Mahjong, a captivating tile-based game, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it was first played as a simple game of chance.
“The game is deeply rooted in tradition, yet continues to set the scene for cherished, uninterrupted social interactions at game tables across the globe,” says Sydney Rainey, founder and lead instructor of OK Let’s Mahjong, an OKC-based company that leads Mahjong lessons, hosts games and even sells its own tiles. “Requiring skill, strategy and luck, Mahjong is played with four players and intricately designed tiles that immediately capture your attention.”
The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, although many regional variations may omit some tiles or add unique ones. A group of players may introduce their own house rules which can notably change the feel of play.
“There are many types of Mahjong, including Chinese, Japanese, American, Singapore and Hong Kong styles,” say Kate LaGere and Annie O’Grady, co-founders of The Mahjong Line. The female-led company based in Dallas focuses on unique design and luxury quality Mahjong tiles, and also sells cards, tablescapes and accessories.
According to Rainey, more and more online resources are becoming available to help beginners learn how to play, but you simply cannot beat the in-person experience.
“The most popular way – and most effective, in our opinion – is learning from an experienced Mahjong instructor in a private lesson or public class setting,” says Rainey. “Navigating the complexities of all the rules, etiquette and unique game scenarios is difficult to handle on your own, which is why instructors are so dedicated to bringing a fun and digestible approach to learning the game.”
LaGere and O’Grady agree.
“The best way to learn to play is to contact an instructor in your area to teach you in a group,” they say.
Gaining confidence as a player takes time and practice, but with the right foundation and learning experience, it immediately hooks new players and keeps them coming back for more.
In recent years, the game of Mahjong has undergone what some people call an ‘image shift.’ A game that was once dubbed solely for retirees has gained a real foothold with younger generations. But how? Rainey attributes the resurgence to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It forced people to look for new activities to do at home, but also reasons to gather again after the pandemic in a time when we all craved social settings and face-to-face interactions,” she says. “Additionally, the creation of modern, colorful, and eye-catching Mahjong tiles drew new players to the game by the thousands. We believe that in today’s world dominated by technology, busy schedules and limited downtime, Mahjong is an unplugged activity that requires focus and provides a beautiful escape from our stressful environment.”
