I have taught hundreds of students to play mahjong. Many students go on to play with groups at country clubs, private homes and online. But what about the others? As someone that is not a member of a private club, unreliable to play weekly with the same small group (yep- I have two busy kids!) and someone that travels often, I decided it was time to create mahjong social clubs.
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Talk to people IRL
American mahjong has had so many options to play online. I love good online games, including the American Mahjong Practice app and I Love Mahj on my computer. But, like most people, I didn’t learn mahjong to play online with bots.
Mahjong is really about connection, friendly competition and unplugging. The social clubs are designed to get people to make eye contact, carry on conversations, embrace etiquette, read facial cues and laugh. With work from home and social media bringing us face to face with a screen every day, mahjong social clubs will help people reconnect IRL.
Practice with people
The mahjong bots are fast players and great opponents. Watching online videos of mahjong gurus like Michele Frizzell can offer helpful strategic advice. But old school, in- person play is the best way to improve your game.
When you play with real players, you can read their faces, watch their pace of play and learn from mistakes. This is what will make everyone a better player. Most of the best tips and tricks I have learned have been from other ladies at the mahjong table.
Try new ways to mahjong
Blanks, alternative cards, modern tiles and table rules make American mahjong fun and exciting. Even grandma probably played with a few of these twists.
Mahjong social clubs bring players together to show off tiles, mats and new accessories before they buy. In Nashville, Music City Mahjong hosts Show-and-Tell events for players to share their favorite mahjong gear to others. Mahjong isn’t just a game, it’s an experience.
Jump in (and out) of a game
Life is busy. I am not in a routine where I can commit to playing a weekly game for three hours at the same time of day with the same people. Honestly, very few people I know are following a schedule. The goal for mahjong social clubs is to be able to step in and join a table any time it is convenient for you. Each week you can sit with different people. If something comes up or you must leave early, you aren’t letting three friends down.
Mahjong social clubs are flexible.
Friendly games
Again, I believe mahjong is about connection first and competition second. These games are all friendly games and designed to build relationships. Perhaps you exchange numbers with other players that are at your level and want to meet Sunday nights. You can share your knowledge with others and practice teaching a new player. It might be the perfect time to set up with just two players and try Siamese mahjong. These social clubs are fun ways to spend time unplugged and connecting.
In March of 2025, I created social clubs in Nashville, Chicago and Lake Geneva to get players together. I hope you can come to one of these social clubs or maybe even start one in your own city.
