Mahjong and Mathematics

Author: Yuan Zhengmin Compiler
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: Playing Mahjong, as a game with confidentiality, involves many unknown factors and strong randomness, which enhances its competitive nature. However, in the eyes of mathematicians, everything follows a certain pattern and can even be expressed using mathematical formulas. A mathematician once said, "Randomness is the unknown regularity." The branch of mathematics known as probability theory is the best commentary on this famous quote. The application scope of probability theory is becoming increasingly widespread, and it should also be used to interpret and guide Mahjong gameplay. This book explores some technical aspects of playing Mahjong from the perspectives of mathematics and mathematical games. The purpose of doing so has two aspects: first, to give Mahjong its due recognition as a mathematical toy; and second, to serve as a warning to those who enjoy playing Mahjong, emphasizing that it should not be based on gambling or sheer luck, but rather on "calculation," which requires knowledge of probability theory and proficiency in utilizing mathematical logical thinking. The content includes eight chapters: Mahjong terminology, Mahjong as a mathematical game, the permutations and combinations of Mahjong, and important considerations in Mahjong gameplay.