Mahjong is Making a Major Comeback & Here is Why

If you only play mahjong on days that end with "Y," you already know why this game is growing like CRAZY right now. Some folks may hear the name of this game and think, "Oh, that's for old people!" However, across the country, younger generations are buying sets and sitting down at the mat to learn one of the world's most popular games.

Here in Owensboro, shops like Julep Home and Gift in Wesleyan Park Plaza have played a part in this resurgence of the game. Hosting classes and get-togethers to play with other enthusiasts. I say resurgence because there have been folks playing the game here locally for a long time, except I don't know that it has ever been THIS popular.

Owensboro's Mahjong Memories

I am proud to share that my own mama is a Mahjong Master. She's been playing for 22 years. "We played at Millie Miller's house. She learned how to play in Florida. Martha Waller, Carolyn Shocke, and other ladies from First Baptist were all playing." Linda (Martha's daughter and my mama's bestie) heard about it, and they showed up to join them.

My mom, Sharon Weber, who we call "Mimi," caught on really quickly and fell in love with the game. They met every week, and then eventually the group grew too big for Millie's house! So they moved to the Owensboro Healthpark. Although most of the original players have passed away, some still meet every other week.

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In China, Mahjong is also a popular gambling game, like poker is here. Mimi laughed as she told us a story, "One time, a man stopped in the lobby there while we were set up and asked, 'Hey, are y'all playin' Mahjong? Can I play?' We said, 'Well, yeah!' Then he asked, 'Are you gambling?' All of the ladies (Southern Baptist, just FYI) looked up at him and said, 'Well, no!'" So funny!

Mimi has been too busy teaching to join them lately. As a retired Owensboro Public School teacher of 30+ years, she is pretty darn good at showing people how to play. It's a complex game with lots of rules and steps to remember. Mimi joked, "If I had a quarter for every time I said, 'You can't use a joker in a pair,' I'd be rich!" She stays booked, but will meet once a week for six weeks with a group of four and often substitutes when her former students need a fill-in.

What is Mahjong?

Originating in China in the 19th century, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and luck. Usually played by four people, it involves drawing and discarding 144 tiles. With three suits like cards. Dots, Bams, and Cracks numbered 1-9, and there are four of each number. You also have flowers and dragons that go with each suit, and "Wind" tiles, AKA north, south, east, and west or N.E.W.S.

The tiles are dumped out onto the mat, and then they are divvied up. There are several steps to distribute them to each of the four players. After that, players sort them based on suit and consult the Official Mahjong Card to form their strategy. Then comes "the Charleston." Tiles can be discarded and traded to other players during this time.

That Mahjong card is created by the National Mahjongg League, Inc. every year. It has all of the possible patterns listed inside. I have known some ladies to watch their mailboxes for it to come, just like Ralphie from A Christmas Story waited for his Little Orphan Annie Decoder Ring.

Are There Benefits to Playing Mahjong?

Mimi admits the game is definitely addictive, but in a good way. Once you get the hang of the steps and the rules, it is a great way to boost your brain health. There have even been medical studies conducted about the benefits. Remembering patterns, strategic thinking, and the focus/attention required are a few ways in which Mahjong can improve cognitive function.

Most importantly, Mahjong builds community. Who doesn't love an excuse to regularly get together with old friends and maybe even make new ones? Snacks, drinks, fun chit chat (when the game isn't too serious), and, yes, maybe even a little venting. When the world couldn't feel more divided, Mahjong gives players a reason to gather and a place to belong.

Play Mahjong in the Owensboro Area

If you are looking for a local place to learn or play, follow Julep Home and Gift, or join Facebook groups like OBKY Mahj group. Angie Ebelhar teaches and hosts events at the Pub on Second.

Or Mahjong Social, which is led by instructors Laurie Cattoor & Jennifer Wright. Pairing up with Karen Hobelmann, owner of SIP Owensboro, they have been hosting open Mahjong, beginner's lessons, and open play on Wednesdays for “Mid-week Mahj”. Happy Mahj-ing!