards. You are trying to make on of the combinations that is on the card.
I even don’t know rummy, but it’s name. (Although I don’t know any card game but 17+4 aka blackjack and mau-mau and the name of poker)
Great post! We are currently in China and have seen some of the locals playing this game. Our IT guy would love to teach us but we seem to dense for him to make us understand how to play it.. ha ha.. in time… Thanks for sharing
Maria
I’m a “game” person, but I’ve never learned this one, and feel that I ought to.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
My hubs and I were invited to play this one time. We both felt so stupid! Needless to say, we weren’t invited back.
i think the first time i heard of mah jong was from driving miss daisy…i’ve only played online…i imagine the real game like you play would be more challenging…i noticed her cute bracelet right away!
I love mahjong too! Pong!!!
I never knew this was a “real” game. I just thought it was something that came with my computer, under the games category. Doh!
And it is SO much harder than the computer game. To be real honest they have nothing in common with each other.
When I was working a number of my neighbour lady friends got together to play cards once a week. Now that I’m retired at home, they’ve all gone back to work because their kids are grown…I guess I missed the boat. I do love that little bracelet, very cute. We played a tile game at my brothers called Mexican Train, I already forget the rules but we laughed like crazy.
Mexican train is very fun, basically you are playing dominoes and just matching the end pieces. With Mah Jongg, you are creating sets and runs, like rummy. Don’t you hate it when you miss the boat…
I’ve never played this, but geez, I can see why it would keep the brain active! haha!
🙂
Jamie
http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/
Wow, looks a bit difficult…. I already have trouble with Words with Friends on my Nook… LOL. I have heard that it is a fun game to learn, I just need visual teaching rather than text directions… 😀
Yes, I so agree. If it wasn’t for these lovely girlfriends…I would of never learned this great game.
This reminds me of Scrabble. Thanks for the reminder as I love a good board game. I agree that they are good for the gray matter, and I love the idea that you all laugh together! 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy
I’ve never played but it looks like you are having fun! Thanks for linking up at NanaHood and mentioning it here!
Hello- Just wanted to stop by & drop off a star toward “The Blog of the Year 2012!” http://fictionalmachines.com/2013/01/15/blog-of-the-year-2012-nine/ Keep up the amazing work & enjoy the day!
Interesting post!! Boom & gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Love your series of photos. I’ve never played but I’m sure it’s fun.
It looks very complicated! I think that it might hurt my brain! It doesn’t take much! ;o) Thanks for linking up! x
Looks like fun! I’m not sure my brain could comprehend this! Lol
Ja obožavam tu igru ali na mreži http://www.chanukahmahjong.com/ChromeChanukahMahjong.php,nikada nisam igrala na drugi način!!!!!!!
I love Mah Jongg! I’ve only played on the computer but I’m sure in person would be so much better. Someone would probably have to re-teach me though. I’m guessing it’s different than playing electronically 🙂
I have never played this but we love games so I may have to check it out. Thanks! 🙂
I’ve never heard of this game, it looks rather complicated! I don’t play any kind of card games so this would also be difficult.
Didn’t even realize you were taking the pictures with that cute little pink camera. What a surprise!!! Sorry you’re not in the picture.
Annie
I have never heard of this game but I think my granddaughter would love it because she takes Asian languages. I’m always learning something new. Thanks for adding to my education.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Love Mah Jongg. Used to spend hours playing the electronic versions on the internet or computer. I’m for anything that keeps the mind active and exercised. Thanks for sharing.
We had a mah jongg computer game when I was little (on a DOS computer ha!) and I just played by clicking things hehe – thanks for sharing about the game!
I have never played the game – but have watched Chinese men play it. It can get very intense and competitive. I always enjoy watching the gamers especially when the players are invested in the game.
I LOVE IT! Looking forward to our next game of mah jongg! Thanks for making us the stars of your blog today!
Man, what rock have I been hiding under? I have never heard of this game, but it sounds interesting! The only game that Roy and I play is on our Wii – The Game of Life! We always try to beat the computer players and steal all of their tokens in the game! LOL I also loved backgammon and Othello too!
You steal all their tokens…you are a riot! I hope you get the chance one day to try Mah Jongg…it is mind blowing.
Yep, it is true, we are addicted to the Wii Game of Life! It’s better than the board game, but somehow I always end up with chubby bald guys when you pass the wedding chapel! LOL Roy ends up with a girl that looks like a hot dog with glasses!
LuAnn…you are cracking me up. I have never heard of the details of this game before…now I want it!
I’m Valerie! LOL If you have a Wii system, get this game – – you will love it!
This is the trouble when you get older and your eyes don’t see well…I looked at the wrong post as I was typing…GOOD GRIEF!! Sorry. Yes I have the Wii, I also have the fitness board that is growing cobwebs on it under the sofa☺☺
Oh i love this gameee 🙂
It looks very complicated! You are all clever ladies! Thanks for showing us these photos!
Wil, ABC Team.