Mahjong, a classic game with roots tracing back to ancient China, has been a popular pastime for centuries, captivating the hearts of numerous players worldwide. Despite its popularity, there are various misconceptions regarding the game, particularly in relation to the number of cards or tiles involved. These misconceptions stem from the complexity of the game itself, the numerous versions played across the globe, and the game’s adaptation to different platforms. This article seeks to debunk these myths and provide a clear understanding of the true count of Mahjong cards.
Breaking Down the Misunderstood Mahjong Card Count
The most prevalent myth relating to Mahjong card count is that the game uses 136 cards. This misconception is often perpetuated by the fact that some versions of the game, specifically the Japanese version known as Riichi Mahjong, indeed use 136 tiles. However, this is not the standard for all versions. The number of cards or tiles used in a game of Mahjong differs depending on the version being played, which contributes to the confusion surrounding the true count of Mahjong cards.
Another common misconception is that Mahjong uses the same number of cards as a standard deck of playing cards. This misunderstanding likely arises from the comparison of Mahjong to card games such as poker or rummy. While it is true that Mahjong shares similarities with these games in terms of strategy and skill, the number of cards used differs significantly. A standard deck of playing cards consists of 52 cards, whereas even the version of Mahjong with the least number of tiles uses more than this.
Moving Beyond Myths: The Actual Number of Mahjong Cards
The actual count of Mahjong cards is usually 144. This figure applies to the most common version of the game, which is played in China, Hong Kong, and many other parts of the world. The set is divided into three main types: suits, honors, and flowers, each having a specific number of tiles. The suits consist of Bamboo, Characters, and Circles. Each suit has numbers ranging from 1 to 9, and there are four identical cards for each number, totalling to 108 cards.
The honors include East, South, West, and North Winds, and the Dragons Red, Green, and White. Each of these seven tiles is also repeated four times, adding 28 more cards to the set. Finally, the flower tiles commonly include four Flowers and four Seasons, making up the final 8 cards. This division of suits, honors, and flowers amounts to the total of 144 cards.
In conclusion, while the number of Mahjong cards can vary depending on the version of the game being played, the standard count is 144 cards. This figure has been consistently used in the traditional Chinese variant, which is the most common version of the game. By debunking misconceptions surrounding the game, we can gain a clearer understanding of Mahjong, and appreciate the intricate complexity that has captivated players for centuries.