A game of skill, mah-jongg originated in China. It was possibly introduced to Westerners around the turn of the 20th century when people in Asian countries, Japan and Korea, began playing.
The National Mah-Jongg League originated in New York City in 1937.
Every country has altered the mah-jongg game and invented their own rules.
The U.S. Air Force wives stationed in different parts of the world started playing mah-jongg and each time they moved they had to learn different rules to play with friends or relatives. They established set rules and published them in a book.
The Wives Club of the Wright-Patterson Officers Club copyrighted their set of rules in 1963 and update them regularly.
The National Mah-Jongg League and the Wright-Patterson Officers Club incorporated modifications of the traditional rules and they have an intense following,
The Wright-Patterson mah-jongg players at the Central Connection dominates over the National Mah-jongg due to the perseverance of Betty Hale, Middletown resident.
She learned to play the Wright-Patterson rules, 14 years ago, in Arizona where she and her husband, Tom, spend winters. In Middletown no one knew about the Wright-Patterson rules, but they played the National rules.
Due to Hale’s tenacity and love for the game, in 2008 the Central Connection began having the Wright-Patterson version of mah-jongg.
“I put my heart and soul in this when I first started,” Hale said. “I went back the next season to Arizona and learned all the details and rules,” said Hale, who began playing and teaching mah-jongg at friend’s Middletown homes.
“The only thing different from Wright Patterson is we play with two jokers and they (Wright Patterson) don’t play with jokers.”
Retired from Miami University in Middletown, Wanda Morgan said many like Wright-Patterson because it is more complex and challenging. “I played bridge for many years, and your partner depends on you and you have to concentrate more than what you do with mah-jongg.”
Rose Post, formerly a hairdresser at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village, said, “It is mind challenging, learning different hands, putting hands together. It is similar to cards only you play with the tile.”
A 30-year retiree from AK steel, Donna Duncan began playing bingo and progressed to mah-jongg. “I really liked it. I sat down one time and I was hooked. Central Connections has so many things that people can get into, but I am partial to mah-jongg.”
“Mah-jongg makes your brain work,” said Marsha Caudill. “I think it helps you remember things.”
“I encourage people to come to the Central Connections,” said Hale. “Come play mah-jongg with us. If you want to play or just want to learn.” Hale formerly worked at the ear, nose and throat specialists of Middletown for 20 years.
The Wright Patterson Mah-jongg out-number the National and play every Thursday and all day the third Thursday. The National Mah-jongg has three or four players that meet every other week.
For more information, call Central Connections at 513-423-1734.
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