Public welcome at mahjong tournament

FALLBROOK – All are invited to join the Fallbrook Woman’s Club for their semi-annual mahjong tournament on June 27 at the clubhouse, 238 W Mission Rd. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. with play beginning at 1 p.m. Donations are $20 for each player, which includes a lunch and beverages. Prizes will be awarded and raffle baskets will also be available.

Mahjong is a somewhat complicated game that originated in China and is commonly played by four players. Similar to the card game rummy, mahjong requires skill, strategy and a bit of luck. It’s played with a set of 136 tiles, each adorned with Chinese characters and symbols.

Players begin with 13 tiles, and then pick up – or draw – new tiles and discard their unwanted ones. The object: to set one’s hand into a winning combination of groups called Pungs, Kongs and Chows before his opponents. Scores are then tallied to determine the winner. Veteran players say it’s exciting just learning to play the game, and getting the hang of it is a challenge in itself.

Chairwoman Araxy Moosa can be reached at (760) 723-2262 for further information or reservations. Space is limited so organizers are encouraging early reservations. All donations are tax deductible with proceeds going towards the nonprofit club’s philanthropic organizations and scholarship fund.

Members of the club play mahjong the first Monday of each month and the public is invited

to play.

The January tournament had 72 attendees, 68 women and 4 men. The high and low scores at each table received a gift. The event netted $2,047 for distribution to charitable organizations and for scholarships via the woman’s club philanthropy committee. The 17 raffle prizes were a popular hit and a big part of the proceeds.