Imagine a cozy afternoon or evening with your favorite people — the soft clack-clack of tiles filling the air, and just enough playful trash talk to make things interesting. Then it happens — someone draws the winning tile and shouts, “Mahjong!” The table erupts into laughter, a mix of mock groans and genuine cheers. It’s not just a game; it’s a little pocket of joy you’ll want to come back to week after week.
Welcome to mahjong, the tile game that’s been around for centuries but is suddenly popping up in retirement communities, neighborhood clubhouses, and coffee shops everywhere. It’s the new bunko for women — but with a dash of strategy, a sprinkle of luck, and the occasional victory dance.
What is Mahjong, Anyway?
Mahjong originated in China and has since developed different styles, but in the U.S., American Mahjong (or “Mah Jongg”) is the most common, with Jewish origins and rules set by the National Mah Jongg League. Think of it as a mix between rummy and a puzzle — you draw and discard tiles, working to match a winning hand from the year’s official card.
The tiles are beautiful — engraved with symbols like bamboos, dots, dragons, and winds — and the game can be as relaxed or competitive as you want it to be.
Why Seniors Love Mahjong (And Why You Will Too)
Mahjong isn’t just fun; it’s good for you.
- Keeps your brain sharp: All that matching and pattern recognition is a mental workout.
- Boosts social connection: You’ll laugh, talk, and bond over the tiles.
- Reduces stress: Once you start focusing on your hand, everyday worries melt away.
- Builds tradition: Like bunko nights of the past, mahjong is a social ritual you’ll look forward to every week.
And unlike bunko, where the dice decide your fate, mahjong gives you more control — and just enough randomness to keep things interesting.
Choosing Your Style of Mahjong
Intrigued? Why not start your own Mahjong group! First thing is to decide the style of mahjong you want to play. While mahjong has ancient roots in China, it’s evolved into a few distinct styles you’ll find here in the U.S. The most popular is American Mahjong, played with the official National Mah Jongg League card that changes every year — think of it as the annual “playbook” for winning hands. Then there’s Chinese Mahjong, with no yearly card but tends to have a more complicated scoring and strategy system. You might also encounter Japanese Riichi Mahjong, a highly strategic version that’s big in competitive circles, and Hong Kong Mahjong, which is easy to learn and has straightforward scoring, making it a great choice for beginners. Before your group gets started, it’s worth deciding which style you want to play so everyone’s on the same page — and speaking the same “tile language.”
How to Start Your Own Group
1. Find Your People
You’ll need at least four players for a game, but six to eight in the group is ideal so you can rotate in and out. Decide if you want to form an “invitation only” group or an open group where anyone can join. To find members, start by asking friends, neighbors, or members of your book club and other hobby groups. Many senior centers and community bulletin boards are also great places to find interested players.
2. Pick Your Style
Most groups in the U.S. play American Mahjong, but decide early so everyone learns the same version. If you’re unsure, American Mahjong is beginner-friendly and easy to find resources for.
3. Set a Schedule
Consistency is key. Pick a day and time — weekly or bi-weekly — and stick to it. For a closed group, consider rotating homes or finding a common meeting spot like a clubhouse or café. For open groups, senior centers, public libraries, and community centers are good places to meet. Since the origins of American MahJongg are in the Jewish community, synagogues can also be a good resource for meeting space.
Closed, by-invitation groups work best if everyone comes for a specific duration of time. Open groups can be drop-in, with broad times for play and players coming when they are available and for however long they would like to play.
4. Get the Gear
Getting started is easy but you will need to have a few essentials to get started:
- A mahjong set (tiles, racks, and dice) — you’ll need one set for every 4 players. Members of the group can bring sets. Make sure you get a set for the style of mahjongg that you will be playing. American Mahjongg has 152 tiles — including 8 Jokers. Chinese mahjong has only 144 tiles and potentially will not have Western numbers that help non-Chinese speakers read the tiles.
- The current year’s National Mah Jongg League card (it changes annually).
- The National Mah Jongg League’s rule book. Purchase at least one for the group. The card has the most common rules but the more you play, the more likely an uncommon situation will arise that you’ll need to know the rule for.
- Table and chairs. The best table for mahjong is square and 36 – 38 inches. Comfortable chairs are important because once you get hooked on the game, you will likely be playing for hours at a time!
5. Learn Together (Or Bring in a Teacher)
If no one in your group knows how to play, find a teacher. Many mahjong teachers will come to your home and offer private, small group lessons. Make sure you choose a teacher that is qualified. Other options include:
- Local senior centers often offer classes.
- Libraries and community colleges sometimes run workshops.
- Online lessons (YouTube, Facebook mahjong groups, or sites like “I Love Mahj”) can get you started. ModernMahJong.com has a comprehensive list of groups by state and they can put you in touch with teachers. Michelle Frizell’s YouTube channel has some excellent beginner videos and her website, Mahjlife.com, has a directory of guild-certified instructors.
6. Set your House Rules and Group Procedures
Your teacher can help your group establish your house rules and group best practices. You will want to determine how players will rotate in and out of games, whether you will be playing for points or money, how you will handle too many players or not enough, food and drink policy, etc.
Fun Ways to Keep the Group Engaged
Once you learn the game and start playing regularly, it is time to focus on the social fun aspect of your get-togethers.
- Theme Nights: “Dragons & Dim Sum” night with Chinese takeout, or “Dots & Dessert” with everyone bringing a sweet treat.
- Mini Tournaments: Friendly competitions with small prizes (chocolate is always a winner).
- Mahjong Road Trips and Cruises: Visit another group in a nearby town or attend a mahjong fundraiser tournament. There are several groups that plan MahJong themed cruises where your group can meet other players from around the world.
Final Thoughts
Mahjong is more than just a game — it’s a brain booster, a friendship builder, and an excuse to laugh until your sides hurt. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a way to bring friends together, it’s the perfect mix of fun and challenge.
So gather your bams, craks, and dots, and let the good times (and tiles) roll.
