Images: Studio Adjective: Designer, Space and Object design, Lifestyle Shop @objective_hk; others courtesy of designers/brands
Walk into libraries, clubs and homes and you may hear the distinct sound of game tiles being shuffled, as Mahjong is taking many towns by storm. Consider it pickleball for the mind. Developed in 19th-century China, there are more than 40 variations. Recent enthusiasm for the game may be credited to young entrepreneurs designing contemporary tiles and fresh merchandise bringing a bit of fashion to the game.
Mahjong is a great way to socialize while challenging the mind with memorization, focus and strategy, and its intergenerational appeal makes it the perfect game for family gatherings. For younger players, it sharpens concentration, as there can be no pausing to scroll an iPhone. For aging players, it improves cognition.
Whether you’re looking for socialization or a gym for the mind, there couldn’t be more reasons to learn how to play.
Yes, it takes time to learn, but the more you play, the quicker it all comes together. Locally, many clubs and libraries are beginning to host introduction-to-Mahjong opportunities. It’s like open basketball night at the gym with a coach on-hand to help. Online classes are also an excellent way to begin to build Mahjong knowledge. YouTube features a rabbit hole of videos where you can learn the basics. And to put that knowledge to practice, apps are a good way to hone your skills. Many of the better apps must be purchased but are typically less than $20.
Here’s a primer to get you on your way.
the basics
INTRO: THE TOOLS OF THE GAME
Mahjong is a tile game typically played with four players. For every group of four you’ll need a square table, a set of tiles, dice, racks and pushers (unique Mahjong tools used to display a player’s hand of tiles and create a “wall” from where players draw new tiles). Additional helpful tools are a neoprene mat or tablecloth that the tiles can move smoothly on.
TILES
There’s a wide range of tile price and styles. If you’re just learning, you may want a set that’s simple and clear. Basic sets can be purchased on Amazon and several online retailers for less than $100. Selecting a set of tiles can be like choosing a good chess set: the nicer the set the larger the investment. Once you decide to commit, you may want to invest in a set that reflects your personality. For most play, you’re looking for a 166-piece American Mahjong standard size tile set.
GAME TABLES
Game play is best on a roughly 32-inch square card table. A larger table works well for groups who are learning. Although the game is typically played with four people per table, playing as partners with open hands is a good way to learn. Specialty Mahjong tables are available online with built in slots for tiles and walls that replace racks and pushers.
MATS
A neoprene mat is ideal for moving the tiles across the table with ease. Makers such as Oh My Mahjong offer beginner mats with a few of the basic rules printed on them, a helpful tool for learning.
RACKS AND PUSHERS
A Mahjong rack and pusher is a unique game piece that looks a little like a complicated Scrabble rack. These come in acrylic or wood. For players who venture from the standard tile size, regular racks can be a little short but still work. Many online retailers make specialty racks to accommodate slightly larger tiles.
THE CARD
What keeps Mahjong fresh is that each year the National Mah Jongg League issues a new list of winning hands on a card that’s used during game play. Each player should have an official Mahjong card for the current year. They are best purchased directly from the NMJL’s online site. Be cautious buying cards from other retailers, particularly Amazon, as they can be counterfeit or outdated. Official cards cost $14 for standard size and $15 for a slightly larger size that’s easier to read. nationalmahjonggleague.org
where to shop
THERE ARE PLENTY OF RETAILERS THAT CAN FILL ALL YOUR MAHJONG NEEDS
THE SOUTHERN SPARROW’S theme is “play beautifully” and the tiles reflect that. The Chinoiserie sets in breezy blue, polished pink, luxe lilac are lovely ($309) and deserving of the matching lucite display case ($64). The trellis design table mats match each set ($49) and large clear acrylic racks are available ($59). southernsparrow.com
OH, MY MAHJONG make play fun. There are excellent starter kits that combine tiles, racks, a mat and a travel bag (from $417 to $835). Tiles sets start at $375. You’ll be ready to hit the road with the Charleston Travel set ($419). The Aqua Pool Mat folds up for travel and floats so you can play in the pool or at the beach ($350). The Let’s Rack and Roll Bags keep racks organized ($80). From hats to totes, they offer it all. Retailer Neiman Marcus also carries tile sets and accessories from this brand. ohmymahjong.com; neimanmarcus.com
From front to back, WHERE THE WINDS BLOW tiles are attractive on both sides. The site offers personalized sets with custom jokers and monogrammed back sides ($300 to $425). Standard tile sets with sparkly backsides start at $125. Vision impaired tiles boast larger numbers and lettering ($125). wherethewindblows.com
MY FAIR MAHJONG is a small retailer that makes fun tiles with personality in limited themes and series. The Southwest theme tiles are colorful on a soft pink background with scorpions as “dragons.” Other sets sure to reflect a player’s personality are the Texas and NYC series. These sets retail for $299 and come in a slightly larger tile size. The brand also features simple colorful table mats with scalloped edges. The Mini Travel Anywhere series is travel themed and smaller so it can be packed up and brought on a trip ($210). Another simpler travel set retails for $64 and makes a great gift. Mahjong scoreboards, cups and coasters are also available. myfairmahjong.com
It’s easy to fall in love with THE MAHJONG LINE tiles including the charming dog jokers to the seahorse “dragons.” Themes come in a range of colors from Lucky Jade to Ceylon Blue. (Sets start at $375.) The Floating AquaMahj mat is $225, with slots for larger tiles; there are also waterproof travel cards that can be used in lieu of tiles for pool play ($75). Accessories include a travel bag with room for racks as well as mats and tiles that can be monogrammed (starting at $265). themahjongline.com
splurge
DESIGNER RETAILERS KNOW THEIR AUDIENCE
Gucci gets in the game with a GG Supreme canvas case retailing for $23,000. Even at that price, this set is popular and typically back-ordered for several months. gucci.com
The famed Manhattan design house sells a Mahjong set in a signature Tiffany Blue Leather Box for $15,000. tiffany.com
AUTOMATIC TABLE
We’ve seen it all …
For the player who has everything, how about letting the table do the work for you? Although part of the game is the initial mixing (“washing”) of the tiles, for those who want to get right to the action, the Automatic Mahjong Table mixes and builds the “walls” for you ($800 to $1,800). usamjtable.com
VISIT THE SITES
They’re not just one-stop shopping.
In addition to being a source of great tiles, most small businesses are passionate about Mahjong and feature websites chock-full of information on how to play the game, how to find a teacher, etc. Spend time on websites and follow them on Instagram for tips on gameplay.
TAP INTO A PRO
Every worthwhile hobby needs a good coach, right?
When learning the game, nothing beats having a teacher to guide new players and refresh rusty ones. Local Mahjong teacher Jill Baker helps groups in Riverside and throughout the tri-state area. She is available for players of all skill levels. Contact Jill at jillba@aol.com