Mahjong

Did you know that Mahjong...? Discoveries and amazing facts about the game

• Origin of the game's name:

  Did you know that the word "mahjong" comes from the Chinese 麻將 (májiàng), which literally translates to "hemp sparrows"? This name likely originated from the sounds made by the game pieces when shuffled, resembling the chirping of sparrows. Interesting, isn't it?

• Modern variations of the game:

  Over time, mahjong has undergone numerous transformations, giving rise to various variations. For example, Chinese Classical Mahjong, American Mahjong, Japanese Riichi, and, of course, Mahjong Solitaire. Each version introduces its unique rules and nuances, making the game infinitely diverse.

• Appearance of Mahjong Solitaire:

  Did you know when Mahjong Solitaire first appeared? This version of the game, requiring the removal of pairs of identical tiles from the board, became popular in the 1980s thanks to computer versions. This innovation allowed the game to find a new audience and become a favorite pastime for millions.

• Cultural heritage:

  Mahjong is not just a game, but an important part of cultural heritage, especially in China, where it was recognized as intangible cultural heritage in 2020. This acknowledgment highlights the deep roots of mahjong in the country's culture and traditions.

• Popularity after inclusion in Microsoft:

  An interesting fact — the popularity of Mahjong Solitaire significantly increased after Microsoft included the game in its operating systems. This made mahjong accessible to a wide audience, contributing to its global popularity.

• Guinness World Records:

  Did you know that mahjong has set several Guinness World Records? One of them is for the largest game of mahjong, demonstrating the scale and worldwide love for this exciting game.

• The Emergence of Shanghai Mahjong:

  The original computer version of Mahjong solitaire, also known as Shanghai Mahjong in some versions, was created by Brodie Lockard in 1981. This game used the same set of tiles as traditional Mahjong and was later included by Microsoft in Windows 3.X under the name 'Taipei'.

• The Difference Between Shanghai Mahjong and Mahjong Solitaire:

  Shanghai Mahjong, in the context of some versions and platforms, can be seen as one of the variations of Mahjong solitaire, with a unique set of levels and design. The main difference lies in the specific presentation and, in some cases, unique rules or game modes, such as different levels of difficulty and layouts. However, both versions of the game share the common goal of removing pairs of tiles from the board.

• Platforms for Playing:

  Shanghai Mahjong is available on various platforms, including PC, mobile phones, and online services. With the advancement of internet technologies, playing Shanghai Mahjong online has become possible for people around the world, providing easy access to the game without the need to install software.

• Contribution to the Popularity of Mahjong:

  Just as the inclusion of Mahjong solitaire in Microsoft operating systems contributed to its global popularity, Shanghai Mahjong also played a significant role in popularizing Mahjong both in China and abroad. It allowed players around the world to familiarize themselves with traditional Chinese culture through an engaging and intellectual game.

• Microsoft Mahjong:

  Microsoft Mahjong, first introduced in the Windows Entertainment Pack in 1990 and later included in various versions of Windows, significantly increased the popularity of Mahjong among a wide audience. Microsoft Mahjong is a version of Mahjong solitaire with a number of unique features, such as visual themes, hints, undo capabilities, and difficulty ratings. These features make the game more accessible for beginners while offering challenges for experienced players.

• Levels of Difficulty:

  Microsoft Mahjong and other versions of the game often offer several levels of difficulty, from beginner to expert. Difficulty levels can affect the number of tile layers, their arrangement, and time restrictions, adding more challenges to the game and making each round unique. Choosing a difficulty level allows players to gradually improve their skills and strategies.

• Variety of Layouts:

  One of the most attractive features of Mahjong is the variety of tile layouts. Layouts can range from traditional pyramids to complex configurations, such as butterfly, turtle, castle, or even thematic ones inspired by holidays or seasons. This variety not only makes the game more interesting and visually appealing but also offers players new strategic challenges. Microsoft Mahjong, in particular, is known for providing a variety of themes and layouts that are regularly updated, allowing players to enjoy new content.