From a very young age, DIANA “DEE” SHERMAN KASH ’64 loved playing games — for fun as well as the camaraderie of playing with others. Kash, who lives in California, grew up in Pittsburgh, where her family enjoyed playing cards and board games. The family tradition lives on, with her two grandchildren sometimes joining in. Two years ago, a friend told Kash about mahjong. Now she’s hooked on this ancient game, which is played with 152 tiles with designs based on Chinese characters and symbols.
From a very young age, DIANA “DEE” SHERMAN KASH ’64 loved playing games — for fun as well as the camaraderie of playing with others. Kash, who lives in California, grew up in Pittsburgh, where her family enjoyed playing cards and board games. The family tradition lives on, with her two grandchildren sometimes joining in. Two years ago, a friend told Kash about mahjong. Now she’s hooked on this ancient game, which is played with 152 tiles with designs based on Chinese characters and symbols.The American version is slower and more contemplative than its Asian counterpart. And we play for quarters, which adds another level of interest.
My friends began meeting once a week in our homes and then we decided it would be easier to meet at the local senior center because there were tables and chairs and better parking there. Once the pandemic hit, and we were sheltering at home, we signed up for Zoom and started playing virtual games twice a week through realmahjongg.com.
I find the online games, with or without my friends, even more addictive than playing in person because I can play faster, and I don’t have to worry about embarrassing myself if I make a mistake; the computer doesn’t care.
Mahjong really keeps your mind sharp, as it’s not an easy game. It’s similar to the card game rummy — mahjong is a game of observation, strategy and memory, and it also involves a degree of chance. Unless someone is sitting there with you and teaching you, it’s difficult to learn because there are so many decisions to be made in the course of a game.
And it’s a very social game. I like the idea of playing with the same people, but I also feel fortunate that I’ve met new friends through the game.
— As told to Lisa Leighton