The background behind the game. Where mahjong came from, how tile design changed over the last century, how it turned up in film and art, and what the research says about memory and ageing. Also the practical reference material: choosing a set that suits the way you play, and keeping tiles in good condition for decades.
The history pieces separate what is documented from what is repeated, including the myths about the game’s origins and its spread beyond China. Others trace a century of women at the table, how directors use mahjong on screen, and how it became a game worth watching competitively. On the practical side: dating a set by its material, whether bone, bakelite or acrylic, and how to clean and store tiles so they outlast the people who bought them.
