For Beginners
In Coeur d'Alene, more tables open to new players
A letter in the local paper points newcomers toward games, lessons, and watch-and-learn sessions around town.
The Coeur d'Alene Press ran a reader letter on July 8 under the headline 'MAH JONGG: More places to play,' pointing area residents toward the growing number of American mah jongg groups that welcome newcomers in northern Idaho.
According to the letter, local groups now offer lessons and watch-and-learn sessions for people who have never held a tile. Play at the Lake City Center runs about one to two dollars, and the letter lists 208-667-4628 for anyone hoping to find a seat.
It is a small local note rather than a national headline. Prim's take: it is a good sign all the same, because the surge is reaching the smaller towns, and the on-ramp for a first-timer keeps getting shorter.