Mahjong Fridays | APASA | Asians In Tucson

Mahjong is a board game that originated from the Qing Dynasty. It isn't commonly seen in American gaming shops but it is still common in places like Chinatown were it is a  much loved game by the older generation; although I have noticed a spike in interest from the younger generation (I.e Me and Others). Although it looks like a simple game, especially with its colorful images and aesthetically pleasing form, to those who have had years of practice it becomes a quick paced game involving strategy and quick wit. I've only recently started playing it with my grandma and family, but I've noticed that playing the game can be the catalyst for family fun or competition. 

Since Im one of the few younger generations playing the game and due to my intense desire to beat my grandma and sister next New Years, I've been looking for places to train practice. Since freshman year, I have repeatedly received emails from the APASA (Asian Pacific American Student Affairs) for extended events, but never really had time to attend them.  However, now that I am a super senior, I finally have time and decided to make a visit to the center to check out Mahjong Friday. 

A word on the poster, I like the pop art like look and the color choices, it really attracts the eyes!

Arriving at the center, I made my way to Rm 205, which is one of many study rooms/lounge spaces students can occupy. The poster out front  announces the name along with their Community icon at the top. The icon looks like a lotus sitting on a green leaf, a very asian choice of flower.

Even though I was a new member to the APASA, I was welcomed warmly to the Mahjong table. The head leader and also Mahjong queen, Karen, informed me that we were playing "simplified Hong Kong Style" mahjong. This is when I realized that I had a very shallow understanding of the game. This version is probably what I normally play, as it is a very common, but there are actually many varied versions of game depending on the location such as: Taiwanese, Shanghainese, Korean, Japanese and many, many more. *( this game can also be used for gambling and betting money, but 1) Were poor and 2) I don't think the school would condone our actions)

Typically, to learn this game it is preferable to watch and be instructed at the same time, however I will try my best to explain the game.  The game consists of 144 tiles total; like western cards one side is neutral (blank white) while the other side has a symbol or number. Each symbol has 4 sets and represents particular meanings. There are tile with numbers, titles with the four cardinal directions, Bamboo, dragons, circles and flowers. 

 When the game is initiated, the tiles are first "washed", meaning they are placed white surface up and swirled around to mix them up. They are then stacked in even rows and arranged in a square formation in the center of the table. The leader or person who won last, must roll a pair of die and the number that it adds up to is counted off from one stack of tiles. Moving counter clockwise, tiles are distributed to every member in stacks of 2 (4 titles each) until every player has 13 tiles. The starter (original person who rolled the die) has 14 and represents the cardinal direction "EAST". Every member is assigned a Cardinal direction so again moving counter clockwise, the next person will be North, West, and finally South.  (This plays a key role in the points system)

To get points in the game, titles must be in orders of 3 and make numerical sense or match symbols. You must also claim/yell out your moves so if I picked up a tile that matched I would yell "PONG" to claim it. There are several moves a player can make, usually either based on the specific pattern or symbol. The typical move is shown above called "Pong" meaning you have 3 of the same tiles in a row. The move "Chong" can be played if you have all four matching tiles.  Theres also "Chi" which is 3 tiles in a sequence (ex: 1 - 2 - 3), but unlike the matching move, there is no 4 tile sequence move. Tiles with Dragons can be played in pairs, or if you manage to get 3 you gain higher points. If you have an "pair of eyes"  which are two tiles with one large circle, they count for higher points compared to a trio of "circle" tiles.  Your assigned direction (example: East) will also give you the opportunity to receive more points if you manage a trio. There are lot of moves you can make throughout the game, but so can your opponents, so its best to be aware of which tiles you have and what your opponents have.

Continuing counterclockwise, players will pick up a tile and discard a tile. So even if you have a hidden hand of matching tiles, you will still have to throw one out. You must be quick and cunning with your decisions, even talking or looking away from the board can risk you loosing a chance to win points. Each player must toss out a tile, but they can also collect the tile from the last person that threw it out IF you have a "PONG". If your players are nice and you weren't watching, they'll point out the last tile thrown and wait for you to decide if you need it. But, if you're playing with grandmas or people who are VERY competitive, they'll stay shut or get impatient with you.

Due to beginners luck, I won 3 times before loosing my last game. It really makes me happy to practice the game in a less competitive environment and learn about the little facts behind the game. This is the part of my culture that I have been lacking, due to my own language disconnection between my grandmother and I. I look forward to the next Mahjong session and hopefully I will be ready for my family game night!