One ‘g’ or two, one word or two, mahjong has invaded the AP as a wholesome obsession

As a game of skill and luck of the draw, mahjong takes the player to a different level of gamesmanship. Forget the oh-so-easy computer game version, that’s for sissies. The board and tile game looks you in the face and dares you to conquer.

In Avoyelles there are now plenty of players who have taken on the challenge and come out victors. The mahjong invasion has finally hit Avoyelles and Avoyelles has responded.

First let’s get one thing straight; spelling. Mahjong can be one word, as written above or two words-mah jong. It can also be mahjong or mahjongg. Take your pick, I chose the easy way: one word, one “g.”

Currently, the Avoyelles Parish library has opened it’s doors to players on Friday afternoons. I landed there recently and was surprised to see a crowd of four tables with learners pulled up close to observe.

Although it just might remind you of dominoes, kinda sorta, this game has a unique set up and the organization reflects its origin: China.

Actually it could be a distant cousin to dominoes because it evolved from older card and domino games.

However, whatever, mahjong can take its place in the game hall of fame because once players get the gist, they are hooked.

Since my experiences are limited, I asked those who have dove in and came up breathing.

Kate Moreau of Marksville said she “learned in April and likes the challenge. I also like being with the people.” Kate added, “There’s a lot of figuring in your mind because of patterns and that appeals to me because I like to make things work.”

Evette Bordelon of Bordelonville came to the library to play because it’s closer than Alex, where she learned to play.

“This is not a boring game,” she began, “it keeps you occupied and focused.”

Evette did say at first she was a bit intimidated but it “only took me four games to get the gist of it.”

From her learning mahjong, Evette then taught her young grandchildren, who caught on quickly.

There are instructors in Alexandria who teach the game for a fee and will come to Avoyelles. There are games all over Alex and currently LSUA is offering a “class” on the game with three sessions; there is a charge.

Nancy Dauzat of Mansura commented on how the game has exploded in Mandeville and Baton Rouge, “It’s on fire there,” she remarked. “Everyone is in a club and restaurants will reserve rooms for players.”

Dianne Dubroc of Marksville said she learned in April, “and was still catching on. It’s a challenge because you have to concentrate.” Dianne likes it because it’s good for the brain and socialization. “Mahjong is structured and I have to be serious when I play and concentrate.”

Like most things, mahjong game sets can be as inexpensive as $30 or as high as $500. Midrange tends to be the most popular, $80 to $220.

These sets include tiles, four tile racks, pushers, dice, betting chips and carrying case or bag.

The game mat is separate and average range is from $35-$90. Again, like all things there’s cheaper and most expensive.

Nell Guillot of Marksville learned mahjong during the summer and has found it “addictive.” She especially likes that “you’re playing against yourself and not hurting anyone.” Nell is a caregiver for a loved one at home and “needs the companionship.”

Kathleen Layfield of Mansura laughed and said she was “at the beginner’s table twice then they threw us to the wolves.” Like the other players, she also likes that it “keeps her brain working.”

It seems mahjong is a winner and growing more popular as people learn the game.

And it doesn’t matter how you spell the game, the best part is playing.