Mahjong Madness: The game taking Mississippi by storm

By Courtney Warren

A familiar, rhythmic clicking sound is echoing across social halls and living rooms, signaling the resurgence of mahjong, the traditional Chinese tile game now enjoying a massive comeback as a premier social activity.

Much like the popularity of bridge among mothers in the 1990s, mahjong has become the go-to game for building new friendships and community connections. Clubs and casual gatherings are popping up everywhere, drawing new players of all ages who appreciate the game’s blend of strategy, luck and face-to-face interaction. 

The game, which involves drawing and discarding tiles to form sets, offers a welcome break from digital screens. There is also a beauty in mahjong in regards to the etiquette of the game. While many find it intimidating, as learning the tiles, the suits, and the rules can be a bit overwhelming, the beauty of the game is the lack of competitive nature. In a world where we are all focused on winning and being the best, mahjong focuses on celebrating everyone’s wins and working together, even as you attempt to create your own mahjong match. 

Beyond its social appeal, mahjong has also proved to be an effective tool for philanthropy. Many groups and enthusiasts have successfully leveraged the game’s popularity to host fundraiser events for various charities, turning a fun game night into a community giving night. The combination of its strategic challenge and the inherent social nature of playing with a group has solidified mahjong’s place as the latest “it” hobby.

Mahjong came to America in the early 1920s and was first popularized by a white American entrepreneur in China, Joseph Park Babcock. It saw a boom in popularity in the 1920s, but later faced a decline until it experienced a renaissance after World War II, largely driven by Jewish American women who played it to build social networks.

Madison County specifically has seen a huge uptick in mahjong, as many moms are meeting for after school events, church events and more. Classes have also become more popular, and some, like Ménage à Mahj, offer hour-long classes to beginner learners. In these classes and lessons, you’re able to experience a one-of-a-kind curriculum, as well as gain an understanding of the history of the game. Ménage à Mahj also hosts Mississippi Mahj Club, an opportunity to find events in the area and make new friends. 

Whether you are just learning the game or an advanced player, if you are interested, visit https://menageamahj.com/mahj-club to find a Madison County group near you.