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Games Similar to Mahjong

Mahjong, believed to have originated in 19th century China, though there is some disagreement on that point, remains a popular game throughout much of the world. The traditional four player game uses 144 rectangular tiles bearing numbers and images. The images represent different suits, and the basic object of the game is to collect similar tiles through picking up and discarding until a player holds a complete set and wins. In some aspects, it is similar to tile games such as dominoes, but it also bears a resemblance to some card games.

Dominoes
- A game similar to modern dominoes is believed to predate mahjong in China. There is some disagreement as to whether this game evolved into the modern version or if the modern game was developed independently by Europeans. It is possible the original Chinese game is a direct descendant of mahjong. Regardless, the game bears similarities to mahjong in that it is played with rectangular tiles and originated in China. Other than that, the modern game of dominoes has little resemblance to modern mahjong.
Card Games
- Rummy and similar card games bear a strong resemblance to mahjong in that the object is to collect a group or groups of similar cards to win. In fact, some historians propose that mahjong developed from older set-collecting card games in China, such as Ma-Tiao or Ya-Pei. The game of Uno is similar is some ways because it involves picking up and discarding cards; however, the object of Uno is to win by discarding all cards, not by holding a complete set of any kind.
Online Games
- Technology has allowed a plethora of online games based on mahjong or mahjong tiles to proliferate on the Internet. Versions include solitaire, connecting games, three-dimensional games and traditional games.

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