By Magda Popisilova (CZ)
Mahjong originated in China in the 19th century from different variations of a similar game that was played in ancient societies for hundreds of years. Mahjong popularity grew once it reached the United States in the 1920s.
According to research conducted by a team at the University of Georgia in 2019, mahjong players who regularly played the game enjoyed reduced depression rates among middle-aged and elder Chinese adults. Per the research, the game of skill is a challenging hobby that can help keep your brain sharp, but the social aspect of mahjong may also impact holistic mental health overall.
The IWAP Mahjong interest group has been going strong for many years, so many years that the group does not know when or who initiated it. When established, the group was small and grew through the years. In 2014, the group had 8 members, nationalities: France, Germany, Holland, USA, UK, Korea, Japan, Czechia.
At present, there are 17 players and the group has 3 game sets for the group to use. IWAP Mahjong players vary in frequency of playing from weekly regular players to others join when their schedule permits. Magda, the Mahjong leader, stated the group is experiencing some transitions with older members leaving Prague yet a strong interest from new IWAP members. With all this change the chatter around the game board, the competitive spirit and the brain training the game offers keeps the group going. And between games, we share our latest updates with each other and have some fun together as well.
Photo by Zuzana Zajacová
