By Abigail Kim

Mahjong is a game of luck, but also skill. The objective of the game is fairly simple: remove all tiles by matching sets and identical pairs.

Developed in Southern China during the mid-1800s near the end of the Qing Dynasty, mahjong means “sparrow” in southern Chinese dialects. The nickname refers to the bird-like sounds the tiles make when reshuffled. Mahjong is one of the most popular games in China, particularly among the older generations. The game is rooted in Chinese history and is associated with family, interconnection, and Chinese culture. Though part luck, skill is a necessary component to being a successful player. Mahjong is all about learning how to negotiate, communicate, and cooperate with other players.

Seniors Kelly Chen and Sophie Chen brought this unique cultural tradition to life through the creation of the Mahjong Club. Their goal is to share this important part of their heritage with the school community, offering students not only a chance to learn the fascinating game but also the chance to develop critical thinking skills and build meaningful connections with their peers.

“The Mahjong Club provides insight into traditions of Asian-American culture that may not be fully explored in just a history or culture class,” Kelly said. “It is a long-standing multicultural game we would like to educate not only curious students but also Asian-American students who may not be aware of part of their background. The Mahjong Club is dedicated to understanding and immersing in the culture through the lens of a simple game.”

The Mahjong Club meets every other Monday during lunch in room G4. Students of all skill levels are welcome. Beginners are guided through the game’s rules through a series of tutorials and hands-on practice. More experienced players also have the opportunity to play faster-paced matches. Later meetings will also introduce in-club competitions where players can play amongst themselves for a grand prize.

However, the club doesn’t solely focus on how to play mahjong itself. Meetings will also highlight important cultural elements that Mahjong represents.

“We outline a Chinese holiday or current event happening in Asia, followed by a Kahoot or quiz with a prize,” Sophie said.

This engaging structure ensures that members also gain knowledge about Asian culture, helping them become more culturally informed

Mahjong holds a special place in both Kelly’s and Sophie’s hearts.

“Growing up, it was a childhood game I always played with my family,” Kelly said. “It was a family tradition to play every Christmas, and I really enjoyed it.”

Sophie’s personal connection to Mahjong was just as strong.

“Both sides of my family loved playing Mahjong,” Sophie said. “If there was a family gathering, Mahjong was sure to be there. I picked it up when I was young, and it gave me a way to bond with my family in a special way.”

It was their deep connection to Mahjong that inspired the two to create a space at school where others could also experience the same joy and sense of community through the game. At its core, the Mahjong Club offers GHC students a variety of skill sets that they can apply to their lives later in life. Mahjong is all about learning to think critically and make smart decisions.

“They will develop analytical thinking skills needed to think one step ahead,” Kelly said. “Students will use critical thinking to analyze situations in new ways.”

Sophie echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the importance of learning new skills while also having fun.

“It makes you think carefully about your next move: what you’ll need to keep, what you can throw out, and the possibilities of getting the tile you want,” Sophie said. “I hope our club gives students the chance to think critically while having fun.”

Though Mahjong may seem like an “exclusive” club, Kelly and Sophie hope that students from all backgrounds can come together to play Mahjong. They believe that Mahjong, although a unique Chinese tradition, is also a game that transcends cultures and ultimately brings people together.

“Everyone should be able to experience the beauty of different cultures, and we are honored to be able to share it with others as well,” said Kelly.

Mahjong Club provides a celebration of culture, strategy, and community. Whether you’re interested in learning the game, expanding your cultural knowledge, or simply making new friends, Mahjong Club is a great place to be.