Mahjong’s Story
Mahjong traces its roots to 19th-century China, where it was enjoyed as a game of strategy, luck, and social connection. The name mahjong means "sparrow", inspired by the fluttering sound of tiles being shuffled, said to resemble birds in flight. Over time, the game spread worldwide—adapting in style but always keeping its spirit of play, community, and tradition alive.
Ancient Roots (Pre-1800s)
While the exact origin of Mahjong remains debated, the game is widely believed to have evolved from earlier Chinese card and domino games. Several historical games contributed to its development:
"Ma Diao" (馬吊): A 16th-century trick-taking card game often cited as an early ancestor.
Chinese domino games: These used tile-like pieces and complex combinations, laying a foundation for tile-based play.
"Yezi" (葉子): Leaf-style playing cards popular during the Ming dynasty that introduced the concept of suits and draws.
At this stage, Mahjong as we know it—with tiles, four players, and its strategic structure—had not yet taken shape, but the key elements were beginning to emerge.
Origin and Early Development (1800s)
Mahjong took its recognizable form during the Qing Dynasty, likely in the mid- to late-1800s, in coastal Chinese cities such as Ningbo, Shanghai, and Fuzhou.
It was a social pastime among the scholarly and merchant elite, often played in tea houses and private gatherings.
The game was formalized with bamboo and ivory tiles, divided into suits and honors, similar to what’s used today.
The name “Mahjong” (麻將) means “sparrow” in Chinese—thought to reference either the sound the tiles make when shuffled or a regional bird metaphor.