The Happy Game of Mah-Jong

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 136 pages
• Published by: Premier Pub Co July 1994
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0963785230
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0963785237
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 7.2 ounces

Reader Reviews
If you're taking up Mah Jongg and are interested in learning the traditional Chinese version, you should enjoy this quirky and charming introduction to the game. Written in the style of a textbook, the book contains exercises at the end of each chapter. As with any textbook, the exercises range from trivial to challenging, with a few that are downright silly. For example, the exercises at the end of the introductory chapter suggest that you talk to other Mah Jongg players about their happy experiences playing Mah Jongg. Happy, happy, happy is a theme taken to comic extremes throughout the book, which strives to present Mah Jongg as a simple and pleasant game. It largely succeeds, but stumbles somewhat when it comes to scoring, because scoring in Mah Jongg isn't really straightforward. Many tables are provided, but I really didn't find them illuminating until I took out a paper and pencil and reproduced them myself. Also, the book's value as a reference would be greatly improved if it had an index! The great strength of this book is that Li, a mathematician, offers logical explanations for the mechanics of the game. It's easier to remember rules when they make sense! I also liked the explanations of the symbolism of the game and the section on etiquette. These lend an air of authenticity and enhance the mystique of the game. It's the balance between logic, tradition and playfulness that makes "Happy Game of Mah Jong" a neat little book.