Play the intriguing game of Mahjong
Mahjong is more than a game. In many Asian cultures, it has become a way of life. It has easily become a favorite pastime for many and has been fully absorbed into part of the lifestyle.
In other societies, the normal topic of many conversations may be weather or sports, but in the Chinese community, the most prevalent topic is often the scores of previous Mahjong players.
The game of Mahjong is played almost everywhere, at home, in private clubs, and is played on social occasions such as birthdays, weddings, holidays, and almost any entertainment occasion.
Mahjong is idolized in much the same way that golf is revered in the West. Now there are almost cult-like followers, with associated theorizations that hint that Mahjong sincerely expresses individuality and provides the opportunity to express personal freedom and enjoy self-satisfaction.
Perhaps an immediate reason for the growing popularity is that it is easy to play and easy to learn. Players also claim that it relieves hypertension and improves mental focus and alertness. The therapeutic effects can often be noticed by playing mahjong after a strenuous work week.
The game offers opportunities, not only to socialize, but also the opportunity to demonstrate the capacity for independence, without being influenced by comments or actions of the opponents.
The Mahjong game is played with a set of 136 tiles, of Chinese characters and symbols. Four players are seated on each side of a square table. Different regions can use a different number of tokens, but in general, each player receives thirteen tokens. The goal is to match all the tiles in your hand before the other players. Players, in turn, can draw a new tile from the table or pick up a matching tile discarded by another player. The second objective is to collect the highest scoring hand. The score is based on the probability of achieving a certain combination. The lower the probability of achieving the combination, the higher the score will be awarded.
Very few devotees of the game can explain the captivating appeal and why the Mahjong game itself can be so attractive. Some avid gamers claim that the strategic maneuvers involved simulate challenges that can occur in real life. Once the game begins, reality is often suspended and players can easily plunge into a world brimming with expectation and anticipation.
Endless variations make it difficult to assess opponents’ strength, and this can also add to intrigue. No two games are the same, and each session presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With so much variety involved, the game of mahjong, involving skill, calculated strategy, and a degree of luck, will always be interesting.