{"title":"Reference","description":"\u003cp\u003eReference books within Games \u0026amp; Activities serve as reliable guides to the rules, histories, strategies, and structures underpinning various games, puzzles, and recreational hobbies. This category includes comprehensive manuals, handbooks, and instructional texts that help readers understand the foundational elements and evolving conventions in games and activities of all kinds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo refine your exploration, focus on the specific type of activity or game you’re interested in, as reference guides typically address card games, board games, outdoor pursuits, or classic pastimes separately. Navigate by seeking resources addressing gameplay standards, historical context, or expert advice to deepen your mastery and appreciation of your chosen pursuit.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"american-mah-jongg-beginners-easy-complete-step-by-step-learning-guide-become-champion-player-practi-9798342694810-new","title":"American Mah Jongg for Beginners: Easy and Complete Step-by-Step Learning Guide to Become a Champion Player with Practice Tools Included","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep into the world of American Mah Jongg without fear!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the most complete book you'll ever come across - not only will it teach you all about the game, it'll help you truly enjoy it.\u003cbr\u003eNo fluff. No confusion. Just smart, structured teaching that follows \u003cb\u003eNational Mah Jongg League rules\u003c\/b\u003e and gets you playing like a true champion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNEW in This Edition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA guided analysis of the NMJL 2026 Scorecard so you can confidently understand even the toughest hands.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside, you'll discover: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Clear, Structured Instructions: \u003c\/b\u003e Every aspect of gameplay explained - from tile types and scoring, to mastering the Charleston, avoiding errors, and winning strategies at every stage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Practice Tools and Quizzes: \u003c\/b\u003e Reinforce your learning through skill-building exercises, quizzes, and an included Game Practice Score Card so you can jump into play right away.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Color Diagrams and Illustrations: \u003c\/b\u003e Informative, easy-to-follow visuals make learning a breeze.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Glossary of Terms and FAQ Section: \u003c\/b\u003e Build confidence with a handy glossary and clear answers to common questions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Cool and Fun Gameplay Variations: \u003c\/b\u003e Popular ideas shared among Mah Jongg groups to spice up your table - including two-player options and more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- The History of the Game: \u003c\/b\u003e Discover the roots of Mah Jongg alongside its fascinating connection to the I Ching.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Unique Ways to Play Mah Jongg from Around the World: \u003c\/b\u003e Explore global styles like International Mah Jongg, Hong Kong Old Style, Japanese Riichi, and beyond.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e- More Bonus Materials: \u003c\/b\u003e Includes a Quick Reference Visual Guide to speed up learning and Score Sheets for Express Tournaments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a total beginner or looking to win more often - this book is your path to Mah Jongg mastery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdd it to your cart now and start playing with confidence!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":51569467556130,"sku":"9798342694810-new","price":17.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0893\/4755\/5618\/files\/9798342694810.jpg?v=1777148286"},{"product_id":"winning-american-mah-jongg-strategies-guide-novice-player-learn-secrets-success-strategize-excel-win-9780804842341-new","title":"Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies: A Guide for the Novice Player - Learn the Secrets of Success to Strategize, Excel and Win at Mah Jongg","description":"\u003cb\u003eMaster the fascinating and rewarding game of American Mahjong with this guide for beginners from the bestselling author and mahjong expert--Elaine Sanberg!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Strategies, strategies, strategies! If I only knew more strategies I could win more games!\" is the frequent lament of beginning Mahjong players. Following up on the success of her acclaimed book, \u003ci\u003eA Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg\u003c\/i\u003e, bestselling author Elaine Sandberg's new book offers novice players the advice they need to excel at the game of Mahjong. \u003ci\u003eWinning American Mah Jongg Strategies: A Guide for the Novice Player\u003c\/i\u003e is the strategy guidebook that provides American Mahjongg beginners with the practical information they need to build hands, improve game-play skills, strategize, and win! