I love watching a group of Chinese guys sitting around playing cards! This can go on for hours, and they truly seem to enjoy their time. Often the card game will draw in others to socialize with everyone else, so it becomes an even larger event. It’s unfortunate for me that I don’t know how to play, yet.
The guys seem to enjoy throwing down their playing cards with much more gusto than I am accustomed to seeing in the states. The card will be thrown down with so much force that you can hear the card hit the playing surface, if there isn’t too much other noise around.
This game time is also a time for the guys to enjoy their cigarettes, talk about current events, and maybe enjoy their favorite beverage.
Beau!
Learn more in my book Lessons from China: A Westerner’s Cultural Education
Chances are they were gambling. With money riding on the action, things do get animated and even bystanders linger.
You could be correct. I think more gambling takes place with another game called Majiang; I think that is how it is spelled.