History of American Mahjong: From 1920s Craze to Modern Revival

American Mahjong has a fascinating history spanning over a century. From its origins in Qing dynasty China to the explosive 1920s craze in America, the founding of the NMJL in 1937, and the modern revival fueled by social media.

Origins in China

Mahjong originated in China during the Qing dynasty in the mid-1800s. The game spread through China and eventually reached Western travelers.

The 1920s American Craze

Joseph Babcock brought Mahjong to America in the 1920s, where it became a nationwide sensation that briefly outsold baseball.

The NMJL Era

The National Mah Jongg League was founded in 1937 to standardize American rules and publish an annual card of winning hands.