Several studies point to people of ages, and especially women, feeling lonelier than ever before. We know this. We all feel it. We have so many opportunities to virtually connect yet it feels empty. To really connect these days, we need to put the phone down, ignore the smartwatch and just focus on face to face community building. People today are seeking connection. Table games like mahjong provide a great outlet to be present with one another.
The history of American mahjong is fascinating. Mahjong originated in China sometime in the mid 1800s and brought to the United States in the 1920s. It had splintered into many different variations over time. To organize play, the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) created an official set of rules in 1937. These official rules and the coordinating annual card are what most Americans use today. Mahjong has continued to be popular among women in military bases and in religious communities and had another surge in popularity after Covid.
There are many similarities between mahjong now and the beginnings of American mahjong (also spelled mah-jongg) in the roaring 20s. It is a challenging game that builds community. Once the rules are decided, including table rules, the deal starts. The Charleston, which is unique to American mahjong, creates a fun way to strategize and trade tiles. For women of that time and now, the Charleston is an opportunity to make some smart moves, show etiquette, and act slyly all at the same time. As chit chat around the table happens, women make their own decisions on what to keep and what to send. Mahjong players are finding community and camaraderie.
Every game is different. You can change the setting, the tiles, add in a new house rule or two and even play with an alternative card. Every hand is different. Some deals will start you with two jokers and a kong, but other times you won’t be dealt a joker and watch your hand go dead. Mahjong has so many rules and “what ifs” that keep the game fresh and exciting. With every new game is a new adventure, and “new” brings players together.
I’m glad American mahjong has become popular again. I enjoy meeting a friend for coffee and playing Siamese as we catch up. After a dinner party, it is fun to sit around and play a game as we have one last drink. Spending a day at the sports fields with the kids (ahem baseball tournaments) is always more fun when the moms come together for a quick game of mahjong while we wait. And most of all, I truly enjoy meeting new friends and connecting with others around the table.
So let’s all find a set of tiles, a card and a seat at the table. We all just want to connect…and once in a while call out “Mahjong!”
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