History of Mahjong

History of 麻雀, máquè, and American Mahjong

Roots of Mahjong

Mahjong emerged in the area around Shanghai in the mid- to late-1800s and quickly became popular across China. It was originally called 麻雀 (máquè), sparrow because of the way the tiles sounded when they were shuffled.

More than a game, it has always been a way to build community — reflecting themes of family, togetherness, and even philosophy. Today it remains deeply woven into Chinese culture and is played in homes, parks, and community spaces worldwide.

To be invited to play Mahjong is considered a gesture of friendship and kinship in Chinese culture. It has been played at family gatherings, in teahouses, and during holidays for generations — and it remains a beloved part of Chinese life today.

We recognize and deeply respect these roots by including the cultural significance in every lesson.

Versions of Mahjong

Mahjong has evolved into several distinct regional styles, each with its own rules, traditions, and community:

Chinese Mahjong : The original form of the game that is rooted in strategy and skill. The game is played with 144 tiles, while there is different regional variations of the games, it remains the most widely played version in China and across East Asia.

Japanese Riichi Mahjong — Japan standardized the rules, created a formal scoring system, and established professional leagues, transforming Mahjong into a competitive sport. Riichi Mahjong is widely popular and has a strong competitive scene globally.

American Mahjong — Governed by the National Mah Jongg League, American Mahjong features joker tiles, a Charleston tile exchange, and an annual card of winning hands that changes every year. This variant is played almost exclusively in North America and represents a unique branch of Mahjong history.

Referenced by the Mahjong Playbook

History of American Mahjong

The name "Mah-Jongg" was coined and trademarked by Joseph P. Babcock, an American living in Shanghai, who simplified the rules and added English letters and numerals to the tiles to make the game more accessible to Western players.

Before Babcock, the game was originally called 麻雀 (máquè), meaning "sparrow" — thought to reference the sound of tiles being shuffled, resembling the chattering of birds. Babcock rebranded it with a name that would appeal to Western audiences, leaning into the exotic marketing of the era. His company's catalog described the game as one that carries "all the lure of the Orient" — language that reflected the Orientalist marketing of the time rather than genuine cultural understanding.

The lasting impact of this rebranding is remarkable: because the world came to know the game by Babcock's name, Chinese speakers today largely use 麻将 (májiàng) — characters chosen specifically so the name would sound like Babcock's "Mah-Jongg" — rather than the original 麻雀 (máquè). An American businessman's marketing decision effectively changed what the Chinese call their own game.

We share this history not to diminish the joy of the game, but because we believe understanding it makes us more thoughtful and respectful players.

Encyclopedia Britannica Mahjong Treasures

How American Mahjong Found Its Home

While Babcock's version of the game faded from popularity by the late 1920s, Mahjong had already found a devoted home in a perhaps unexpected community. A group of Jewish women who hoped to revitalize the game established the National Mah Jongg League. Founded in 1937, the League set out to codify new, uniquely American rules for the game and in doing so, created something entirely distinct from its Chinese origins.

Today the NMJL continues to govern American Mahjong, and every player — from Charlotte to California — plays from the same card. It's what makes American Mahjong a shared national tradition rather than just a regional game.

Charlotte Mahjong's Journey

At Charlotte Mahjong, we play and teach American Mahjong by NMJL rules.

We honor the tradition of Chinese 麻雀 (máquè) by beginning every lesson with the origin of the game — discussing how the tiles have evolved over time, how they differ from traditional Chinese sets, and the cultural conversation that surrounds those changes.

A word about tiles:

The world of Mahjong tiles has never been more exciting — or more varied. Today's players can choose from beautifully crafted traditional sets, sleek modern designs, and everything in between. Choosing your tiles is one of the most personal and fun parts of the game, and a great set truly reflects your personality.

We do want to be transparent about where we stand on one aspect of this conversation. In recent years, some tile sets have replaced traditional Chinese characters, suits, winds, and dragons with unrelated Western imagery. Many in the Chinese and Chinese American community have raised thoughtful concerns about this, and we think those voices deserve to be heard.

The tiles we teach on retain Chinese characters and traditional symbolism — because we believe understanding what those images mean, and where they come from, makes you a more connected and thoughtful player.