HONG KONG'S FAVOURITE GAME｜Mahjong in Hong Kong

[@scorpionfin]

After watching many of your videos, I think you are doing a better job than the Hong Kong Tourism Board in promoting Hong Kong. I am a Hongkonger and I enjoyed your videos immensely.

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you very much for watching and for such kind words! It's our pleasure and privilege to be able to cover the rich history, culture and food of this city. More videos coming soon!

[@johnsonleung6]

Excellent job Sam, made me laughing so loud because it's the first time that an expatriate presenting and delivering the beauty of MAHJONG, really amazing indeed. In Canada and Australia, a lot of locals want to learn this game but there is the lack of channel proper nor enough popularity demand for mahjong schools to set up. In Chinatown, there were a few gambling dens which had mahjong games, but they were purely gambling tables for the elderlies than gaming tables for anyone to learn this exciting GAME. All in all, thanks Sam for taking effort to promote this Chinese game and to showing us how old mahjong tiles were manufactured. Appreciate your new and extraordinary subject in this Hongkong Hood !

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you very much Johnson for another fantastic comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and we hope we did mahjong justice for a local like yourself! :) It was great to learn more about this game and the culture and history behind it- although I think I need a lot of practice to become good at it!! It's a shame that in other countries the demand for mahjong schools is too low for many locals to be able to play- hopefully they can learn another way and play with their family and friends!

[@katiekrackers4210]

This was a great video! I learnt Mahjong recently and now I am obsessed! Great content, thank you!

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for watching, it truly is a great game. We hope this video led you to love mahjong even more!

[@martynl2015]

Yet another interesting video from the channel. One of my sons had obtained a set from a charity shop a while ago so has given us the impetus to learn the game.

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks as always for watching and for your kind comment Martyn. It was very interesting to learn the culture behind the game, and it really is a fun pastime- we highly recommend it!

[@SatishKumar41]

Hey Sam. Here I am, thank you for bringing up Mahjong history and it's current situation to both Hong Kongers and people outside of Hong Kong like me. Appreciate the effort to bring this up and kudos to uncle King and Virginia for doing their best for the game to be alive. Hope more people gain interest in the game and I hope to give a shot at it in the future visit to Hong Kong. Thanks again Sam and VIenne. Cheers :)

[@HongKongHoods]

Hi Satish, thank you as always for stopping by, and for your great comments! It was an incredible journey to learn more about this old game and meet Uncle King and Virginia. Likewise, we hope more people discover mahjong so it lives on- I'm sure you'd enjoy it when you can get to Hong Kong!

[@jesinu]

I love that tri-layer lavender set Virginia was playing with.

[@HongKongHoods]

Agreed!

[@hobbyholic42]

I want that set

[@hongkongfoodtours]

Thanks so much for coming over to play a couple games of Mahjong. I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I have!!! Ex-roomie has already checked out her performance and cameo as well 🤣😂🤣

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you so much for being a part of the video, and for helping us learn more about mahjong! We had so much fun, and I hope your ex-roomie enjoys watching! :D

[@SatishKumar41]

Thank you Virginia for your contribution in this video and for Mahjong

[@spanishfly7709]

Hey Virginia is cute by any chance is she single?

[@TBINBD]

Thank you Virginia, I grew up listening to the sound of tiles clicking on tables on the streets (actually sidewalks) of Hong Kong but I never learned to play the game. I’m convinced we can incorporate mah jong into our retreats. It’s so NOT virtual, not ones and zeroes. I subscribed to your channel. We could use your expertise!

[@Joanchan22]

Hello thanks for all your sharing videos! just wanna say I like the way you present your every specific topics like Cantonese style of food and special traditional things etc. so much respect our Hongkong culture, let our localers have more different angles to view much more valuable things where to represent our society, so keep up your work!

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you very much for watching and for your kind words! Indeed, we love Hong Kong’s rich culture and want to showcase it to the world in a respectful way that does it and the people surrounding it justice. More videos to come soon :)

[@JumpingPlaces]

Interesting and unique content always! Keep it up 😁

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words- much appreciated! :D

[@ernestojr.acosta972]

Mahjong here in the Philippines is still so popular. We don’t use the flower tiles. They are generally discarded. Aside from that, it is very similar to the Chinese style of play.

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for watching and sharing the information about mahjong in the Philippines 🇵🇭!

[@michaelyen3116]

This is a great video!!! Great content. Thank you so much for this vieo.

[@HongKongHoods]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@drunkenmonkey1887]

Random Related. I have this mild obsession with traditional hand made condiments in Hong Kong. It came from mum's stories about the local stores that served locals, stocking the essentials (wood, salt, sugar, rice, vinegar, soy). Some of these stores went the extra step and made their own soy sauce, bean sauces and other bean curd products. These local hand made products are the sort of things that will disappear if a certain level of care isn't taken to preserve them. A couple of them have survived and are quite successful but there remains a question about their sustainability. Dai Ma and Liu Ma Kee are two success stories but who knows how many others have passed on quietly?

