This book is designed to help both novices and old hands get the most enjoyment out of the game of Mah Jong. Experienced players will find information they are familiar with, but they will also find an extensive list of Mah Jong's most-played Special Hands.

We have already written of the history and basics of Mah Jong in our previous books, The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated (especially recommended for those addicted to computer games) and Improve Your Mah Jong, both published by Kangaroo Press...

The essential companion for the dedicated Mah Jong player who also enjoys the social aspect of the game. Since the arrival on the market of Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney"s two previous books, The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated and Improve Your Mah Jong, a wide range of hands from many parts of the world has been sent to them.

In this player"s companion the authors have put together a cross-filed reference guide where over 120 hands, illustrated in colour, can be quickly identified by following the flip-top headings on each page. A full synopsis of each hand is included.

The extra hands give an international flavour to the book, adding new interest and challenges.

Introduction: How to Use This Book 4

Abbreviations 4

Scoring 4

Strategy 5

Short List 6

Illustrations of Special Hands 9

Long Runs 9

Short Runs 13

Chows 15

Pairs 16

Winds-One of Each 26

Winds-Pairs and Pungs 30

Dragons-One of Each 31

Dragons-Pairs 32

Dragons-Pungs 35

Winds and/or Dragons with Suits 38

All Honours 44

One Suit 47

Two Suits 50

Three Suits 51

Bamboo Suit 52

Bamboos with Dragons 54

Counters and Points System 55

Full Synopsis of Special Hands 56

Runs 56

Chows 56

Pairs 57

Winds 57

Dragons 58

All Honours 58

Winds and/or Dragons with Suits 59

One Suit 59

Two Suits 59

Three Suits 60

Bamboo Suit 60

Circle Suit 60

Character Suit 60

Pungs and Kongs 61

Tournament Organisation 62

Problems and Solutions 63

Index of Special Hands 65