A Vienna resident is planning to open a new venue in the town this summer where beginner and experienced mahjong players alike can learn how to play, form leagues, and socialize.
Jennifer Groves, who’s been teaching mahjong locally for the past year, expects to open The Bamboo Room above the Japanese restaurant Sushi Yoshi at 101 Church Street NW, Unit D, in August. An exact date has not been set yet.
“I’ve loved teaching, and I think that is what has driven me to do this,” Groves told FFXnow. “I’ve really just found joy in doing it, and I really just wanted to be able to do more of it.”
While mahjong can be complex — an intro session on the terminology and how to use the set of tiles is two and a half hours long — there will be plenty of space for beginners to learn, with lessons and guided sessions.
“I tell everyone this is this is a game of strategy and luck, so you could be, you know, the best player playing for 10,000 years and still not get the tile that you want,” Groves said. “So, it really evens the playing field for everyone … And the more you play, the more confident at the table you get.”
Some experienced players have already reached out, asking what version of the game — which originated in nineteenth-century China — will be played. Groves only teaches American mahjong, but says “anybody is welcome to come and play whatever style of mahjong they want.”
Mainly, she wants to create a place where all different kinds of people can come to have fun and break out of their routines.
“I love watching the connections at the table,” Groves said. “I think for people that are feeling lonely, or left out, or feel like they have nothing going on, this is great space to meet people.”
Groves herself learned how to play about seven or eight years ago, after her mother taught her. Her mother has been playing for over a decade with a group of about 15 members with a wide range of ages, and Groves was inspired by how close they became over the years.
“Those ladies have been through so much together, and I think it’s very sweet. It’s kind of like a book club, you know?” Groves said. “I think that’s how it’s hopefully going to be moving forward, to create these groups where people have the opportunity to continue to play together.”
