Learn how to play mahjong in 2.5 minutes

[MUSIC]

This is mahjong, a tile-based game that

originated in China some 300 years ago.

Today, the game and its numerous

variations are widely played throughout

Asia. And it's gaining popularity in

other parts of the world.

Hi, I'm Winnie. I've been playing mahjong

for as long as I can remember, and it's

really easy to learn. But to play this

game, I need four people so I've invited

my colleagues from SCMP to join me today

to show you how it's done.

The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on

Chinese symbols and characters. Try to

think of them as playing cards in poker.

To start the game, players first shuffle

the tiles, roll the dice to decide who

plays first, and each draws 13 tiles from

the pool. The player who goes first draws

one extra tile to kick off the game.

"Chi." Through the course of the game, players

take turns to draw and discard tiles. In

order to win, you need to form four suits

and a pair. Two of the same tiles are a

pair. And you can form suits through

combinations called

"Chi," "Pong"

"Gong." While playing, you can use tiles

discarded by other players to form the

ready hand. So, keep an eye out, as the tile

you need might turn up any minute during

the course of the game. Pong. After you form

the ready hand, just patiently wait for

the tile you need to win. It can be a

tile discarded by other players or from

a tile you draw from the deck. And when

you win, you say: Sik wu! [APPLAUSE & LAUGHTER] There are many ways to

win and the rules are slightly different

in the many variations. But no matter

what style you play, the keys is always

remember to have fun. [MUSIC & LAUGHTER]