[@HongKongHoods]

This is a very good point, and I’m sure there are hundreds of these old artisans who have quietly disappeared in the last few decades, and that many continue to do today. It’s the sad truth, and that is one of our biggest driving forces for covering these incredible people in our videos- to try and preserve their craft and their stories.

[@deppwaswho]

great content sam, you've got a new subscriber! keep it up!!

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you so much! Checked out your channel and your bass playing is incredible! Mutually subbed :)

[@thefirstgenesis4280]

It is indeed true that the younger generations are straying away from the traditional mahjong game. They are much more focused on their smartphones, their devices, and social media instead which I am not surprised. Plus, you have to four people playing it which sometimes can be hard to find. Personally as an Asian American, I grew up playing mahjong from my relatives. I love the game because it gives a unique way of playing it. Each match is different, and you have to plan ahead on how to win by getting as many points as possible without other players going out first while dealing with random tiles that may or may not help you win. There are many other variations of mahjong from Japanese, Filipino, to American, so mahjong's impact is highly influenced throughout Asia and the world. It is no wonder that once you play it a few times, you never get tired of playing it over and over again

[@HongKongHoods]

Absolutely agree, and it is such a shame that popularity among the younger generations is waning. Thank you so much for sharing your memories!

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

"It is indeed true that the younger generations are straying away from the traditional mahjong game." I've found the same thing is true for Chess and Backgammon in the US: since the explosion of arcade video games in the very early 80s, the play and interest in traditional board-games has waned, and the massive popularity of "social media" (really, "electronic escapism", or "alternate reality antisocialism") has further accellerated their decline.

[@JoeOklahoma]

"I don't have the time to play and if I did I'd use it to take a nap!" I hear ya, my dude. Loved that guy! Getting into mahjongg - hope to play it sometime next time I'm in China!

[@HongKongHoods]

He’s such a character, and warm hearted too. Glad you enjoyed it, and definitely recommend playing- complicated but fun!

[@darrenquirk2269]

Very interesting Sam. I missed this being posted somehow. I am planning on booking a food tour or 2 with Virginia when I eventually get back to Hong Kong.

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for watching Darren, we learned a lot during the making of this one!

[@davidharris2151]

Welcome back! I'm really hoping I can get back to HK in 2022

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you! Let’s hope things get back to some semblance of normalcy soon!

[@Charlotte-xx8lk]

We just taught our little one to play and she loves it and even played with my 91 year old grandma!

[@HongKongHoods]

That’s amazing, and I bet it will help her and her grandma to bond over their shared interest, despite the age gap! Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed!

[@Charlotte-xx8lk]

@@HongKongHoods yeah you’re right! And love your videos.

[@watcherrrrrrrrrrrrr3516]

Always wondered what it was all about. Another interesting video!!

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for watching Jos! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@vonderheide6101]

Wow mahjong tile carving workshop!! It's now definitely on my to-do-list. He says in the video that he does workshops for foreigners but the website is only in Cantonese. Does he offer a workshop in English or with an interpreter? Also I suppose the hand carved tiles are quite costly if he really manages to finish just a few sets in a month?

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for watching and good question. the tile sets are indeed a not cheap, but that's because they are of course the handmade work of an artisan rather than mass produced. Also, I'm not sure where Uncle King is right now when it comes to workshops; he's been having some trouble recently with the space he was renting. I will try and remember to reply here when I find out the situation.

[@nurichandesu]

ahhh i need to know where to buy that purple mahjong suit 0:17

[@HongKongHoods]

Message them on FB: facebook.com/share/qFHYrDsQSPTn7L3M/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

[@368chen]

Hi Sam, I would love to purchase a carved mahjong set from Uncle King. Do you know if he ships to U.S. and if so, what is the set and shipping charge? Thank you and I love this video.

[@HongKongHoods]

Give me some time on this one and I’ll get back to you and let you know if it’s possible!

[@HongKongHoods]

Your best bet would be to message them on their Facebook page: facebook.com/BiuKeeMahjong I believe it's managed by Uncle King's children, who speak English. Sure they'll be able to help you. Let us know if for whatever reason you can't get in touch, and we'll try something else.

[@paddlepopbest919]

Greetings, Sam.. thanks for sharing this awesome video of mahjong history.. did u win any games?

[@HongKongHoods]

Hi there and thanks for watching. I’m afraid to say that on that occasion I didn’t win a single game! 😭😆

[@paddlepopbest919]

@@HongKongHoods hope you will win someday, I know it can be addicated..lol, Sam.. Happy Chinese new year in advance, it's coming up soon..Kung hei fat choy..

