No comments about Foster on mah jong,.

3 comments about Complete Book of Mah Jong.

1. A. D. Millington's "The Complete Book of Mah-Jongg" is by far the most comprehensive, lucid and readable book on the classical Chinese version of the game I have found. I recommend Millington for thoughtful, complete organization of material, thoroughness of presentation, wealth of detail, and engaging writing style.

   Millington deals exhaustively with the form of the game as played earlier in the 20th century in China, and then places into historical/developmental context the rule variations and other current national forms of the game as dealt with by such authors as Strauser & Evans, Kanai & Farrell, Eleanor Whitney, David Li, Dieter Kohnen, and Thompson & Maloney. Many of these authors deal with the Chinese form of the game to a greater or lesser extent (Li's book is also devoted to it), and Millington is even cited in bibliographies. Millington's discussion, however, fills in gaps and answers many questions that one may still have after reading these various other authors (not only questions in regards the Chinese game, but also about Western versions).

   Millington's introductory chapter alone is worth the price of the book, dealing as it does with the intellectual challenges of Mah Jongg play, its similarites and differences to other great games like Bridge, a rationale for pursuing the form of the game as played in China in the second decade of the last century, and a discussion of what should actually constitute the "ideal form" of the game to play.

   Preliminaries and procedural elements of play are dealt with step by logical step. A most comprehensive and readable catalogue of rules is provided and later cross indexed in tabular form. Scoring is cogently but thoroughly explained. A chapter on the elements of luck and skill and the interaction of these elements in successful play is both delightful and informative (points mentioned are, however, developed much further in E.N. Whitney's strategy discussions in "A Mah Jong Handbook"). Information about tile design, forms of counting sticks and other accessories, and very detailed discussion of procedural variations within the Chinese game itself are all also presented.

   In addressing issues of Mah Jongg's philosophy and symbolism and its historical development Millington provides a vivid account of Chinese culture, key persons in its evolution in China, an account of the entrepeneurial Americans who first introduced the game to the West, and abundant arcana about early "proto-Mah Jongg" games that finally coalesced into the standard game based on the 144 tile set.

   Millington's magisterial evaluation of variant forms that have developed since Mah Jongg was first introduced to the West in the 1920s convincingly argues for the superiority of the classical Chinese game. This evaluation provides a wealth of detail illustrating how variations of play have actually changed the fundamental character of the game as well.

   Upon completion of this volume the reader will not only understand the Chinese game in much greater depth, but, having gained a deeper cultural, historical, and scholarly context for understanding other versions - Japanese, Richii, early and "New" American, British - of the game, the reader/player will be ready to adapt to these other forms of the game with greater understanding, fluency, and ease. Millington's case for the classical Chinese form, however, is made with such sagacity, clarity, and brilliance that other versions of the game pale before the brightness of its exposition.




2. Millington's work is probably the best I have come across that explains Mah Jongg as it was played before Babcock and a whole slew of American players f*cked it up. It goes into great detail in the rules for play. While there is no extensive section on strategy--only a brief one--it does have a fascinating section on the history of the game, and a brief description of several variations. Read the directions in detail. It may look a little overwhelming but once you've read it you'll be an expert in Mah Jongg forever and have a thorough knowledge of all the rules of the game.



3. I agree with these other reviewers wholeheartedly. I'm learning the classical Chinese version, as we are about to adopt our daughter from China, and wanted something of her culture to pass on to her. In reading this book as a newbie, it has been a great help in starting to understand the game. But it's definitely not for beginners only - quite a bit of what is discussed is over my head as a newcomer to the game, and would be more clearly understood by moderate and advanced players. Something in it for everyone, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in mahjong.
   
   Note regarding shipping - I purchased it through the Amazon website from a seller named caiman_com. I selected expedited media mail, and it took WEEKS to get here from England (I believe), so if you need the book in a hurry, carefully check the shipping options offered by sellers.

4 comments about The Fortune Teller's Mah Jongg.

1. This kit is a unique addition to anyone's fortune-telling expertise. Based on ancient Chinese astronomy charting systems and many of the basic Eastern spiritual philosophies, the readings reveal optimistic and thoughtful answers to the reader's questions.



2. This kit is a unique addition to anyone's fortune-telling expertise. Based on ancient Chinese astronomy charting systems and many of the basic Eastern spiritual philosophies, the readings reveal optimistic and thoughtful answers to the reader's questions.



3. This is one of those rare books that grows with you. As you become accostomed to it's design and function, you find that your developing abilities you never knew you had. This book has a logic and sence of serenity that other oracle books lack, and you can learn the game of Mah Jongg! A great tool for people who are bored with the average tarot type readings.



