Play Mahjong with the masters of the game in Mumbai this weekend

A game of Mahjong involves exchanging and shuffling tiles

If your first lessons in Mahjong were learned by cluelessly clicking tiles on a vintage family PC, this weekend might be the time to set things right. Inchin Closer, a language and culture institute, recognised by the People's Republic of China Consulate Mumbai, will host Chinese-origin Mumbai residents in a play-and-learn session.

Mahjong has found a loyal fanbase in the city, including groups of senior citizens. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE

Founder Nazia Vasi, who has spent years in Shanghai, soaking in Chinese culture, tells us the Mahjong craze in China is much like India's love for the card game, Rummy. Mahjong is believed to have originated in the Qing Dynasty during the 1800s, and has since become a favourite among seniors and board game enthusiasts across the world.

Nazia Vasi. PICS COURTESY/INCHIN CLOSER

As most imported traditions do, the game has picked up a Mumbai accent over time, giving rise to smaller circles of Bombay Mahjong that sit alongside Dubai Mahjong and American Mahjong variants. The session this weekend, however, is strictly traditional. The ‘OG Mahjong' as Vasi calls it, features four players, classic tiles, and a whole lot of brain racking.

ON February 28; 5 pm to 7 pm
AT Mini Clubhouse, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
LOG ON TO inchincloser.com
ENTRY Rs 1500

Why learn Mahjong?

Number game: The board game involves numbered tiles, making it an ideal way to memorise the Chinese number system.

Conversation starter: The game relies on drawing and shuffling tiles to create sequences. Conversations will flow naturally, promoting language exchange.

Let's talk business: Vasi suggests the game works wonders for businessmen looking to master money-talk. Mahjong can teach you how to bargain like a boss, even in a language you're not familiar with.