Mahjong

This is a tabletop practice originating in mid-19th century China, centered around a strategic game using a set of 144 tiles adorned with various symbols and Chinese characters. Initially derived from earlier Chinese card games, Mahjong evolved into a unique format with tiles resembling dominoes. Traditionally played by four players, the objective is to form specific tile combinations (melds) before the others. Rules and gameplay vary significantly across regions, particularly in China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In addition to traditional Mahjong, various versions exist — such as Riichi (Japanese style), Hong Kong style, American Mahjong with a unique scoring system, and the widely recognized digital "Mahjong Solitaire," which bears no resemblance to the original but gained immense popularity in digital media. Mahjong requires focus, strategic planning, memory, and the ability to anticipate opponents' moves. During the 20th century, the game spread beyond Asia and gained popularity in the United States and Europe. Today, international Mahjong tournaments are held, official federations are formed, and standard rule sets are developed, with the practice regarded as a form of intellectual recreation and cultural exchange.