Not Just for Popo Anymore—Mahjong Is a Pastime for All Ages
Sign-ups for the Bad Luck Club’s mahjong get-togethers in Chinatown always fill up.
Once a month, the clatter of mahjong tiles rises amid the displays inside Native Books in Chinatown. It’s play night at the Bad Luck Club, part of a global resurgence of the centuries-old game that originated in Southern China. Online sign-ups for the 12 tables fill up with both veterans and newbies.
“People bring their moms, their aunties and grandmas, but it’s mostly a young crowd,” says Cassie Louie, who grew up watching her popo play; now, she runs the club with Joy Sanchez. Other classes and gatherings open to the public dot the island—look online for listings.
