Mahjong is the Next Pickleball; Are You Ready?

The Chinese matching game that originated in the 19th Century is experiencing a surge of popularity in the USA right now. In addition to seeing sets available in boutiques across small town Georgia, the game has been appearing in pop culture, from Crazy Rich Asians to With Love, Meghan, more and more in recent years. And just like pickleball, which went from something unknown to many to an unavoidable hobby almost overnight, the beautiful and complex Chinese game is queued up to take your friend group by storm.

Now I love learning a new game, but more importantly, I like being ahead of the curve. While there are plenty of online videos and sites offering tutorials, this post is aimed at helping you find places in your community to jump in. Because Mahjong is one of those games that is best learned hands-on. Here are four places to look for Mahjong in your community to help you get started.

your local library

Libraries are an unparalleled community resource. Yes, they are a repository for books and archives, but more often than not, they are also a hub for activities that meet the needs of their neighborhoods. The library in my neighborhood just launched a Mahjong Club that meets every Monday night. This has been a wonderful way to learn alongside neighbors and cultivate my skills.

Game stores

Game stores pride themselves on offering a variety of games for all ages. Many also host open play or facilitated game play. If there is a game store in your area, see if they offer mahjong lessons weekly or monthly. Even if they don’t, people asking may inspire them to do so. Be sure to sign up for any event newsletters so you can stay in the know for new initiatives as they arise.

breweries

Just like trivia, I have seen more and more breweries offering mahjong on a weekly or monthly basis. Search online for events hosted by the breweries in your area to see if mahjong has made it into their rotation. These may not always be beginner level, so be sure to look for the nights that match where you are in your mahjong journey.

Pop-up

My first in-person mahjong game was a pop-up. It was a play-as-you-go game hosted by someone who offered small group lessons. She could be hired to host in your home, at a party, or (as in my case) at a work function. Instructors are surprisingly easy to find; you may be only two degrees away from someone who teaches mahjong.

Mahjong has kept game players entertained for centuries. Though its popularity has ebbed and flowed in the USA, I am excited to benefit from its current resurgence. Good luck getting started and remember to enjoy the journey.