SekWu Mahjong Social- Book Talk, Mahjong Lesson & Open Play

Join us at Lore Leimert Park for an afternoon celebrating Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora by author Nicole Wong, followed by a Mahjong lesson and open play.

Nicole Wong is the creator and founder of The Mahjong Project and the author of Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora. Her work has been featured by Vogue, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, NPR's Code Switch, and more.

The afternoon will begin with a conversation with Nicole about her book and the many traditions, variations, and cultural histories surrounding Mahjong across the Asian diaspora. Following the book talk, Janet Li will lead an instructional session for those learning how to play Mahjong.

Janet is a first-generation immigrant from Hong Kong who grew up watching her grandparents and extended family play Mahjong. After learning to play in LA’s Chinatown about a year ago, she quickly became hooked and has since been hosting Mahjong events throughout the South Bay. She has brought Mahjong gatherings together with organizations including Fox Studio and Yelp, often pairing the game with food and local restaurants.

During Janet’s lesson, you’ll learn the basics of the game and get a chance to put your new skills to work. And if you happen to win a hand from another player’s discard, you might even hear “SekWu” (食糊) — a Cantonese expression used when someone wins by “eating” another player’s tile.

After the lesson, we’ll open the tables for two hours of Mahjong play, giving guests the opportunity to practice their new skills, play with others, and enjoy an afternoon of community and connection.

Your ticket includes:

• A copy of Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora
• A book talk and conversation with Nicole Wong
• An opportunity to have your book signed by Nicole Wong
• Mahjong instruction with Janet Li
• Two hours of open Mahjong play

Please arrive a few minutes early. The book discussion will begin at 1 PM.

Sunday, September 27
1–4 PM
Lore Leimert Park
4334 Degnan Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90008

Whether you're completely new to Mahjong or already know your way around the tiles, join us for an afternoon of books, learning, play, food, culture, and community.