What is Mah Jongg?

Mah Jongg is a four-player Chinese tile game that blends skill, strategy, and chance, with the goal of forming winning tile sets similar to rummy. Originating in mid-1800s Shanghai and possibly evolving from older card games, it was initially a form of gambling. The game reached America in the 1920s through Joseph Park Babcock, who marketed it as an exotic, upscale pastime embraced by wealthy women—though its complex rules limited wider appeal. In 1937, a group of Jewish American women simplified and standardized the rules, creating the American version and founding the National Mah Jongg League, which still oversees rules, publishes yearly winning hands, and organizes tournaments nationwide.

Understanding its history brings new appreciation for the game’s enduring popularity. Why learn Mah Jongg? Because learning Mah Jongg today is not just learning the rules but it’s a chance to develop strategic thinking, enjoy in-person interaction, and step away from screens for a few hours. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a social outlet, or a mental challenge, this is your chance to learn this timeless and fun game with Christine. She will teach you the basics and grasp Mah Jongg’s unique blend of skill, chance and strategy.

Sign up today to reserve your spot and the chance to win a Mah Jongg tile set to take home on the final night!!