Combining strategy, pattern recognition, and an element of luck, Mahjong has a long history and a fresh, modern appeal.

Mahjong has been referred to as the "quintessence of Chinese culture" An apparent police ban on all mahjong parlours in a Chinese city led to panic among aficionados of China's national pastime.

"We are committed to promoting the Olympic spirit and advocating a healthy, scientific and friendly mahjong culture," Zhang Yanying, director of the World Mahjong Organization secretariat ...