THAT OLD “GAME” OF BRIDGE

Ah, yes. I remember it well. 

My parents “played” the “game” of bridge every Sunday afternoon for as long as I can remember.  There were always five of them.  That invaluable fifth person kept the glasses full and nibbles at the ready.  Of course, that person was also welcome to grab a seat at the table if one became available. My father always said: “Move your feet and lose your seat.”

I grew up believing that the real value of the “game” of bridge was to bring people and friends together, to “play” cards, share stories, perhaps gossip a bit and go home happy. That was how I learned to “play” the “game” and it was how I subsequently “taught” the “game” in high school and college. 

Alas, I learned much later that I was seriously out of date in my “playful” approach to bridge. Giggles and laughs are rarely on the table and almost never in the cards. Alas.

But now there’s Mahjongg!  While I’ve not learned to play just yet, our family is quite taken with the game and has assured me that it is FUN!  They’ve promised that there will be no eye rolling, no snide glances, no tsk-tsks.  Just laughter, friendship and fun. 

Happily, I don’t have to go very far to find a teacher.  There are two in our family and they’ve offered me a discount rate!  How can I say no??  I’m open to learning but I have a concern.  I hark back to the adage about old dogs and new tricks and I’m sure I’ll feel the urge to arrange those pretty “tiles” into “suits.”  But I also think I’ll be quickly forgiven for said behavior.

So, bring on the Mahjongg challenge.  Please make sure to pack the laughter and camaraderie in the same box with all those pretty tiles.  I don’t want one without the other.