Mahjong is rising in popularity in the United States.
It’s popping up on social media feeds and appearing in headlines—Mahjong. Have you heard of it? This tile-based game originated in China some 300 years ago and is widely played throughout Asia. Now, it’s gaining popularity here in the US.
Friend of the show and Mahjong enthusiast, Natalie Hill Jensen, gave us the rundown.
Natalie moved to Dallas about a year and a half ago and quickly realized that “everybody here plays Mahjong.” She knew that to make friends, she needed to learn the game. She put together a group of beginners, hired an instructor, and started hosting weekly Mahjong nights. “We have become such great friends,” she said. When she returned to Utah, she taught her friends and family, sparking a new wave of Mahjong lovers.
“Mahjong is more sophisticated than games like Bunko. You have to use your brain,” Natalie explained. The game involves strategy and learning complex rules. “Whoever came up with these rules was deeply on drugs or something,” she joked. Despite its complexity, once you get the hang of it, Mahjong is addicting and fun.
The National Mahjong League publishes a booklet every year with new lines to play. The game is similar to Rummikub, where you try to get a line of tiles. The tiles come in different suits, such as flowers, bamboo, and dots. Natalie recommended hiring an instructor or finding a patient friend to teach you the game.
Mahjong is not just for adults; there are beginner sets for children too. “There’s a mini masher set that was just released,” Natalie mentioned. These sets have fewer lines and tiles, making it easier for kids to learn.
In Dallas, Mahjong is a cultural phenomenon. Women have elaborate Mahjong table setups with beautiful, expensive tiles and mats. Natalie is excited to see the game gaining popularity in Utah. “Jump on the board,” she encouraged.
Next time Natalie is in Utah, we might just have to host a Studio 5 Mahjong party. “Let’s do it,” she said enthusiastically.
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