Mahjong Madness The Tile Game That Leads to a Community

Mahjong Madness

The Tile Game That Leads to a Community

Lavenna Stambaugh

The Ashland Beacon

What is this tile game that is gaining so much interest across the Tri-State area?  The answer to that question is… Mahjong.

Most of us are familiar with the game through apps, where you match tiles to clear a board. This is one way of playing Mahjong alone. But if you want more of a challenge, more community, more variety, more fun, or just more, then playing in groups is the way to go.

The tile game originated in China around 1850 and was often a gambling game in urban areas or ports like Shanghai. From there, it spread around the world, reaching the United States in the 1920s through businessmen traveling between the two countries. Joseph Park Babcock created a simplified version for the West, and it quickly became popular in jazz clubs. By 1937, the National Mahjong League was founded in New York by a group of Jewish women to standardize the rules for American Mahjong.

Fast forward to the present, and we are experiencing a modern revival of this classic tile game. A local Mahjong community has been steadily developing, with resources available for those who want to learn and play with others.

  I was recently invited to join the league's monthly dinner club. Originally, I planned to watch, talk to people, and take pictures. With one person unavailable to attend, they asked me to join.

The game seemed very intimidating at first. There were so many tiles, and I had no idea what I was doing. But Donna Graham, who hosts the Mahjong League of EKY, and Lori Strosnider, host of the monthly Mahjong dinner club, were very good and patient teachers.

The bright colors of the tiles and mats, the gentle clicking of the tiles, and the small lamp at each table create an ambiance that invites you in. In fact, Mahjong means "little sparrow" because the clicking sound reminds one of the little birds.

Terms like crack, bams, wind, soap, dots, and dragons quickly become conversational.

While there, I was able to chat with several attendees and learn what draws them to Mahjong.

Lori Strosnider says she loves the game because it is not just a “cush” game. It is actually stimulating. She enjoys the clubs because she gets out, makes connections with others, and gains good friends.

Amy Alley reminisced about how she started playing in her living room, trying to pull four people together to complete a table. “But it has grown into a community I didn't know I needed.”

  Another player believes the growth is because we are still suffering from the effects of the pandemic and are craving ways to gather. “We rarely watch TV anymore,” another player exclaimed while she took her turn.

Hannah Shepard describes the game as intimidating but fun. “If you're looking for community, Mahjong is so much fun, and the players are even more fun to be around,” said Donna Graham.

There was a constant theme with everyone I spoke to: community and stimulation of the mind.

Phuong Nguyen is one of the local teachers, and everyone agrees she is very knowledgeable and patient. Each year, a new game book comes out that lists the specific hands you can create. It is very precise and official.

What I took away from this dinner club is a realization that Mahjong is so much more than I thought I knew. There is a wide variety of themes, colors, and collections of tiles, mats, and trinkets. There are even cute charms that players display for each Mahjong they complete. With so much variety, everyone can find something they like.

I also took away a prize cup for getting a Mahjong myself! If you are interested in learning to play, there are several local opportunities.

One of the beginning classes is at the Greenup County Public Library. They meet every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. All skill levels are welcome. If you have never played, you are encouraged to attend and bring a friend. There are lots of experienced players who love teaching skills and strategies.

You can also join the fun at the Russell Senior Center every week, alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays. The next games are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, Tuesday, September 22, and Thursday, October 1.

Players range in age from high school students to octogenarians, making this truly a game for all.

Follow EKY Mahjong 101 and Mahjong League of EKY on Facebook. And if you are interested in learning more, you may just find me there.

Next month's dinner club will be October 8 at Melini in Ironton. You must RSVP for the dinners. Also check with your local libraries. Many of them are beginning to offer free lessons and host events.

Maybe the next time you hear those little tiles clicking, you'll stop and see what all the Mahjong madness is about.