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis easy-to-follow, comprehensive book teaches players how to overcome common difficulties and provides the knowledge to sharpen strategic skills and increase win ratios. By showing beginners how to see and utilize different strategic elements and scenarios, players learn how to elevate their skills. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eChallenges covered in this Mahjongg book include: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Finding the best hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e The use of defensive tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e To Expose or not to Expose and why\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Determining an opponent's hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e And much more...\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ci\u003eWinning American Mah Jongg Strategies\u003c\/i\u003e is a gem of a book that is the perfect gift for Mahjong players of all ages!","brand":"TUTTLE PUB","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":51578382909730,"sku":"9780804842341-new","price":15.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0893\/4755\/5618\/files\/9780804842341.jpg?v=1777404974"},{"product_id":"hoyles-rules-games-3rd-revised-updated-edition-essential-guide-poker-other-card-games-9780452283138-new","title":"Hoyle's Rules of Games, 3rd Revised and Updated Edition: The Essential Guide to Poker and Other Card Games","description":"\u003cb\u003eHere is the perfect gift for novice and expert game enthusiasts alike. With \u003ci\u003eHoyle's Rules of Games\u003c\/i\u003e you'll learn how to play games, sharpen your strategy, and settle disputes with the revised and updated edition of this essential reference guide--now covering over 250 classic and popular games!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether you're a casual gamer looking for a reference guide for your next family game night or whether you take the rules a little more seriously, this essential guide to card games, board games, and game strategy is for you. It also makes the perfect companion to board game gifts for children this holiday season: they'll love the game, but they'll love winning even more! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMore than 250 years after Edmond Hoyle first published his guide to the game Whist, Hoyle's is still the definitive name when it comes to the rules of the game--whether it's bridge, backgammon, Scrabble(R) or Blackjack. With \u003ci\u003eHoyle's Rules of Games\u003c\/i\u003e, all you need to have hours of fun with family and friends is a board game or a deck of cards! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe game player's basic reference, this handy guide has now been updated and expanded and includes rules, strategies, and odds for over 250 games, including such favorites as: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Scrabble(R)\u003cbr\u003e- Canasta\u003cbr\u003e- Contract Bridge\u003cbr\u003e- Gin Rummy\u003cbr\u003e- Chess\u003cbr\u003e- Backgammon\u003cbr\u003e- Solitaire games: Nestor, Pounce, Pyramid, and Russian Bank\u003cbr\u003e- Poker variations: Anaconda, Blind Tiger, and Hold 'em\u003cbr\u003e- Children's games: Beggar-your-neighbor, Memory, and Slapjack\u003cbr\u003e- Computer games: Minesweeper and Freecell\u003cbr\u003e- ...And more!","brand":"PLUME","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":51578774454562,"sku":"9780452283138-new","price":16.46,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0893\/4755\/5618\/files\/9780452283138.jpg?v=1777413272"},{"product_id":"beginners-guide-american-mah-jongg-large-print-edition-how-play-game-win-9780804859455-new","title":"A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg: Large Print Edition: How to Play the Game \u0026 Win","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe original book on Mah Jongg by Elaine Sandberg--now in a Large Print Edition!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAmerican Mah Jongg players can't stop raving about this indispensable guide to their favorite game: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cul\u003e \"I highly recommend this book for anyone.\"\u003cbr\u003e \"Very helpful book for a total newbie.\"\u003cbr\u003e \"Everything is well explained!\"\u003cbr\u003e \"This book is fantastic!\"\u003cbr\u003e \"[Sandberg] has organized the chapters in the best possible way.\" \u003cbr\u003e \"This book covers it all.\"\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow available in an unabridged \u003cb\u003eeasy-to-read Large Print Edition\u003c\/b\u003e, this thoroughly updated bestseller is one of the only guides specifically geared toward American Mah Jongg. It follows the official National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules and is the only supplement to the NMJL rulebook you'll ever need. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resource has helped countless players learn to play and win the exciting game of American Mah Jongg. 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