Includes index

Introduction: how to use this book, a brief history, game components, table setup -- How to play: object of the game, the basics, order of play, winning the hand, full game structure -- Scoring, strategy & ways to win: scoring, basic game strategy, mahjong hands -- Mahjong variations: Hong Kong style, Japanese style Riichi mahjong, Taiwanese style, Filipino style, Singaporean style, Malaysian style, modern Chinese diaspora style, mahjong competition rules, American mah-jongg, Wright-Patterson mah jongg, western mahjong, your house rules -- Building community: hosting a mahjong night, finding a mahjong set, snack guide, Wong family etiquette slang & superstitions, the art of talking trash (like an elder), collecting your stories

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. With vibrant photography and detailed instructional diagrams, author Nicole Wong walks you through gameplay, just how her grandfather would have. In addition, Mahjong delves into the strategy, history, and design of the game and discusses various popular styles of play (American mah-jongg, Japanese riichi mahjong, and more). A bonus essay also breaks down the mahjong hands in the pivotal scene from the 2018 hit film Crazy Rich Asians, and snippets of the author's family history are sprinkled throughout, telling a story of diaspora through mahjong and showcasing mahjong culture, past and present. 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!