Mahjong, also known as 'Chinese dominoes’, has become a popular tabletop game in Puerto Rico, attracting people of all ages. Elsita Abreu and Maryvonne Salib, co-founders of the Mahjong 787 club, started playing two years ago and have since engaged with around 700 to 800 enthusiasts, mostly women. The club offers classes and hosts events, aiming to build a gaming community and provide a space for socialization.
Abreu and Salib emphasize that the game is open to everyone, regardless of age, and that it offers a mental workout and a form of mindfulness practice. The game’s popularity is also driven by its annual changes in rules and patterns, which keeps players excited and challenged. Players like Anilú Muñecas, 70, and Maru González, 44, have praised the game for its social aspect and the opportunity to learn and improve.
Muñecas highlighted the benefits of playing Mahjong for her age group, while González advised newcomers not to be intimidated by the game’s rules and complexity.