American Mah Jongg for Beginners: Learn & Master the Game with Ease - New Full Color Edition Featuring This Year’s Card Strategies

You probably won't learn a game like Mahjong only by reading about it, but being able to use this book as a reference after taking a few lessons it will be very useful. The author has set it out very clearly, so that after you have an introduction to the game you can read about it and reinforce your learning. It is written in easy, lighthearted language, which makes the reader feel comfortable about being a beginner and seeking instruction. The book is well organized, and the diagrams and drawings are clear and useful. Zhong is a game that should be both a pleasure and exciting, but not as stressful as something like bridge where everyone is so intense and friends uponany social interaction. The book approaches the game exactly the same way our teacher did, always emphasizing the fun, after all, it is a game. The instructions are for the American style of Mahjong, and are set out in an orderly fashion, exactly the way you should learn how to play. There is a lot of information packed in the book in an orderly, comprehensible style. I would recommend it highly.

loved this book from the moment I saw the title! I learned a little Mah Jongg as a child from a Chinese friend, but I had forgotten most of it over the years. This book helped me remember how to play again, and the best part is that it’s all in English! The author is clearly a pro, and I learned so much more than I ever knew before. I’m even planning to order a Mah Jongg set for my mom. It’s a wonderful game that not only keeps the brain sharp but also brings people together and strengthens social connections.

This book is simple, engaging, and does a solid job of explaining the basics of American Mah Jongg to someone starting from zero. The rules and concepts are presented clearly enough that an absolute beginner can follow along and begin to understand the game. While some readers may notice occasional inconsistencies or suspect AI authorship, the core instruction still works. If your goal is to get oriented and start playing, this is a surprisingly helpful introductory guide.

Between this book and watching specific educational videos, I’m building confidence to approach a group of players. The exercises offered in the book are truly valuable to advancing your knowledge before sitting down at a table. The author also offers sites for online play.

As a beginner, I knew nothing about Mah Jongg. I highly recommend this book. It's easy to follow instructions have me and my husband and feeling confident about playing the game

I’ve tried learning Mah Jongg before and always felt lost, but this book actually help me a lot as a beginner. The visuals helped a lot and the explanations are not overwhelming. The section on the new 2025 card was especially helpful because that part usually confuses me. I also loved the little facts and the two player rules. After a few nights of reading I could sit down and play without second guessing every move.

My grandmother was a Mah Jongg player and tried to teach me before she died. I have thought about playing (or trying to play) as a way to feel connected. This book is a great help. It brought back the things she tried to teach me (Bams and Crack lol). The book has information on variations to game play and the history. I have more studying to do!

I have only played Mah Jongg online and thought it was just a simple matching game. There is so much more to the game than I realizes, especially if you play it in physical form. This book helped to break down the rules and strategies to have the most fun possible. It includes facts and FAQs at the end which is a nice addition.