The origins of the game of Mah-Jong seem to be based on a Chinese form of dominos and a card game similar to rummy. It is played with 144 tiles traditionally made of ivory or bone, backed with bamboo. Cheaper sets are available in plastic.

A set comprises 3 suits: bamboos, characters, and circles numbered 1 to 9, plus the four winds, North, East, South & West and red, green & white dragons. There are four of each of these tiles and the set is completed with 4 flowers and 4 seasons. Some of the older sets are beautifully engraved and colourful.

In its simplest form players have to collect three of a kind (pungs) or three in a row (chows), as in rummy. Having mastered this there are special hands to be collected, but whether beginner or experienced player it provides a mental exercise with a lot of fun.
[PS:- We do not gamble but play for points!!!]

Meetings are every Tuesday morning 10:00 to 12:30 at Nazeing Congregational Church Hall, 908 Middle Street, Nazeing, EN9 2LH

Please get in touch with Sybil if you are interested in joining, either via email using the link above, or contact details appear in the Newsletter.