The tile-based game mah jongg is thriving at senior centers across the SouthCoast.

For many people mah jongg provides social connection and mental stimulation.

The game may be old, but has been growing in popularity due to celebrity endorsements and its appearance in movies like "Crazy Rich Asians."

NEW BEDFORD — Every day across the SouthCoast, the unmistakable sound of clattering tiles and friendly chatter fills community centers in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Fall River as mah jongg continues to trend, bringing new players and starting to max out rooms.

“Sometimes we can’t get into a room because it’s full, or you have to wait until a game is done to rotate in and join,” said Joan Blanchett, who has been playing for more than 40 years.

At the Buttonwood Senior Center in New Bedfo

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