8 articles · read in order

Mahjong in Culture

Mahjong on screen and in print, superstitions and festivals, gambling and the law, the game and the ageing mind, and the art and design of tiles.

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Mahjong in Film and Television

Mahjong scenes carry meaning on screen: family tension in The Joy Luck Club, a battle of wills in Crazy Rich Asians, political intrigue in Lust, Caution. Here are the most memorable appearances.

2 min read

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Mahjong in Anime and Manga

Japan has a whole genre of mahjong manga and anime, from the gambling thrillers of Akagi to the high-school tournament drama of Saki. They have introduced riichi to millions of fans worldwide.

2 min read

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Mahjong Superstitions and Lucky Rituals

Players have always looked for luck: avoiding books (a homophone for "lose" in Cantonese), changing seats, choosing lucky clothes and never counting money at the table. Here are the best-known superstitions.

2 min read

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Mahjong and the Lunar New Year

For many Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and diaspora families, the Lunar New Year is mahjong season: long games with relatives, small stakes, and plenty of food and laughter.

2 min read

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Mahjong, Gambling and the Law

Mahjong is often played for money, and its legal status varies by place. Social games, licensed parlours and points-only play exist side by side with laws against illegal gambling.

2 min read

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Mahjong and the Ageing Mind

Researchers have studied mahjong as a mentally demanding social activity for older adults. Findings are promising but not conclusive. Here is what is known, and what is not.

2 min read

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The Art and Design of Mahjong Tiles

Mahjong tiles are miniature works of art: hand-carved bone, painted birds and flowers, Art Deco plastics, and the colourful designer sets of the 2020s. Tile design is a story of craft and taste.

2 min read

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Mahjong and Food: Snacks, Dim Sum and Table Rules

Long games need food. From Hong Kong mahjong dim sum to snacks that will not stain tiles, eating and mahjong have their own customs and practical rules.

2 min read