INTERNATIONAL MAHJONG DAY
Fast Facts
- CELEBRATION
- Increase awareness of Mahjong and how to play
- CELEBRATED
- Each year on August 1st
- FOUNDER
- Founded in 2018 by Riichi Mahjong Central
- VIBE
- Strategic, fun, competitive
INTERNATIONAL MAHJONG DAY
On August 1st, International Mahjong Day deals a game to get the celebration started! Play your tiles well, and perhaps you'll honor the day with a win.
#InternationalMahjongDay
The 19th-century strategy game became popular in the United States in the 1920s. While we play the game with tiles, it's much like rummy. The players meld beautifully designed tiles with Chinese characters and symbols to earn points. Melds include pongs, kongs, chows, and the mighty Mahjong.
What is Mahjong?
Mahjong is a tile-based game (usually played by 4 players) similar to the card game Rummy. The goal is to build a winning hand (called "Mahjong") by collecting matching sets and a pair. A standard winning hand consists of 14 tiles, usually broken into:
4 sets (of 3 tiles each)
1 pair (2 identical tiles)
Because Mahjong traveled great distances, it challenges people from many different backgrounds. As a result, Mahjong also breaks down communication barriers, bringing neighborhoods and communities together. Since people of all ages play, the game also bridges the gap between generations.
There are also a variety of styles of Mahjong, including American, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japanese, just to name a few. Find the version you enjoy best to play. Learn several different variations and try them all. If you've never played, the season is a perfect time to learn.
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL MAHJONG DAY
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Learn the history of Mahjong. How many versions of Mahjong exist?
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Take time to teach someone how to play Mahjong. If you don't know how to play, gather some friends together, and learn! It's simple once you can recognize the different characters and symbols.
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Enter a Mahjong tournament or join a Mahjong club.
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Share your Mahjong tips and tricks on social media using #InternationalMahjongDay to share on social media.
INTERNATIONAL MAHJONG DAY HISTORY
Riichi Mahjong Central founded International Mahjong Day to increase the awareness of Mahjong and how to play. The Japanese-style Mahjong is growing in popularity in Japan. This platform especially lends itself to a social element. As a result, professional leagues, much like those in the United States, are growing, too.
In September of 2018, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed International Mahjong Day to be observed annually on August 1st.