Mah-Jongg: Basic Rules & Strategies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ Dieter Kohnen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The "Bird of 100 intelligences"--that's what mah-jong means in Chinese, and if you want to find out why so many millions of people have become enchanted by the game for so many thousands of years, this colorful guide is the next best thing to having the mythical creature perched on your shoulder telling you its secrets. It's a quick game to learn and fast-paced to play. You get a quick introduction to the tiles and sticks, including the Circles (or dots), Characters (or cracks), Winds, and Honors. The basic moves are clearly explained and shown, with practice games that take you step-by-step through the opening moves, the middle strategies, combinations, and sequences, and the endgame. Special tips and shortcuts show you how to assemble your tiles into winning complete sets, with moves that would take years to learn by trial and error. You also learn 24 different variations and versions with colorful names like the Twins of Heaven, the Twins of Hell, the Green Hand, the Nine Lanterns, the Dragon, and three Japanese-style games. (Best of all, you'll learn that strange "bird's 100 intelligences" along the way.) Sterling 64 pages (all in 2-color), 6 5/8 x 8 3/4.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; illustrated edition edition (June 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806907525
• ISBN-13: 978-0806907529
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #253,319 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to the game, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

I bought this book hoping that it would cover the Chinese rules of Mah-Jongg, which I am trying to learn. It does, though it calls the game "traditional" Mah-Jongg. I haven't yet had time to sit down and really set out to learn the game, but this book looks like the way to do it. It has ample illustrations and goes step by step through a couple of games, giving examples on strategies.

All told, a solid buy.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginners guide to Mahjongg, February 14, 2002

By	GrandmaDaleyx7 "Susan" (Central California) - See all my reviews

After reading many rules of play and buying several books, in and out of print, on the subject, I found this the best for the novice to the game. It is easily read and followed. I recommend it to those wanting to learn to play.

6 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not National Mah Jongg League (USA), April 16, 2002

By A Customer

To quote from page 6 in the book, "Rules and strategies for a so-called mixed-hand variation of traditional Mah-Jongg are presented here."

Those who are playing with the 2002 card in the National League will not find much help in rules or strategies.