Mahjong is more than just a game - it's an engaging blend of strategy, social interaction and mental exercise that has been entertaining players since the mid-1800s. Whether you're playing for fun with family and friends or sharpening your strategic skills, mahjong offers a rewarding experience that is easy to learn and packed with benefits.
Mahjong originated in China and quickly spread across Asia and beyond. Played with 144 tiles, the game involves drawing, discarding and matching tiles to create winning combinations. Over time, different versions of mahjong have developed, from the classic Chinese style to Japanese Riichi and the American version with additional rules and jokers.
No matter the variation, the essence of the game remains the same - a mix of skill, memory and a bit of luck that keeps players coming back for more.
Mahjong is Easy to Learn
Newcomers often assume that mahjong is complicated, but the basics are surprisingly simple. At its core, the game is about forming sets of three or four matching or consecutive tiles, similar to rummy. Once you understand the basic rules, the challenge lies in strategy - deciding which tiles to keep, which to discard and how to anticipate your opponents' moves.
We enjoy this simple instruction video...
And this video explains the game in a little more detail...
With a little practice, anyone can start playing and enjoying the game. Many communities, online platforms and apps offer tutorials and beginner-friendly versions, making it accessible to all ages.
The Benefits (& Risks) of Mahjong
Playing mahjong isn’t just fun, it’s also great for your brain. A 10 year study (Zhu et al; links to all studies at bottom of page) found that older adults who played mahjong regularly maintained better cognitive function over a ten-year period compared to those who didn’t play. The study identified five key cognitive areas where mahjong players excelled:
Reaction speed - Making quick decisions while playing sharpens reflexes.
Memory and recall - Remembering discarded tiles and planning future moves enhances memory.
Attention and focus -Concentrating on the game improves mental alertness.
Calculation skills - Keeping track of points and strategies boosts numerical ability.
Coordination - Handling and arranging tiles enhances fine motor skills.
The findings suggest that mahjong can help slow cognitive decline and may even improve certain cognitive abilities over time.
Beyond its mental benefits, mahjong is a deeply social game. Sitting around a table, chatting and sharing moments of laughter fosters connection. Studies have shown that social games like mahjong can lower stress, reduce anxiety and even help prevent depression in older adults.
The verbal communication, strategic thinking and interaction involved in mahjong also strengthen language skills and social awareness. In a world where digital screens often replace face-to-face conversations, mahjong provides a meaningful way to connect with others.
It’s also a cost-effective and accessible pastime. Unlike some brain-training apps or expensive therapies, mahjong requires nothing more than a set of tiles and a group of players. While mahjong offers many benefits, like any activity, balance is key. Some versions of the game involve gambling, which can lead to financial and social risks. Additionally, prolonged sitting during long game sessions can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. So be sure to not get stuck at the table, it can happen!
Final Thoughts
Whatever your age, mahjong is a powerful tool for fun, friendship and brain health. Whether you're playing for leisure or to keep your mind sharp, its blend of strategy, social interaction and mental engagement makes it an excellent pastime. So, why not gather some friends, shuffle the tiles and enjoy a game?!
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Related Studies and Resources
Zhu L, Wang Y, Wu Y, Wilson A, Zhou H, Li N, Wang Y. Longitudinal associations between the frequency of playing Mahjong and cognitive functioning among older people in China: evidence from CLHLS, 2008-2018. Front Public Health. 2024 Mar 14;12:1352433. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352433. PMID: 38550318; PMCID: PMC10973127.
Wang J, Liu N, Zhao X. Association of Playing Cards or Mahjong with Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 28;19(15):9249. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159249. PMID: 35954599; PMCID: PMC9368645.
Zhang H, Peng Y, Li C, Lan H, Xing G, Chen Z, Zhang B. Playing Mahjong for 12 Weeks Improved Executive Function in Elderly People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Study of Implications for TBI-Induced Cognitive Deficits. Front Neurol. 2020 Mar 27;11:178. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00178. PMID: 32292385; PMCID: PMC7120035.
Other
Pozzi FE, Appollonio I, Ferrarese C, Tremolizzo L. Can Traditional Board Games Prevent or Slow Down Cognitive Impairment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;95(3):829-845. doi: 10.3233/JAD-230473. PMID: 37638443.
Brooker H, Wesnes KA, Ballard C, Hampshire A, Aarsland D, Khan Z, Stenton R, McCambridge L, Corbett A. An online investigation of the relationship between the frequency of word puzzle use and cognitive function in a large sample of older adults. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 Jul;34(7):921-931. doi: 10.1002/gps.5033. Epub 2019 May 16. PMID: 30443984.
Brooker H, Wesnes KA, Ballard C, Hampshire A, Aarsland D, Khan Z, Stenton R, Megalogeni M, Corbett A. The relationship between the frequency of number-puzzle use and baseline cognitive function in a large online sample of adults aged 50 and over. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 Jul;34(7):932-940. doi: 10.1002/gps.5085. Epub 2019 Feb 28. PMID: 30746778.
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