The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Learning the skills and strategies involved in an ancient Chinese game

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If you want to learn how to play Mah Jongg (also known as Mahjong), there are weekly games for both beginners and intermediate players at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. There is no cost to play and the library provides all the game materials. For more information, call (813) 929-1214.

Before picking their tiles at the start of a game, the players shuffle them, in a practice known as ‘washing’ the tiles. The players not only enjoy the game, but the social atmosphere the weekly gatherings provide. From left: Cathy Smolski, of Land O’ Lakes; Linda Maniscalco, of Land O’ Lakes; Colette Pollack, of Land O’ Lakes; and Marilyn Howell, of Wesley Chapel. (Christine Holtzman)
Colette Pollack, of Land O’ Lakes, teaches Mah Jongg (also known by the traditional spelling of Mahjong) at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. The ancient Chinese decision-making game features tiles printed with Chinese symbols and characters. Players, typically in groups of four, rely on skill, strategy and luck to be the first to complete a winning hand. There are many variations of the game played around the world, but the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library follows the official rules of an Americanized version through the National Mah Jongg League Inc.
Mitsue Thompson, of Lutz, right, pushes her ‘wall’ of tiles into the center of the table, as Renee Glassman, of Wesley Chapel, watches.

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