A surge of interest in mahjong is building new, in-person community in Washington D.C. as players look for joy, connection, and time off their phones. It's a weekend afternoon, and the room is packed.

It's a weekend afternoon, and the room is packed. GANN: I shall be taking you through the beautiful world of mahjong today. MCCAMMON: We're at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and Jon ...

JON GANN: Welcome to drop-in mahjong. SARAH MCCAMMON, HOST: It's a weekend afternoon, and the room is packed. GANN: I shall be taking you through the beautiful world of mahjong today. MCCAMMON: We're ...

Sarah McCammon is a National Correspondent covering the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for NPR. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion and reproductive ...