- Paperback: 136 pages
- Publisher: Premier Pub Co (July 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0963785230
- ISBN-13: 978-0963785237
- Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 15 x 1 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,459,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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2 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Excellent Work on the Classical Game
27 Jan 2007
Format:Paperback
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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Fun and informative
8 Dec 2000
Format:Paperback
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.
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