Why in the world would you want to learn to play mahjong?

Let’s face it - learning to play mahjong isn’t going to save the rain forests or help you discover a cure for cancer - but is a boatload of fun. And in between trying to be all things to all people, knocking it out of the park everyday at work, and tracking daily intake of protein, a little bit of fun is “a very good thing”, to quote the quintessential overachiever. 

Picture an evening with your besties that doesn’t require a cover charge. One that includes a pitcher of margaritas or iced tea. An evening in yoga pants or fancier yoga pants- your choice. You get to hang with your buds, catch up with each other, nibble and snack and play a game that you love.

But maybe you’re the type who’s all out all the time. Competition gets your heart racing and you’re always pushing to be the “best of the best of the best, sir”! (Shout out to MIB fans.) No worries. Mahjong has a cut-throat aspect to it (if you choose to play that way!) and strategy, plotting and planning are definitely a thing here. 

Does that sound too intense? Ignore the six pack of Red Bull and Zen out with your inner flower child. Enjoy the beautiful art on the tiles and the soothing sound they make when you mix them. Fun fact: that sound is said to be sparrows chattering in the trees, and the word mahjong means sparrow! Nerd out on the history and ritual of the game and play for fun, not money or points.

Or just get out of the house and take your act on the road with full sized sets, travel sets, and mahjong cards (instead of tiles!). Meet friends at a coffee shop, play at the beach or rec center. You can even play In.The. Pool. Floating mahjong mats are amazing! 

But in the end, when you play mahjong you’re part of a community. When you meet other people who play you’ll immediately have a bond and something to talk about. It’s crazy that we all have favorite and least favorite tiles. Forget background, where you come from, how much money your momma makes and just connect with another person who likes a thing you like.