Mahjong was developed in China in the 1600’s and has spread throughout theworld since the early 20th century. It is played by four people, however it is possible to play with three. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. Each player starts with 13 tiles and in turn players draw and discard tiles until their hand is completed by drawing a 14thtile from the set. The game is decided by four pungs (sets) and a pair. There are many special hands that can also be played.
Here at Broadbeach U3A we have been playing for 25 years, starting at Isle of Capri, then Broadbeach State School and now Merrimac High School. We currently have around 20 players each Monday during school terms catering for beginners and the more experienced. We take extra care and time with beginners and when ready integrate them to the rest of the class. Several of the group have played here for many years.