Mahjong is a game of tiles, strategy, and no small amount of friendly rivalry — and it’s one of the most popular ways to pass an afternoon here. The gentle clatter of the tiles being shuffled is a sound our players have come to love.

If you’ve never played, don’t let that hold you back. It’s the sort of game that’s easy enough to pick up but keeps you thinking move after move, and the regulars are more than happy to teach a newcomer the basics over a hand or two.

Beyond the fun of it, mahjong is wonderful exercise for the mind. All that matching, planning, and keeping an eye on your opponents does a fine job of keeping the wits sharp — and the laughter around the table is good for the soul besides.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, come pull up a chair. You’ll be playing — and very likely winning — before you know it.