Traditional vs. Contemporary
How do You Define Contemporary?
American Mahjong is an adaptation of the Chinese game. Contrary to what I believed when I first started playing, the original Chinese version is not ‘ancient’. It came to popularity with Chinese aristocracy sometime in the 1880s and to the United States by wealthy American travelers who were enamored of the beautiful tiles and the excitement of the game.
Anyone who plays can tell you that the Chinese version is easier to learn to play initially, but far more complicated to score! In 1937 the issue of scoring prompted a group of Jewish women in New York City to devise their own version of the game. They used the Chinese tiles, and the general aspects of the game while still making it their own. Can you say, “jokers?”
Over the years the American version has had rule changes and updates, including using a uniform number of jokers and flowers each year. It wasn’t until the early 70s that someone said, “Enough already!”, and decided on eight of each- no more changing!
Throughout the 88 years of the National Mah Jongg League’s existence we’ve always used what mostly looks like traditional Chinese tiles. They’re a bit smaller and not as thick, because we use a rack to hold them, the originals stand up on their own. And yet, the characters are pretty much the same and the flowers still have numbers and seasons on them despite the fact that we ignore them completely.
And then came contemporary tiles…Cue the drama! Contemporary tiles still have everything necessary to play- bams, craks, dots, dragons, winds, flowers, and or course- jokers! The only difference is that the graphics are bold and modern. The colors are gorgeous, the images are new and fresh, and the choices are nearly endless.
If you’ve been playing for more than a few months, it doesn’t take much to adjust to the bams, craks, and dots in a contemporary set. Some are just stylized images of what we’re accustomed to, others are wildly different. But it’s like learning to read in Helvetica and then reading something in Times New Roman or Old English Script. It’s different- but you still know what it is!
Remember the aforementioned drama? Sometimes the people in my own group bristle when I pull out the contemporary tiles (I adore them!!) saying that it’s harder for them. But then I remind them that we play this game for a number of reasons- one of which is to keep our brains sharp- and using new tiles does that. Also, we are reasonably intelligent people and we can still do hard things!
Beyond the extra brain power needed, these tiles are soooooo beautiful! And frankly, if you’re going to invest in a set of tiles why not make it tiles you love? Most of us only buy one set- and with a modicum of care you’ll have them forever. Life is too short for boring, ordinary tiles!
Want to expand your tiles horizons and see seriously swoon worth tiles? Check out Bam Bird Boutique, Mahjongg Maven, My Fair Mahjong, Southern Sparrow, Happy House Plants, and For the Love of Mahj. These are all women owned US companies, many of whom have graciously offered discounts to Beginners Mahjong students and friends. (That’s you!) Check them out and let us know what you find.