4. I have been an avid student of fortune telling, particularly Chinese fortune telling, for a number of years. I had also spent MANY hours enjoying a good game of Mahjongg before. Rumors abounded about the tiles being used as a means of divination, but I had never been able to find a codified source. For those interested in Chinese esotera, or in cartomancy, this is a wonderful source.

No comments about Ma cheuk: (also called "mah jong", "pung chow" and "ma mung") as played by the Chinese,.

No comments about Teach Yourself Mah Jong.

2 comments about Mah Jong for Beginners (Books to Span the East and West).

1. I wanted a good book on how to learn and play Mah Jong. With this book, I felt I was getting a book that was poorly translated from Chinese to English. It was hard to follow and explained a version of Mah Jong I was not familiar with. Maybe a person who is more familiar with the game play would have a better time with this book. For beginners, it is very confusing. It does have some good sections on play and strategy. Granted, it does beat the instructions you get with most Mah Jong sets, but there are better books out there.(see Mah Jong Illustrated)



2. Maybe here in Oz we're used to things being translated from Asian languages into English... I had no trouble with the book, which is by a Japanes co author and illustrates the Japanee rules. I have bought copies as gifts for those learning.

No comments about Macromedia Flash Professional 8 Game Graphics.

3 comments about Mah-Jongg: Basic Rules & Strategies.

1. I bought this book hoping that it would cover the Chinese rules of Mah-Jongg, which I am trying to learn. It does, though it calls the game "traditional" Mah-Jongg. I haven't yet had time to sit down and really set out to learn the game, but this book looks like the way to do it. It has ample illustrations and goes step by step through a couple of games, giving examples on strategies.

   All told, a solid buy.




2. After reading many rules of play and buying several books, in and out of print, on the subject, I found this the best for the novice to the game. It is easily read and followed. I recommend it to those wanting to learn to play.



3. To quote from page 6 in the book, "Rules and strategies for a so-called mixed-hand variation of traditional Mah-Jongg are presented here."

   Those who are playing with the 2002 card in the National League will not find much help in rules or strategies.

2 comments about The Happy Game of Mah-Jong.

1. 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.




2. There are two excellent books, about the same size and illustration value, which focus on the Classical game, not the myriad of foreign add-ons with their complex & peculiar hands: this one, by native Chinese mathematician and scholar (translator & editor of the fine Analects of Confucius with its priceless, concise, notes) and The Book of Mah jong: An Illustrated Guide by Amy Lo. These fine books together make a superb set. Mr Li and Amy Lo cover the same traditional game from different perspective which, together, offer the reader a stereoscopic view which aids understanding. The classic game is complex enough in the motion of congenial sociality without desperate recourse to "special hands" Western variations which became popular in the 1930s with the various coffee clutch set. When buying a game set, the traditional is bone and bamboo (seek the largest size) and the attractive modern sets come in larger sizes -- Western numbers aid the beginner, but one can easily learn them if buying the Asian set with only Mandarin numerals.

1 comments about Mahjong All Day Long.

1. There are several things I really like about this very unique book at an old traditional game called mahjong.
   
   The first is that not only is this book written in English, but also has lots of Chinese Characters. Not only do they have the characters for Daddy, Mama, Big sister, Little brother and Mahjong, but also word associated with the game such as " Hu Le!" ( I win! ), " Peng " ( 3 of a kind ), " Chi" ( 3 in a row ), counting in Chinese from 1 to 10 and Do you want this tile? And your typical pestering of siblings ... Sounds terrible, Don't touch, and Don't act crazy!
   
   The second is that instead of drawing illustrations on paper, Beth who is a ceramic arts professor made the illustrations on ceramic plates. How cool is that! The drawings are simple, colorful and have qualities that can and are found in families across the world! Upon 1st reading and looking at the books illusrations I thought, they are Ok, nothing really special, then upon reading the dust jacket I found out that illustrations where actually glazed & fired plates. With that in mind, I went back and carefully looked at each plate and was really impressed! Now,I can easily see those plates now hang proudly on the walls in their parents home!
   
   The third is that in the last 2 pages there is more information about Mahjong, and if you are interested in learning mahjong from reading this book ( like I now am), they have thoughtfully complied a list of 9 books on Mahjong for you to read.
   
   The fourth is that the two sister when as young sat on their fathers knee and watched their parents and family members play mahjong and now they too play mahjong with their families. What a lovely way to pass on a family tradition and beloved game.