Mahjong Is Having a Moment and I am Here for it

Mahjong is everywhere in my town right now.  Mahjong is the buzzword of the year, it seems, as local businesses are hosting “learn to play Mahjong” nights, and my social media feed is peppered with smiling groups of women sharing an evening game together. After hearing about the game for months, I recently had the opportunity to learn, somewhat unexpectedly, when a good friend of mine taught a small group the ways of the tiles.

A surprising realization came along a few days later when I found myself lost in a ‘learn to play mahjong’ app. Learning Mahjong is one of the first things I've truly done for myself since I took up knitting in 2006.  “I haven’t learned something new, just because it was fun and I wanted to in TWENTY years?!!”  I was floored.  

Working, motherhood, family responsibilities, volunteering, sports schedules, school commitments, and everyday life fill every second of the day. Many women understand this reality all too well. The little free time we have often becomes eclipsed by our responsibilities tied to helping someone else. Don’t get me wrong, motherhood is such a blessing! I love my life and wouldn’t trade a moment of it. My shocking moment of self-realization reminded me how valuable personal interests can be, especially during seasons of life dedicated to caring for others.

At The Anchored Bloom, the idea of anchoring ourselves so growth can happen sits at the heart of everything that I create. Growth doesn't always come with a major life change, but it can begin with something like joining a Mahjong group, signing up for a class, picking up a hobby, or saying yes to an invitation. 

Why Is Mahjong So Popular Right Now?

I believe that a large part of Mahjong's growing popularity comes from timing. In our fast-paced, modern world, we live in a world of screens.  We text constantly, work online, and thanks to our phones, we even get our entertainment streamed directly into our hands. 

Many people long for activities that bring them back into a room with other human beings, and Mahjong offers exactly that.  The game creates a natural digital detox. Perhaps Mahjong is so broadly appealing because the game presents an opportunity to be a beginner. Few experiences compare to learning a completely new skill as an adult. Every game presents a fresh challenge, and personally, I learn so much with each hand. Playing the game gives me an opportunity to connect with people who are also learning, laughing, and like me, wondering why they discarded the wrong tile five minutes earlier.

Players spend time studying patterns and focusing on the game in front of them. Phones usually stay tucked away because paying attention matters. A Mahjong table also creates something many adults struggle to find: a reason to gather regularly.

Book clubs have long served that purpose, and previous generations had their bridge groups. Mahjong provides a modern version of the same tradition. Friends gather around a table, share conversation, enjoy snacks and drinks, celebrate victories, and support one another through the inevitable learning curve.  Community develops naturally when people play games.

The Puzzle That Keeps You Coming Back

The version most commonly played in the United States follows rules established by the National Mah Jongg League. An updated card of nearly 70 winning hands is released every year, introducing new challenges and possibilities, which is part of the allure of American Mahjong.

Many women are drawn to the mental challenge of every game being different: every hand is a puzzle that requires concentration and strategy.  The skill comes in seeing new opportunities as the game advances. 

Just one more hand…

Mahjong has given me something I didn't realize I was missing. The game carved out space for learning, friendship, and personal enjoyment. A regular Mahjong night provides a reason to step away from responsibilities for a few hours and focus on something purely because it's enjoyable. 

Many women spend years supporting children, spouses, parents, schools, workplaces, organizations, and communities, but their personal interests often move to the bottom of the priority list. Mahjong serves as a reminder that making room for ourselves matters too. Growth happens whenever we say yes to something new.  For me, that "something new" just happened to come in the form of a game that has completely captured my attention. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Mahjong card to study.