what is the difference between american and western set mahjongg ?
175293
Did you mean the difference between American and Chinese Mahjongg? If so, some of the tiles are different and the rules for playing are different.
175294
They are one and the same. Chinese sets do not include enough tiles and they don't use racks... This set for $53.99 at Amazon is the best buy anywhere. You can also add the pushers for $12.95 all with free shipping. It is a great set and worth the price.
175295
There is no difference between American and Western Mahjongg sets. American and Western refer to the rules playing Mahjongg. Western Mahjongg follow the Wright Patterson rules, while the American Mahjongg go towards the national Mahjongg association rules.
175296
The American version of the game has 166 tiles (including jokers) that are used during play while the Chinese (MCR) game and some of the other ways of playing do not use jokers. If you buy an 'American' game you will have all the tiles you need to play other versions but if you buy a 'Chinese' game, you will NOT have enough tiles to play the American game. Most of the rule books that come with sets are unclear, incomplete and pretty worthless (badly written in 'Chinglish) so it's best to get official American rules or Tom Sloper's book, Red Dragon and the West Wind. Go to www.sloperama.com See also official World Mahjong competition rules. The American version of the game has 166 tiles (including jokers) that are used during play while the Chinese (MCR) game and some of the other ways of playing do not use jokers. If you buy an 'American' game you will have all the tiles you need to play other versions but if you buy a 'Chinese' game, you will NOT have enough tiles to play the American game. Most of the rule books that come with sets are unclear, incomplete and pretty worthless (badly written in 'Chinglish) so it's best to get official American rules or Tom Sloper's book, Red Dragon and the West Wind. Go to www.sloperama.com... » Read More The American version of the game has 166 tiles (including jokers) that are used during play while the Chinese (MCR) game and some of the other ways of playing do not use jokers. If you buy an 'American' game you will have all the tiles you need to play other versions but if you buy a 'Chinese' game, you will NOT have enough tiles to play the American game. Most of the rule books that come with sets are unclear, incomplete and pretty worthless (badly written in 'Chinglish) so it's best to get official American rules or Tom Sloper's book, Red Dragon and the West Wind. Go to www.sloperama.com See also official World Mahjong competition rules. « Show Less
1270724
Yes but it's more challenging. I would go with national Mahjong League if you are a beginner.
1673164
ABSOLUTELY NOT. they are all made up and cannot be played when others are using the mah jongg league's rules. I threw it in the garbage. it is useless = do not waste your money. yvette
526947
No. I didn't know there was a difference, but there is. I understand that the Marvelous Mah Jongg is put together by a Houston League. It reads almost like a foreign language it is so different. I kept the cards because some of the more experienced Mahjong ladies in my group would like to try it some time. I am now going to have to purchase the right 2014 card.
2279138
I know NOTHING about mahjong, sorry. I bought this set for my Aunt for Christmas, because she said she wanted to learn, and I figured it was a good starter set. It did not come with racks/pushers, but the tiles themselves seemed to be very good quality.
1728479
I think the difference is the rounded corners and metal slide rails. See my review of this item, not worth it. Look into something better.
1411949
I forgot to tell you, you WILL need to purchase the mahjong card separately. It changes every year. The 2015 card comes out in April. I use the National Mah Jongg League, Inc. card with my group.
1640014
I'm afraid I don't recall what the case was made from. What I do remember is that it was the same type of material as a previous game I gave my folks many years ago and it lasted for years until my mom moved after my dad's passing and the game somehow did not make the move. I was also impressed the ivory colored tiles are just as beautifully done as they were 20 years ago. I bought the new game for my mom to replace the old one lost in the move -- she was absolutely ecstatic with it, saying it was just as good as the first one! If you enjoy Mahjong, you won't go wrong purchasing this set -- it's worth a lot more than what you're paying. Joni
1765067
I own Europe and Asia. My daughter owns the US version. They are both equally fun. The US version has more routes. The Europe version has tunnels and ferries. I would base my decision on which one to get based on who would be playing. The US version, for some, would be easier due to a background in US geography.
1103495
The tiles are white. I belong to a Mah Jongg club and Ive seen way more expensive sets that arent as good.
953659
Judith, there really is no difference. I bought the one marked "1996" version first, because that's how I remembered the box. It also costs more than the newer version. The only outward difference is the external look, one is white and the newer is blue and red. I then bought the newer version, thinking it was different. The ONLY difference concerning contents is the new version has an additional rules sheet in Spanish. Otherwise they're identical. The size of the box, the game cards, pieces, and board are all the same. Buy the one sold by Miles Kimball, it's the cheapest and has free shipping. Hope this helps. Judith, there really is no difference. I bought the one marked "1996" version first, because that's how I remembered the box. It also costs more than the newer version. The only outward difference is the external look, one is white and the newer is blue and red. I then bought the newer version, thinking it was different. The ONLY difference concerning contents is the new version has an additional rules sheet in Spanish. Otherwise they're identical. The size of the box, the game cards, pieces, and board are all the same. Buy the one sold by Miles Kimball, it's the cheapest and has... » Read More Judith, there really is no difference. I bought the one marked "1996" version first, because that's how I remembered the box. It also costs more than the newer version. The only outward difference is the external look, one is white and the newer is blue and red. I then bought the newer version, thinking it was different. The ONLY difference concerning contents is the new version has an additional rules sheet in Spanish. Otherwise they're identical. The size of the box, the game cards, pieces, and board are all the same. Buy the one sold by Miles Kimball, it's the cheapest and has free shipping. Hope this helps. « Show Less
59955
Mine was a north america set but you can buy map sets for most everywhere. Take a look at web site.
448010
Yes. There's a book that tells how to play the game. However, a more detailed book which I purchased, called A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg, by Elaine Sandberg, is excellent and goes into more detail. Learned this summer and play with our group twice a week usually.
151471
This is a Chinese rules set, so there are no Joker tiles. You'll need to search for "American Mahjong set" to find one with Joker tiles. It is a very nice set though.
286968
Yes I noticed that too. I happen to know how to play the game so I don't need them. But if you go online I'm sure you can find it somewhere. It's the American version of Mahjongg. But in the deck there are both versions. Good luck
448007
It comes with a pamphlet that helps some but you still need someone to teach you. It doesn't come with the 2014 play card. You have to order that separately and it will costs $9 plus shipping. You can purchase that through the American Mah Jong Association.com Cards come out for April each year (at least that's what I've been told). I hope you enjoy playing. The set I bought is very nice, in a hard case with pushers. You will however, need to buy some larger dice. The ones with the game are too small to read and others have told me the same thing about their sets. Happy Playing :-)
1273207
The instruction manual that comes with the game mentions Standard and Vegas options. I play the standard version always. The nice thing is that this game is easy to hold (very lightweight) and the battery lasts a long time (i play it a LOT!!).