Bridge and Mahjong

[OldMike]

I know they seem vastly different games.

Just up the road from me run by U3A (University of the Third Age) on Thursdays 2-4pm with an interval for tea or coffee, they hold beginner bridge and mahjong sessions these are just for fun and are more a social thing.

It's closed over Xmas and the New Year and starts up again Thursday 7th January.

Spoke to the lady who organizes it and mahjong is at one end of the hall and bridge at the other, she said come along and watch and dive in when you are ready, she said we don't teach these games you just pick it up as you go along.

I've played whist years ago and bridge is similar in terms of trumps and winning tricks but there is a bidding process and the winner of that has to make the tricks they bid for.

Mahjong is a bit like rummy where you get groups and pairs etc, would I be able to come to grips with the different tile marking as the look like Chinese characters?

Have any of you guys play bridge or mahjong.

Just post your thoughts here.

Thanks Mike

[Jaquaia]

I've played mahjong on my phone. There are lots of free apps for it and I think there are some free ones you can play online too. I really enjoy it but wouldn't have a clue how to set the game up myself.

[Suzi]

There are loads of free mahjong games - give it a go! Never played bridge, but I think it sounds like a great idea to get you out of the house and meeting new people.

[purplefan]

I like twister. Anyone want a game of twister?

[OldMike]

Thanks all, I'll be going there in the new year (unless it's blowing a hurricane), according to the lady who runs it there's a few people with disabilities and a few younger ones who go too, so looks like a good mix.

[Suzi]

I think that sounds like a great plan!

[purplefan]

it sounds like a good idea mike and it is a good way to get sociable. Playing cards used to be a huge pass time in London town back in the day.

[OldMike]

Looked at Mahjong on Wikipedia and it looks quite complicated.

I think bridge may be the better option, I'll keep you posted.

Years ago my granny used to go to whist drives at the British Legion.

[magie06]

My grandparents used to play bridge. They would sponsor prizes and have a cup named in their honour. They would play a lot during the year. They played on Monday Wednesday and Friday. Then they played through the Easter weekend all weekend which would drive me mad. If they weren't playing bridge which I never understood, we would all play a card game called rummy. I'm not sure if anyone plays cards anymore.

[OldMike]

Magie some people take bridge very seriously, I'm thinking of playing it once a week more as a social thing. The woman who runs it says more serious players soon move on.