MAH JONGG MADNESS
Chess is stern, Checkers is a bit dotty, and Scrabble tends to be wordy. But Mah Jongg is seductive. From the tiles' rich luster and the game's challenging nature to its enigmatic history and magical power to unite people, Mah Jongg is not just a game! It is a way of life—a stylish one at that.
For non-Chinese speakers, there’s a thrilling and romantic appeal in calling out words like Pung, Kong, and Chow during play. For Chinese people, it’s a connection to a rich social and cultural history. And for everyone, it’s an opportunity to bring together family, friends, and a wider community.
Mah Jongg: The Game of One Hundred Bits of Intelligence: Organizers of the first-ever World Championship in Mah Jongg, held in Tokyo in 2002, estimate that close to five million people in countries all over the world play this challenging game. For younger players, this multicultural aspect is as intriguing as the game itself. Students from all over the world bridge cultural gaps through on-campus tournaments and exchanges, where Midwestern athletes sit across from Southeast Asian engineers, and young Japanese women chow, pung, kong, and whip the pants off their Dutch opponents.
Filipinos and Mah Jongg: The Mah Jongg craze in the Philippines is a phenomenon. Played in the high-heeled mansions of the wealthy and in barangays and squatter areas of every major city, Mah Jongg unites people from all walks of life. Next to jai-alai and basketball, it’s a game where people place their money where their mouth is, showcasing skill and challenge. Filipino immigrants brought Mah Jongg to the United States, carrying sets as precious belongings. Establishing quorums of four players, they kept the tradition alive and thriving.
Join us for Mah Jongg Madness! If you’re eager to learn and eventually organize your own quorum, the Manilatown Heritage Foundation offers a series of classes for beginners at the International Hotel Manilatown Center.
Mah Jongg Madness Class with Four Lessons Begins August 18th
Lesson/Week 1: Learn the symbolism of the tiles, how to scrabble them after each game, and how to build a tile wall. Discover the proper Mah Jongg etiquette and the delightful sideline food that accompanies the game.
Lesson/Week 2: Master different Mah Jongg combinations, both 'Simple' and 'Ambitious.' Understand the role of non-numbered tiles like the Winds, Red and Green Dragon, and Flower tiles.
Lesson/Week 3: Review what we’ve learned and play an actual game!
Lesson/Week 4: Enjoy a potluck, play Mah Jongg, and prepare for a Mah Jongg tournament!
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Mah Jongg. Join us at the Manilatown Heritage Foundation and become part of a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
Sundays, 2-5PM
Week 1: Lesson 1 - 8/18
Week 2: Lesson 2 - 8/25
Week 3: Lesson 3 - 9/1
Week 4: Lesson 4 - 9/8
Free Practice Sessions:
Week 5: Practice, No Instruction - 9/15
Week 6: Practice, No Instruction - 9/22
Fee: $20 (Total cost for 4 Lessons per Class)
Class sizes are limited to 20.
Students are required to attend all four classes.
PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE
For more information about Mah Jongg Madness, Manilatown Academy, or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org