Who has all the jokers? Where are the bams? I don’t even have a pair! Is this a flower? OMG! These, and many I don’t dare mention, are all common phrases heard around the table. I’m talking about the game of mahjong. No, not the solitaire version you can find online. I’m talking about the real game. The one with tiles, cards, and a board. The one that requires a lot of brainpower. Too much brainpower sometimes!
Really, they say mahjong is good for your brain. They should measure activity before and after playing for a couple of hours!
Mahjong is one of the top brain games, although chess is said to be more challenging. There are several styles, including Chinese, Japanese, and the one that I play, American. All of them require a great deal of thought, planning, strategizing, pivoting, and, yes, a bit of luck.
“I first discovered Chinese mahjong in Arizona as a snowbird and fell in love with the game. It’s great for the brain, and I love meeting new people. American mahjong is very different but challenging at the same time.” Louise, 74.
The game’s original Chinese name translates into “little sparrows.” It may have been named in honor of the clacking noises made by the tiles as they are shuffled on the table playing surface. Who knows? It’s also known as Mah Jong or Mah Jongg. The latter is trademarked by the National League of Mah Jongg, an organization established in 1937 primarily by Jewish women in the USA. The goal was to standardize the game and rules. It is still the “go-to” body for anything official, and they are responsible for putting out a new playing card each year.
Mahjong may have originated in the mid-1800s in China. At one time, it was associated with corruption and less desirable parts of Chinese society. This is probably because it involves some gambling. It has been banned several times in China, including in 1949 and then again during the Cultural Revolution in the late 1960s. Don’t worry, you don’t have to play for money. I don’t. I’m too cheap and not that great of a player.
Here’s an interesting fact: in the 1940s, leftist historian/politician Wu Han, while under surveillance by China’s nationalist security forces, would host mahjong games to cover up discussions of politics and current events. The conversations were difficult to hear because of the noisiness of the game, created mostly by the clacking of the tiles. I can attest to that. It is a noisy game unless you have a mat or cloth on the table.
“I am interested in learning new things, and there is definitely a learning curve with mahjong. It also offers a bit of social interaction with meeting and engaging with other people. It’s important to “exercise” our brains as we age. It helps with keeping us youngish—well, at least our brains!” Anon, 62.
It’s no wonder mahjong has evolved and continues to grow in popularity. It is a game for all ages. For those of us who are “seniors,” mahjong is a great way to keep our brains engaged. Any kind of learning is good for us, but mahjong really pulls you in different directions. It’s one thing to figure out which pattern you want to go for; it’s another to have a few backups in mind so you can switch mid-game. And, of course, you need to keep track of what tiles have been discarded and what patterns your opponents may be collecting. Sigh. It’s a wonder I remember my name after two hours!
“At 83 years old, I find mahjong interesting, complicated, and challenging. Regardless of age, one should continue to learn something new when we can to keep our brains active and motivated.” Beth, 83.
“I always wanted to learn mahjong but never knew anyone that played. This is a game that makes older adults use their brains in many ways. I love games, and I’m always up for a challenge.” Kathi, 83
I’m not going to get into the rules or how to play mahjong in this blog. If you are interested, you can join me Thursday mornings. The Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association (SSFA) began hosting a mahjong group in May, coordinated by Moi. We currently have 18 players, with another dozen and probably more joining us in the fall. Meanwhile, keep calm and play mahjong. It’s cheaper than therapy!
“I am very grateful for the chance to learn to play mahjong. It is social and taxes my brain. It is important for older adults to learn new things because, quite simply, due to disease or any number of other reasons, one day you just won’t be able to. Variety is the spice of life, so go for it while you can. You can always quit if it doesn’t suit you, or you can continue and have a new game to play and new friends to meet.” Janet, 70.
A 2024 review published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease reports that playing mahjong provides cognitive and social benefits for older adults. Those benefits include improved memory, cognitive flexibility, and slower rates of cognitive decline. In other words, playing mahjong can help stave off dementia. And of course, the social aspect of playing with others decreases feelings of isolation, depression, and loneliness. You see, you can play mahjong with two, three, or four players at one table. Bring three or four tables together in a room, and you have a real gathering! What a wonderful way to interact with others and maybe make a few new friends. (Once you scope out the competition.)
“I enjoy card games, and this game sounded interesting. I think it is good to be social and have something that keeps you on your toes. The mind is a beautiful thing, so it should be stimulated.” Joanne, 70
Interesting Reads & Things
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-50162766
Mahjong 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
Wanderings Art 