What does ANZA Mahjong offer both new and existing members?
ANZA Mahjong is open to all ANZA members and offers the opportunity to learn this game of skill and chance, meet new people, chat and have some fun…with a bit of mental stimulation thrown in for good measure.
Describe the ANZA Mahjong community?
Like many other ANZA groups, ANZA Mahjong players include adults of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.
What is so appealing and fun about the game?
In its simplest form, if you can make ‘three of a kind’, you can play mahjong. As you play more, the layers of the game reveal themselves. It’s up to you to choose whether to play a simple or advanced game, and others on the same table can play at their own level too.
What friendships have you seen develop through Mahjong?
As a meeting ground from such varied backgrounds, we see people with a growing and shared love of the game develop longstanding friendships. Many players, on returning to their home countries, have kept in touch through continuing to play mahjong.
Do you teach beginners?
We offer play for all levels of experience. If you’ve never played mahjong before, we can get you up and playing a basic hand on day one.
Where do you play?
During COVID-19 Phase 2 restrictions we’ve been playing in small groups (up to 8 people total in groups of four) on various weekdays in both the ANZA office and individual members’ homes. We play several games and sessions run for 2½ – 3 hours.
How much socialising do you do while playing?
It depends on the group and skill level. There can be a lot of concentration when initially learning and plenty of chatter and laughter once you’re more comfortable with the game.
How has the Mahjong group adapted to COVID-19 challenges?
As well as playing in smaller individual groups, we’ve been brilliantly supported by the ANZA office team. They’ve provided a venue for play, and helped us follow the lead of other ANZA interest groups in utilising WhatsApp to post and host games, dates and venues where members can add themselves to a hosted game.
What’s the group looking forward to in 2021?
We’re definitely looking forward to getting the whole group back together on a regular basis. The smaller groups have kept the games and group alive, but the atmosphere of having anywhere from 4 to 8 tables, each with 3-4 players clattering and chatting away all at once, is something to be experienced.
If you’re interested in playing, register at anza.org.sg/groups/mahjong
