Mahjong is a strategic tile game that can be played by two, three, or four players. The

goal of Mahjong is to build a winning hand with 14 tiles made of specific sets, which may

include three of a kind, multiple pairs, and/or combinations using designated patterns

that are specified on a card published by the National Mahjong League. Each year, a

new card is released and includes the hands that players can play and the rules of play.

The game is played with 152 tiles.

Mahjong is a game that requires strategy, memory, ritual, and, hopefully, a bit (or a lot) of

luck. Mahjong is about forming specific combinations using the cards. Depending on how the game is progressing and what others are playing and discarding, a player may need to “pivot”, that is, identify a different hand on the mahjong card to strive for. That helps keep one’s brain engaged.

Other components that make the game so fun include strategizing, studying the other

players and learning how to read both their movements and recognizing the patterns

they are working on by what they do, or do not discard, and what they expose on the

table.

Mahjong was first developed in China in the 19 th century. Its name comes from a

The Chinese word meaning “sparrow” was inspired by the sound of the tiles clicking

together. Mahjong came to the United States in the early 20 th century and was

introduced by Joseph P. Babcock, an American expatriate who learned the game in

Shanghai. Mahjong exploded during the Roaring Twenties and then found its decline

during the Great Depression and WWII. In the 1930s, Jewish-American women in New

York created the National Mah Jongg League (1937)

The game was revived in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Mahjong has surged in popularity in

the last couple of years and has captured the attention of multiple generations, including

youth and millennials.

For most, mahjong provides a sense of community and a social outlet. The

game can provide a departure from the daily grind and hustle of daily life. Some groups

select days and times to meet and play on an ongoing basis, while others may randomly drop

in to play at a specific location and not see each other again. Many groups form strong

bonds of friendship and support one another. It is not unusual to hear laughter,

conversation, and banter coming from a table or a table can be noticeably quiet; each

group takes on its own personality.

Social media enables players to connect, exchange ideas, ask questions, and form

groups. Players can play online alone or connect with others on platforms such as Real

Mah Jongg.

Mahjong can be addictive, which can be from the satisfaction of winning or from playing

with some of the beautiful sets of tiles and mats. When I first began playing, I found

myself captivated by the variety of ornate sets of mahjong tiles and mahjong mats, and

ended up with quite a collection that I never tire of. It isn’t unusual to find our group

talking about the latest tile set and/or mat they ordered, and one of the ladies in our

group designs mahjong accessories.

How long does it take someone to be able to play? 

That is an interesting question. It took me about a year and a half to be comfortable

playing. I have taught some groups who picked the game up in three or four lessons

and others who still rely on help after six months, but the key takeaway on all of this is

that people continue to come back and enjoy the time we all spend together.

Someone mentioned they wanted to learn how

to play mahjong, and it got my attention. I offered to meet and help them. That was a

year ago, and we are still going strong. Most of the group is now out in the community, teaching others and helping spread the joy that mahjong brings.

One can often walk into Lost Coffee in BackCountry and see a group of people

gathered around one of the tables playing Mahjong. I know there was a group that

played at the Sundial House on Monday mornings, and I assume there are other groups

that I may not be aware of. I would encourage anyone who has a group that is

interested in others joining to post information on the BackCountry Facebook page. Our

group typically plays on Thursdays at Lost Coffee and on Sunday afternoons at the

Sundial House. Our gatherings range from two to eight ladies playing mahjong, and we

are always excited when someone new joins our group. We always learn new things

about the game when someone new joins.

How would someone be able to get involved in one of these groups if they were

Looking for something fun and new to participate in?

I am not aware of all of the groups in BackCountry. I would encourage others who have

groups in our community to post on the BackCountry page on Facebook. For those who

may be looking for a group, I would check in with the Sundial House Desk; they are

always very helpful.