The History of Mahjong: From Ancient China to Modern World

Mahjong, a game that has captivated players for centuries, originated in China during the Qing dynasty. This fascinating tile-based game has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a global phenomenon.

The exact origins of Mahjong remain somewhat mysterious, but historians generally agree that the game emerged in the mid-to-late 1800s. What began as a simple pastime among Chinese families has grown into a sophisticated game enjoyed worldwide.

In the 1920s, Mahjong made its journey across the Pacific to the United States, where it quickly became a sensation. The game particularly resonated with Jewish-American women, who developed their own variant known as American Mahjong.