Mahjong
- Designer (Uncredited)
- Publisher 6Brothers Baduk , A. D. Richter & Cie. , Alga , ASS Altenburger Spielkarten
- Illustration Barbro Hennius
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Four players take turns drawing tiles to form sets like runs, triplets, and pairs. You can draw from the wall or claim discarded tiles from other players using special calls like "Chow" or "Pung." The gameplay involves strategic hand management and set collection similar to rummy, with various regional rule variations affecting scoring and play style.
Who Is This Game For?
Mahjong suits players aged 8 and up looking for a strategic game with moderate complexity. With a playtime around 120 minutes, it demands focus and patience. Prior experience with set collection games helps, but the rules are learnable. It's more of a hobbyist game than a casual family game.
How It Works
Players alternate drawing tiles from the stock or claiming others' discards to complete sets. Core mechanics include Hand Management and Set Collection, where you organize your hand into sequences and triplets. Special calls like "Chow" (sequence from left player's discard) and "Pung" (triplet from any discard) regulate tile claiming. The goal is to complete a winning hand called Mahjong.
What Makes It Special
Mahjong, without a known designer, won the Gra Roku Game of the Year award in 1988. It is a classic card game with unique regional variants from China, Japan, and the US. Its combination of Hand Management and Set Collection, plus rich cultural heritage, makes it stand out in abstract strategy games. It also has many digital versions.
Awards
- 1988 Gra Roku Game of the Year — Winner
Pro
- Traditional Chinese game with deep history
- Core mechanics: Hand Management and Set Collection
- Varied regional rule sets for replayability
- Gra Roku Game of the Year winner 1988
Contra
- Long playtime around 120 minutes
- Requires patience and concentration
- Not suitable for players under 8
Setting & Atmosphäre
Mahjong is set in 19th century China, using illustrated tiles featuring symbols like dragons, winds, and numbers that evoke traditional Chinese culture.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on organizing your hand efficiently and learn the special calls like "Chow" and "Pung" to claim tiles effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Mahjong is designed for 3 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A Mahjong game lasts about 120 minutes, including setup and explanations it may take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Some knowledge of set collection mechanics helps, though the various regional rules are learnable.
How does this compare to similar games?
Mahjong differs by special tile claiming rules like "Chow" and "Pung" and its traditional Chinese tiles compared to other set collection games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, Mahjong is better suited for experienced players than casual family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Hand Management and Set Collection with unique tile claiming rules defines the game.
Fazit
Mahjong is recommended for players seeking a classic hand management and set collection game with cultural depth. The long playtime and rule complexity require experience and patience.
