What is Shisen-Sho(Mahjong Connect)? - A Comprehensive Guide to Its Origins and Rules

The Origins of Shisen-Sho(Mahjong Connect)

The origins of this game can be traced back to a solitary activity using Mahjong tiles. In the past, while waiting for enough players to gather for Mahjong, people would pair up tiles and remove them as a way to pass the time. This activity evolved into the modern game known as "Shisen-Sho," where players remove tiles by connecting them with lines that bend twice.

The first video game version of Shisen-Sho is believed to have been developed by Tamtex and released by Irem as an arcade game in 1989. This initial version was reportedly an adult game with undressing elements. Later, various developers adapted it into a family-friendly puzzle game, which has since been released on multiple platforms, including PCs, smartphones, and gaming consoles, and has been enjoyed by a wide audience.

The development of Shisen-Sho as a video game was significantly influenced by the success of the Mahjong tile puzzle game "Shanghai," released by Activision in the United States in 1986. "Shanghai" was initially launched as software for Macintosh and later ported to various platforms, including PCs and home gaming consoles, achieving worldwide success. This game involved selecting and removing stacked tiles and was characterized by its simplicity and addictive gameplay. In contrast, Shisen-Sho adopted a different rule where players clear tiles spread out flat on the board, giving it a unique identity.

Rules

The basic rules of Shisen-Sho are as follows:

Match tiles with the same pattern
Select two mahjong tiles with the same pattern to create a pair and remove them from the board.
Tiles must meet specific conditions
The paired tiles must be connected by a line with no more than three bends. This line must not pass through or be blocked by other tiles.
Clear all tiles to win
The goal is to remove all tiles from the board to clear the stage and proceed to the next level.
Optional time limits and scoring
Many versions include time limits, rewarding players with higher scores for completing stages faster.

The rules are simple yet require strategic thinking, making the game enjoyable for both beginners and advanced players.

The Origin of the Name "Shisen-Sho"

The name "Shisen-Sho" is derived from the Sichuan Province in China, but the game itself has no direct connection to the region. The choice of this name might have been influenced by the title of the mahjong tile puzzle game "Shanghai," using a Chinese place name to evoke an exotic and memorable image.

Additionally, there is a type of mahjong called "Shisen-sho(Sichuan) Mahjong," but it bears no direct relation to Shisen-Sho. This similarity in naming appears to be coincidental.

Shisen-Sho is also known as "二角取り（Nikakudori）." Originally, the name "二画取り（Nikakutori）" was given to mean "taking two tiles with the same pattern." However, the name was later changed to "二角取り（Nikakudori）" to reflect the game rule of connecting tiles with lines that bend twice. The name, which makes the rules clear at a glance, is a good example of effective game naming and is one of the reasons why this puzzle game has become so popular.

The History of Mahjong Tiles in Gaming

Mahjong tiles have a long history as gaming tools in China, being used for a variety of games beyond traditional mahjong. Shisen-Sho is one such example, leveraging the intricate designs and visual appeal of mahjong tiles to create a compelling puzzle experience.

Because of their diverse patterns and numbers, mahjong tiles are also utilized in educational tools and brain-training activities. Shisen-Sho exemplifies how this cultural artifact has been adapted into a new form of entertainment.

The Appeal and Evolution of Shisen-Sho

The appeal of Shisen-Sho lies in its combination of simplicity and strategic depth. Even seemingly straightforward boards require players to carefully plan their moves and find matching pairs. Adding time limits or increasing stage difficulty enhances the challenge and excitement.

With advancements in digital technology, Shisen-Sho has evolved to include colorful designs and diverse rules in its spin-off games. At the same time, the analog experience of arranging and playing with physical mahjong tiles remains an enjoyable activity for families and friends.

Tips for Solving Shisen-Sho Puzzles

Master the Basic Patterns

Straight, U-shaped, L-shaped, and N-shaped connections are basic patterns you should learn to efficiently find matching tiles. By focusing on these patterns, you can quickly scan the entire board and reduce the time needed to clear it.
Start from the Inside

Clearing tiles from the outer edges first can make it harder to match inner tiles later. Prioritize removing tiles from the inner parts of the board to increase the number of available paths and make the puzzle easier to solve.
Clear All Four Matching Tiles

Each tile type is always present in four copies on the board. When all four matching tiles are accessible, prioritize clearing them to avoid complications later in the game.
Resolve Crosses Early

If two types of tiles remain crossed at the end, it will result in a deadlock and make the game unsolvable. Resolve crossed tiles as early as possible to avoid this situation.