In an age of sound bites, TikTok, and doom scrolling, some people are finding that technology is sometimes causing problems instead of solutions. With so many information and entertainment options at our fingertips, people are seeking something different. There is a yearning for something sturdier, more tactile, that offers genuine connection and interaction with others. One option that is gaining momentum is mahjong.
This tile game from China spread rapidly across Asia and to the United States and Australia in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Now there are multiple versions of the game, each with its own set of rules and sometimes even varying game pieces. Here in Alameda, the Hong Kong version of mahjong is rapidly increasing in popularity. For anyone interested in learning—or looking for a place to play—the Alameda Mahjong Social Club is the place to go.
The Alameda Mahjong Social Club hosts two events per month at Malaya Botanicals. The first meeting of the month is open to beginners and there are dedicated tables for newbies along with coaches to help launch you into the world of mahjong. Both meetings are open to seasoned players, and each table can decide how advanced they want to play by setting the minimum fan or points needed to win. At the latest meeting, there were tables with 1-3 minimum fan, which allowed players of every level to enjoy play.
Sonia, an Alameda resident who grew up in Malaysia, has played the Singapore version before but needed a refresher and to learn the rules of Hong Kong style. The beginner session allowed her to play at a table with open hands where coaches could explain choices and the reasoning behind them. By the end of the evening, the tables of newbies were able to play concealed hands unassisted.
Barbara, who lives on Bay Farm, has been attending for several months and has recruited friends to join her. Not only does she play with the club, but she now owns her own mahjong set and hosts games at her home. Clearly, mahjong fever is spreading.
Jean Melgar is the host of the Alameda Mahjong Social Club. She and her co-hosts, Ronnie and Jackie, organize the events and volunteer as coaches for new players. There is a $5 fee to play which covers the space rental and incidentals such as plates, napkins, and forks because each meeting is also a potluck dinner. With chickpea and kale salads, musubi, deli meats and cheese, fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, and a plethora of desserts, the spread of foods is diverse and delicious. After paying the entry fee and receiving your name tag, players tended to eat quickly and move on to the game tables ready to wash the tiles.
“Washing the tiles” is the term for mixing the tiles around face down on the table. The sound of the tiles clicking and clacking together is nostalgic for some, and a new sensory experience for others. Soon, it will induce a Pavlovian response of impending fun for everyone. Mahjong is a lovely mix of strategy and luck which helps even the playing field between new and seasoned players.
Melgar began hosting the Alameda Mahjong Social Club at Humble Sea almost a year ago to help increase their foot traffic. As the club grew and players wanted to stay and play longer, they needed a new space, so Melgar reached out to her cousin, Pia Barton, owner of Malaya Botanicals. Barton’s shop also hosts other community events such as sound baths, rooftop yoga, and terrarium making, so mahjong offered the opportunity to introduce her shop to new clientele. Players can also shop during the club sessions and receive a 15% discount.
The club, which began with just a couple of tables (four players per table), grew to averaging five to six tables or 20-24 players, and at the latest meeting hosted nine full tables of players. Club meetings are on two Monday nights per month, but the exact nights are only set a couple of weeks in advance. The Alameda Mahjong Social Club is a diverse and welcoming group spanning all ages and backgrounds.
Laughter and smiles filled the room throughout the evening and carried on the night air as players lingered in their goodbyes. New sessions are announced in the Alameda Peeps group on Facebook along with the link for registration (advanced registration is required to participate). After you attend one event, you can sign up to receive email notifications. Interested parties can also contact Melgar at [email protected].
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
