The Great Depression And The American Mahjong Set

Mahjong is a game which many people love ever since it entered in the United States in 1920s. There are reports that the popularity of mahjong quickly disappeared just like many other card games that have entered the country. This article will tackle how mahjong regained its popularity in the 1930s where Great Depression was experienced by Americans.

John Babcock was able to import mahjong sets from China in the 1920s which was the start of Americans playing mahjong. During this time, numerous mahjong sets were imported in America due to the demand. In the late 1920s many people were not buying mahjong sets because they got tired of it. The hype disappeared and many businessmen were left with American mahjong set which was not being bought by consumers. They say that about two million dollars worth of mahjong set were left in America.

During the Great Depression in 1930s many people started buying mahjong sets again because they cannot afford to go out due to the lack of money and games such as mahjong and other card games were free. Unemployed people wanted to stimulate their brain which is why it became a habit for them to play this game. Some people got tired of watching movies and going out which is why they play mahjong because it is something new for them. Many people wanted mental alertness during those times because they wanted to be prepared for the future in case they get a job.

Many people like card and board games due to the time they spend with each other. They like the idea that their minds get stimulated and they do not have to spend money to have fun. Some people use mahjong to gamble because they might get some money from winning. It is a good past time to enjoy and many mahjong fanatics even hold weekly gatherings so that they can play with their friends.

There are many people who still play mahjong and they are enthusiastic about it. There are many people who even write books about it and build different organizations for the sake of keeping the game alive. There are competitions held every year so that people can gather together and play mahjong. They get to meet new people and enjoy each other’s company.

Although mahjong is not popular anymore, many people still play the game because they like the feeling of exercising their minds.