[@mahjonglun]

Thanks for sharing Hong Kong mahjong🥰🥰🥰

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for watching, and glad you enjoyed the vidoeo!

[@thudor1]

I want to get the same kind of tile set from the opening scene of Kung Fu Mahjong. I like big tiles.

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks Bob! Hope you get a hold of some big tiles!

[@shygirl8222000]

How do I order a set?

[@HongKongHoods]

Message them on FB: facebook.com/share/qFHYrDsQSPTn7L3M/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

[@jasontungjw]

People are getting more used towards automatic table where the tiles are auto shuffled. Less tiring and less aching arms lol.

[@HongKongHoods]

Ahh yes, the mechanical tables are getting more popular these days!

[@kurlexchoi]

Virginia didn't explain if a player win a round with the tile picked up, the other player discarded that piece will have to paid double price to that winner and the other two will only paid 50%. If a player win the round with the tile selected from the deck, then everyone has to paid 100%. Mahjong is a fun game and can easily addicted. My last generation usually played with money and when they lose, they acted like sore losers so there aren't much sportsmanship around. Carving the pieces is better like King is doing all his life.

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you for the additional information! That's too bad that people acted like sore losers! Let's hope Uncle King continues to carve for many years to come!

[@fatdoi003]

when i was a kid, i sat on my mum's laps and she instructed me to push tiles and that's how i learned to play.....

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks for sharing your experience, and thanks for watching!

[@rickrudge9349]

It's kind of hard to find the big, thick, Mahjong tiles here in The States. 🀄🀄🀄

[@HongKongHoods]

That’s too bad! Thanks for watching!

[@brandonbunyaen665]

So do you know now how to play the mahjong game? I played the game when I was 9yrs old & now I am 60.

[@HongKongHoods]

Virginia took me from complete novice to being able to compete in a few hands, although these days it is admittedly my wife who plays more than I. Thanks for sharing your story, you must be rather good at mahjong now with all those years’ experience.

[@brandonbunyaen665]

I wouldn't class myself as the best, but it's all by luck, I have won some games & also lost a few games, so is pure luck!

[@Jackie_360]

Yr britt and Brazilian friends sent me here✅

[@HongKongHoods]

Thank you. Hope you’re enjoying the channel!

[@hungtai7671]

I walk past this to get my pork and chive pan fried buns. Will go and say hello to the old boy next time I am back

[@HongKongHoods]

Please do. Uncle King is so friendly and knowledgable.

[@hungtai7671]

@@HongKongHoods I often try and strike up convo because I don't have much to do most of the time I am there so I people watch as I have been to all the tourist places loads of times. Bust most people there are too busy and always on the go

[@benng9249]

Well

[@HongKongHoods]

Thanks!

[@emeraldkimble7602]

288 tiles to do

[@HongKongHoods]

That’s a lot of tiles! Thanks for watching!

[@emeraldkimble7602]

It’s like gin rummy

[@HongKongHoods]

Great analogy!

[@taiwaing5410]

👍👍👍

[@HongKongHoods]

🙏🙏🙏

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

you forgot Triads.

[@HongKongHoods]

Knew I’d forgot something!

[@Kempegowda-h2q]

I want to buy dominoes old Chinese style

[@HongKongHoods]

Recommend learning the game, so much fun!

[@GarFieldSnakes]

2 bad you can't get these hand made sets from him here in europe.

[@HongKongHoods]

Think you will be able to! Message him on FB- his kids apparently speak English so they may be able to help you!

[@JohnH831]

I know he's a great sportsman; but does he really deserve his own neighborhood in Hong Kong? :P

[@HongKongHoods]

Well if Kobe gets his own city, God rest his soul... XD

[@matttondr9282]

“I don’t actually know how to play” What? How do you spend your life making tiles for a game you don’t even know the rules of?

[@HongKongHoods]

I’m confident he has basic knowledge of how to play. Reading between the lines I think he’s just saying he’s not particularly good at it, and isn’t interested.

[@WheeledHamster]

Dude place is about to get shut down.

[@HongKongHoods]

It's looking a bit uncertain for Uncle King, that's for sure. We recently posted an update on our Instagram. Check it out here: instagram.com/hongkonghoods/

[@enricostucchi3415]

I like mahjong but for someone is like a drug they are so addicted to play for 10-12 or 14 hours … no matter what happens to families or be loved …. Mahjong come first of everything… and money are always related … I like play but for fun! I divorced for mahjong!

[@HongKongHoods]

It’s true, some Hongkongers are addicted to mahjong!

[@bazzaip2698]

Bill gates mahjong!

[@HongKongHoods]

Our thoughts exactly!

[@a51samsung82]

learning gambling is bad 👎

[@HongKongHoods]

Gambling isn’t necessarily a part of mahjong at all

[@maxmccullough8548]

Mahjong is regarded as a strategy game on the level of chess, go, draughts, and bridge.