FAQs
About the Game
Is this picture accurate?
Perhaps you are curious when Mah Jongg was first played? We know the game originated in China, and many believe its an ancient game. During the 1920’s the game was introduced to the Western World.
But do we know how long the Chinese have been playing? Did Confucius play the game? Is it REALLY that old?
This video should help set the record straight.
For another opinion, Tom Sloper, a noted expert on the game says:
“Mah-Jongg is NOT an ancient game, as author after author insist. That origin legend is just a lot of marketing hype that started in the 1920s when mah-jongg first became popular around the world.
Mah-Jongg as we know it today was created in the mid-to-late 1800s, based on (inspired by, derived from) money-suited card games that do go back to ancient times. In fact, those “ancient” cards and games were also the progenitors of today’s tarot cards and playing cards. The earliest written record describing the gameplay of mah-jongg is no older than the 1890s, and the earliest known mah-jongg sets go back no farther than the 1870s.”
For more on this and other Mah Jongg topics, visit Tom’s site
Not at all. The tile matching games, usually called Mah Jongg Solitaire, are found all over the internet. They do not reflect the play of the real game. There are only a few sites online to play the real Mah Jongg. You’ll find some of them listed here.
The famous ‘Card” is a combination of rules on one side and winning hands on the other. Each year the National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card with a different group of winning hands. Usually, there are about 60 winners of varying difficulty. These new hands keep the game fresh and exciting for the players.
At the Fishers Mah Jongg Center, we follow the rules of the National Mah Jongg League. Some of the standard rules appear on the game card. However, there are books available detailing the full set of rules. We prefer these:
- Instruction Book “Mah Jongg Made Easy” on sale from the National Mah Jongg League
- “The Red Dragon & The West Wind: The Winning Guide to Official Chinese & American Mah-Jongg” by Tom Sloper available on Amazon
Both of these publications are available at our Center for reference. And watch for the Questions & Answers section of our monthly email newsletter dealing with rules.
Mah Jongg is a 19th-century Chinese game. It came to this country about 1920. During the twenty’s and thirty’s, it became popular among Jewish women. The National Mah Jongg League was formed in 1937 by a group of Jewish women to standardize the rules used in this country. However, many people play the game, and no religious affiliation is required.
Mah Jongg is an old Chinese game. However, in this country, we play with a few additional tiles and different rules making the game very different.
There are at least three versions of ‘American’ Mah Jongg.
- National Mah Jongg League
- American Mah-Jongg Association
- Wright Patterson OSC
Each has their own rules and winning hands.
Our Center plays American style following the National Mah Jongg League rules.
Playing at our Center
Yes. Often a player will bring snacks to share, and the Center provides bottled water. Each table has cup holders. We have a small refrigerator, ice, a Keurig machine, and a microwave for other items you might want to bring. We ask that you do not eat at the game tables.
Yes, we do. Each year we have special sessions to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research. During the change over to new cards, April 1st, we’ll have close out the old and special opening the new card games.
Reservations are necessary for our sessions. Due to weather, the season of the year, illness, etc. it may necessary to contact those who plan to attend. Occasionally we will have special game events or tournaments that also require reservations.
To make reservations, click here.
We are open when our players can play. To have a group attend we must have a pre-determined schedule. Periodically we’ll survey to determine the need for additional sessions. If you would like to request a different time, you may do so here.
Just the desire to learn and play the game following the rules of the National Mah Jongg League, and pay the required fees.
You need the current ‘card’ from the National Mah Jongg League. You can purchase them from us, or they are available by mail from the National Mah Jongg League Cost $9-$10
Nonmembers $15 per session.
Lessons, special events, and tournament play additional.
*Fees are per session, not per game.
No. We have players who regularly attend, driving up to an hour one way to enjoy the game with us.
Not at all, we provide the sets.
You do need the current ‘hands card’ from the National Mah Jongg League. You can purchase them from us, or they are available by mail from the National Mah Jongg League Cost $9-$10
No, both members and guests may attend as they please. Many of our players are ‘snow birds’ who visit only for a few months each year.
No, you may come late, leave early or play all day. Tournament play and special events may be different.