Discover Mahjong - the timeless strategy game loved around the world!

At Chess and More Australia, we are passionate about bringing you the world’s finest traditional games—and Mahjong is truly one of the most fascinating. If you're new to Mahjong or curious to learn more, you're in the right place! Let’s dive into what Mahjong is, where it came from, and why it continues to captivate players of all ages today.

The Origins of Mahjong

Mahjong is a traditional Chinese game that dates back to the mid-19th century. It was originally played by scholars and merchants as a game of skill, strategy, and calculation. Over time, Mahjong spread across Asia and then to the Western world, where it evolved into various regional styles and rule sets.

Today, Mahjong is enjoyed globally, whether in family living rooms, tournaments, or even online. Despite slight variations in the rules, the heart of the game remains the same: matching tiles, forming sets, and outsmarting your opponents!

How is Mahjong Played?

Mahjong is typically played with four players. Each player starts with a hand of tiles and takes turns drawing and discarding tiles to form specific combinations (called "melds")—similar to a game of rummy.

The aim is to complete a legal hand before your opponents, often by forming combinations such as:

Pungs (three identical tiles)
Chows (three consecutive tiles of the same suit)
Kongs (four identical tiles)
Pairs (two identical tiles)

When a player completes a full hand, they declare Mahjong and win the round!

What’s in a Standard Mahjong Set?

A classic Mahjong set typically includes:

144 tiles divided into three suits (Bamboo, Characters, Circles)

Wind and Dragon tiles

Flower and Season tiles (in some sets)

Scoring sticks, dice, and sometimes a dealer marker

At Chess and More, we offer a range of Mahjong sets—including traditional Chinese sets and modern tournament styles—perfect for casual play, gifts, or competitive events.

👉 Explore our range of Mahjong Sets here.

What About Mahjong Solitaire? (Single-Player Version)

Not every Mahjong game needs four players! Mahjong Solitaire is a popular single-player version of the game that challenges your memory and pattern recognition skills.

In Mahjong Solitaire, the goal is to clear the board by matching pairs of identical tiles, but you can only remove tiles that are "free" (not blocked by other tiles on either the left or right side). It’s like a puzzle—and it can be both relaxing and surprisingly addictive!

Originally popularized through computer games, Mahjong Solitaire is now also enjoyed with physical Mahjong tiles on a table. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, keep your mind sharp, and enjoy the beauty of Mahjong tiles on your own.

Many people fall in love with Mahjong Solitaire because it's simple to learn, but mastering the best strategies can offer hours of satisfying play!

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Why is Mahjong So Popular?

Mahjong isn’t just a game; it's a rich cultural experience that combines memory, strategy, and a little bit of luck. It encourages social interaction, critical thinking, and provides a fun mental workout. It's no wonder Mahjong is loved by families, friends, and competitive players alike!

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, Mahjong offers endless re-playability and enjoyment every time you sit down at the table.

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Ready to Start Your Mahjong Journey?

At Chess and More Australia, we stock beautifully crafted Mahjong sets designed for both beginners and experienced players. Every set we carry offers quality you can trust—and of course, local Australian warranty and support!

Feel free to browse our collection or reach out if you need help choosing the perfect Mahjong set. We'd love to help you get started on your Mahjong adventure!

🎯 Shop our full range of Mahjong Sets here!