American Mah-Jongg Basics
Taught by Lauren
Lauren teaches Kindergarten at The New American Academy Charter School in Brooklyn. As a graduate of NYU’s Educational Theatre program, as well as the former Artistic Director of Tragoedia Theatre, a not‐for‐profit summer musical program in NJ, her passion for both the arts and game‐based learning serves as the foundation of her teaching practice. At Brooklyn School of Inquiry, her second grade students performed Shakespeare's Macbeth and operated a school‐wide mail service. Last year, she taught in a twice-exceptional private school for gifted students with learning challenges. Outside of the classroom, she loves riding her bike, playing board/video games, and seeing live music with friends and family.
A staple of the 1920s, American Mah-Jongg's recent resurgence combines the elegance of Chinese characters with an addictive balance of luck and strategy. This tile game originated in China and has been played for generations, becoming a weekly tradition and social event across the US and in many Brooklyn communities. Adaptable for three or four players, Mah-Jongg is reminiscent of Bridge and a fun problem solving game of skill for all ages!
Often called "the game of one hundred intelligences," it is considered a game for clever people because of its challenge and complexity. Mah-Jongg can be played with or without money, as long as competition is alive and well. And while the familiar computer solitaire version features authentic tile artwork, the table version is far superior.
This class is designed to take "beginners" with little or no experience and help them play with confidence. You'll be prepared to set-up the four "great walls", deal both a three or four player game and narrow your focus each game to one or two winning hands.
The class includes an appropriate balance of lesson time and playing time, so you can learn through hands-on experience. We'll begin by covering the absolute basics of only the American version of the game, then we’ll progress into set-up and dealing, and finally conclude with hands-on strategy and etiquette.
