VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A centuries-old Chinese game has gained in popularity in the U.S. and here in Hampton Roads.
This is Beach resident Michelle Wickum’s third Mahjong class at the Va. Beach Public Library.
So you may be asking, what is mahjong?
Watch: Black women entrepreneurs celebrate 'Hampton Opoly' board game recognition
“It's just like rummy, but instead of cards it's tiles so you're setting up runs and straights and pairs,” said mahjong teacher Helen Van.
Van teaches free mahjong classes at the VA Beach Public Library.
“The goal of the game is to get four sets of three and a pair,” said Van.
Watch: Virginia Beach librarians say libraries are important now more than ever
The tile-based game originated in China in the 19th century and features beautiful images on each tile.
“The blue is to symbolize the heavens or purity, the green is to earth and fertility, and red is to symbolize blood and humanity,” said Van.
Players say they like the colorful artwork on the tiles.
“Mahjong sets used to be hand carved by different families that was their craft,” said Van.
Watch: New $33 million library coming to Newport News
Some of these mahjong enthusiasts are first-timers and some have played before.
“Trying to get the ladies in my life to learn Mahjong so we can have ladies nights of Mahjong,” said Wickum.
There is a Japanese version too that scores a little differently. That’s what these folks at the Casual Pint in Va. Beach are playing.
James Sagayno started the club two years ago.
"The popularity of Japanese culture is rising in general with anime and manga and movies like Godzilla. People are becoming attuned to Japanese culture,”
Whether it's the Chinese or Japanese version, mahjong is a fun way to bring people together which makes it Positively Hampton Roads.
For more information on free mahjong classes, contact the Virginia Beach public library. https://libraries.virginiabeach.gov/
