What you'll learn
- The student will be able to recognize the different symbols and characters within a Mahjong set such as the “simples” tiles or suits, the “honours” tiles or winds and dragons, and the “bonus” tiles, which are the flowers.
- The student will learn the proper protocol and terminologies used in the game such as “chow”, “pong”, or kong” to complete sets, and when to declare “mahjong”.
- The student will learn the rules, structures, winning combinations, the value or importance of each tile and how to make strategic decisions in keeping or discarding a tile as it impacts on his/her offensive or defensive strategy.
- The student will learn how to strategize a winning hand as described and illustrated in at least 25 different winning patterns that bring the highest scores.
- Towards the completion of the course, the student will have been exposed to multiple winning hands, combinations, and the scoring guide to determine the point value of each element in the winning hand.
- By the end of the course, the student will have been provided with a solid foundation, and will be more than ready to play confidently with other Mahjong players.
Requirements
- Be able to recognize numbers 1 to 9 .
- Be able to recognize shapes and symbols in repetitive form and put them together to form complete sets.
- Have access to a Mahjong set which are sold online or in local Chinese shops, bookstores, and sometimes in thrift shops.
- When learning Mahjong Genius course, play the game by following the instructor first, then work various simple combinations by yourself or with a friend, then as you learn even more, join a foursome to play Mahjong.
Description
Mahjong Genius is a comprehensive learning skill designed for absolute beginners who wish to learn how to play the traditional HongKong Mahjong game. This course also addresses intermediate players who wish to improve their level of play to achieve high-scoring winning hands.
Mahjong Genius is a "Mind Sport" and its goal is to provide the student with a full understanding of how to strategize the use of the 13 tiles he or she is dealt with in order to achieve a winning hand. Creating order from chaos by means of random drawings, that is amazing!
Mahjong is played with 144 tiles intricately engraved with Chinese characters and symbols. But don’t be scared by the explanation of the game, I guarantee – it’s lots of fun! Similar to the card game Gin Rummy, Mahjong involves mental skill, strategy and calculation, with a degree of chance. A good game should bring thrill and excitement, allow you to think and plan your strategy which could bring about a win! In Mahjong, every winning hand is unique. Mahjong stimulates the thinking process, keeps your brain alert and thinking, is a great game which allows social interaction, and creates enjoyable experiences to live happy, healthy and fun lives.
Who this course is for:
- Open to all ages. The ideal student would be one who comes with an open mind and is ready to learn.
- Even children who can recognize numbers 1 to 9 can learn this game. I taught my own children from age 6 and we played simple Mahjong for a great and more connected social interaction. It's a great family game you can play for hours!
- Mahjong is an excellent socially-interactive game for everyone, youth, adults or seniors, as playing Mahjong stimulates the mental capacity of a person, keeps the mind alert and thinking, is a calming exercise and can be very relaxing.
Instructor
Belle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with years of experience teaching Drawing & Painting, Mosaics, Ceramics, Wood Carving, Wood Burning and now the Oriental and exotic game of Mahjong.
Belle currently teaches eight classes of Mahjong for beginners and advanced students in three recreational centres in her city, bringing challenging and exciting fun times to many students who thoroughly enjoy her classes.
She has also worked as an international consultant in community skills development, managing projects for organizations such as UNESCO, LWF, CIDA and the ILO, helping vulnerable groups in the Caribbean and Asian regions.
The one aspect of life that Belle truly enjoys is teaching, which she has been doing for the last 3 decades. Over the years she has empowered many individuals to become more innovative and confident in their ability to create beautiful works of art which they are able to produce, sell and be proud of.