By Angela Ren, NSC Member
Unlike Covid-19, this fever is not deadly (at least not to our health) but can be just as contagious!
While doing some research for this article, I discovered that this game has exploded in popularity across the country. In 2025, searches for Mahjong clubs and lessons increased more than 4,000 percent. In NSC, it is no different. Space was limited to only 20 sign-ups but they filled up so quickly that a waitlist had to be started.
The original Chinese game started in the 1800’s and spread from China across the world with dozens of variations. At this event, we played the Cantonese style with 13 tiles and flowers. 5 tables of players from beginner to intermediate levels, each with a coach to teach the newbie players how to play or to share tips to the intermediate players on how to improve their skills. We also had a wide range of ages playing at this event – from Christie Dews’ daughter and friend in their 20’s to John Tatsukawa’s 88-year-old dad James.
No NSC event is without a fabulous potluck from salads to main dishes and dessert. After everyone filled up their plates and happily feasted on lunch, we all swiftly cleaned off the tables so we could start playing Mahjong. As the beginners started to learn the basics, the intermediate players were challenged to win with a minimum of 3 fan. As a beginning player myself, I was just happy to win at all, even with a chicken hand or gai woo. The intermediate players were definitely a lively bunch – lots of laughter and screaming after some of them scored 5,7, and 8 fans. Everyone played with poker chips (no money) so no one went home with an empty wallet. The most important benefit that we all took from this event was we all had a great time!
A big thank you goes to Judy and Winston for graciously hosting this event and to the 5 coaches (Judy Hom, Jeanne Katsuro, Janet Gee, Sarah Lowe, and Angie Fong) who gave up their opportunity to play in order to help teach all of the players. Until the next gathering when we can again yell Poong! Chow! Sik Wu! and Ji Mo!
