Interested in learning to play Mah Jongg?

The real thing; not tile matching, like on your phone or computer

​Mah Jongg is an exciting game that relies on skill and luck. It originated in China and has been played in the United States for almost 100 years. It is a little like Poker and Rummy, but it uses different suites which are on tiles, instead of cards. There are runs and multiples that make hands, and the hands have various values, depending on how difficult they are to make.

Donna McComb and I will teach a class at Moon Lake Community Library on Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m. We have enjoyed playing Mah Jongg for years and have taught before. Studies show that playing mah jongg improves cognitive ability and flexibility, and that the effects can be long-lasting.

To get the feel of the game, you will get hands-on play time, with your two coaches explaining the options that are available as you discard tiles after picking up new ones. We will teach you how to play 3-handed and 4-handed, so you can practice on your own. Everything needed to play this ancient Chinese game will be supplied. (We play the National MJ League rules/card.)

—Edna Fortner