Mahjong

House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora

By Nicole Wong

A step-by-step guide to Mahjong for new and seasoned players alike. 

For many third-culture kids in the Asian diaspora, the sight and sound of clacking mahjong tiles conjures deep-seated memories. Some learned to play alongside elders, while others watched from afar. Maybe you only distantly know of the game through movies or articles about pop-up mahjong nights. Whether you are looking to reconnect with the game, pick up a new hobby, or introduce others to a favorite pastime, Mahjong is a step-by-step guide for new and seasoned players alike. 

  • How-to: Easy-to-read instructions and clear illustrations make it easy for beginners to learn the game.  

  • Styles: Learn different variations on the game, from American mahjong to Japanese riichi mahjong.  

  • Culture: Learn how to create your own mahjong traditions, document your family’s house rules, and more. 

  • History: Discover the history of mahjong, from its early roots as a Chinese card game to its arrival in the U.S. in the 1920s to the modern mahjong renaissance.  

With Mahjong as your guide, learn the history and evolution of this beautiful game while you connect with friends, family, and culture. You may even write your own house rules—just don’t forget the snacks! 

In Stock
$34.99 RRP
ISBN
9781958417638
Publish date
01 April 2025
Format
Hardback
Page count
176
Weight
675 grams
Dimensions
225 x 175 mm

About the author

Nicole Wong is a writer and audio producer based in Oakland, California. She started The Mahjong Project in 2019 – part instructional guide, part oral history project, to document her family’s house rules and place them in the broader history and diaspora of the game itself. 

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