American mahjong is hard to learn, right?

In a word, nope. Not really. Don’t let your snooty neighbor with a superiority complex tell you any different. Learning to play mahjong is like anything else. Imagine trying to learn everything there is to know about baseball all at once - beyond balls, strikes, and running the bases. If you were taught the nitty gritty of designated hitters, pinch hitters, and infield fly rules you might think nuh-uh, no way, too complicated- I’ll just stick with dodgeball.

The same goes for learning to play mahjong. When it’s broken down into bite sized pieces it’s easy peasy. And when you want to, you can up your game with strategies and more nuanced play. There are all sorts of sneaky and subtle ways to level up. Or not. Nothing says you have to swim with the sharks. Most mahjong players are “just dolphins, ma’am”. 

Some people like the mystique of mahjong being a smart person’s game. I actually have a stainless water bottle that says it is. That water bottle is really cute but doesn’t know what it’s talking about. Mahjong is fun! It’s exciting! And sometimes it’s challenging, but it’s not hard. Really.

If a lifetime of Chutes and Ladders and Candyland doesn’t excite you, try mahjong. You’ll have a chance to use your brain without getting a headache and you can be part of a vibrant and growing community of mostly sane mahjong aficionados. And if you want to tell people mahjong is only for brainiacs - we won’t give you away- except for right here.