Mahjong: The Fun New Way Millennial Moms Are Bonding Over Game Nights

Last year, I kept seeing mahjong popping up on my Instagram feed. Friends from different cities shared photos of themselves proudly showcasing a rainbow of tiles after winning a hand, beaming with joy alongside their mom friends. Each post somehow conveyed not just a game, but a moment filled with laughter, connection, and shared experiences.

Curiosity sparked within me. When I stumbled upon a local group hosting an open play event for beginners, I knew I had to try it, despite that gnawing feeling of stepping out of my comfort zone. I gathered my courage and went solo, eager to discover what the fuss was all about.

That was in January of this year, and I fell head over heels for mahjong. It wasn’t long before I brought my neighborhood moms, and eventually the dads, into the fold. Now, we play at least once, sometimes twice, a week. I even ordered my own set of tiles, added a second set, and splurged on a stunning mahjong mat to set the mood. Just last month, I took an exciting step further: I became a mahjong teacher with the same group that welcomed me into the game. Safe to say, I’m thoroughly hooked.

In the time it took to embrace this new passion, mahjong’s popularity surged even more. The Holderness Family’s reel on the game racked up nearly 2 million views on Instagram, and even Meghan Markle mentioned enjoying it with friends on her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

Playing mahjong is the 2025 version of what Bunco was for our moms in the ’80s and ’90s—and I couldn’t be happier about it.

So, what exactly is mahjong?

Mahjong is a vibrant game that originated in Southern China in the 1800s, its name meaning “sparrow,” inspired by the clattering sound of the tiles resembling chirping birds. The goal? To be the first to create winning combinations with your tiles.

You might remember mahjong’s cinematic appearances, like in *Crazy Rich Asians*, where Rachel and her mother-in-law Eleanor engage in tile strategy. Or in *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, where Joel’s girlfriend Mei runs an underground mahjong parlor.

Mahjong made its way to the U.S. in the 1920s, and by the late ’30s, a group of Jewish women in New York standardized the rules for American mahjong, forming the National Mah Jongg League, which boasts over 350,000 members today.

It’s interesting to note the differences between the Chinese and American versions. While the potential combinations remain stable in the former, the latter sees a fresh set of winning hands issued each year, maintaining a dynamic and exciting gameplay experience.

One of the beautiful facets of mahjong is its power to foster community. Think about it: poker games have long been a staple of camaraderie among guys. But in the realm of games, each generation has its beloved pastime. For my grandmother’s generation, it was bridge; for my mom and her friends, Bunco was the go-to. Now, mahjong is the game for this generation of moms—a space for us to connect, share, and uplift each other.

The pandemic has only amplified this need for connection. We’re all craving those moments—a tendency that Meghan Markle summed up perfectly on her show when she said, “The game itself is so fun, but what’s truly special is the experience of learning together, recognizing that mahjong serves as a backdrop for expanding friendships. It’s about feeling part of a community.”

Through mahjong, I’ve deepened my bonds with my neighbors and other women I play with. It’s a shared thread in our lives, creating conversation and connection. Each game session feels like a warm embrace, a chance to unwind and indulge in the joy of simply being together.

What’s amazing is that mahjong doesn’t require a huge time commitment or a crowd to enjoy. A standard game needs just four players, but you can easily adapt it to two or three if necessary. This low barrier to entry means that getting a game going is a breeze—especially in my neighborhood, where there’s always someone eager to join after the kids have settled down for bed.

Typically, a session running around thirty minutes allows for a couple of games without disrupting any bedtime routines. That said, I must admit, time flies when you’re having fun. It’s true what they say: you’ll often find yourself completely immersed, losing track of time as laughter fills the room.

Now, let’s talk about the surprising health benefits of mahjong. Hobbies aren’t just a fun way to pass the time—they can significantly boost your well-being. Research shows that hobbies enhance health, happiness, and life satisfaction while reducing symptoms of depression.

More specifically, studies indicate that playing mahjong can even lower your risk of developing dementia and improve cognitive functions like memory and focus. The game requires strategy, attention, and quick thinking, keeping your mind agile and engaged.

Since becoming a mom, I’ve explored various hobbies; I love needlepoint for its creative outlet and respite from screens. Yet, nothing compares to the shared experience of a game like mahjong. It’s the magical combination of bringing people together while keeping my brain on its toes.

In sharing my journey with mahjong, I hope you feel inspired to find your moment of connection—whether through a game, a hobby, or simply a shared laugh. There’s a vibrant community out there just waiting to embrace you, tile by tile.If you’ve ever thought about diving into the world of mahjong, you’re not alone. This ancient game has found its way into the hearts (and living rooms) of modern moms everywhere, and for good reason. If you haven’t played yet, it might feel like you’re looking at a complex puzzle. But fear not! Taking a mahjong lesson is a fantastic way to ease into this engaging game, especially for beginners.

When I first picked up mahjong, I remember sitting through a two-hour lesson, eyes wide as I tried to decode the tile combinations that looked more like hieroglyphics than actionable strategies. Now, as someone who loves teaching others, I often share that same experience with newcomers, guiding them through the initial setup and rules before diving into a game. During those early rounds, it’s almost magical to witness the “lightbulb moment” when everything clicks into place. You can see their excitement build—like a kid on the first day of summer.

But before you can join in on the fun, you’ll need a few essentials. At the very least, grab a National Mah Jongg League card and a set of tiles. Luckily, starting out doesn’t have to break the bank; I saw my friend snag a lovely mahjong tile set at Hobby Lobby for under $20. If you prefer shopping online, you can find plenty of options on Amazon for under $100, with many fancy sets for those ready to make a bigger investment.

For me, mahjong has become more than just a game; it’s a lifeline—a chance to connect with both old friends and new ones. Every time I sit around a table with a lively group, strategizing and laughing together, I appreciate how this game keeps my mind sharp while fostering friendships. And let’s be real: as a busy mom, finding those pockets of joy and connection is essential.

So, if you’re on the lookout for ways to expand your social circle and add a sprinkle of fun to your week, consider hopping on the mahjong bandwagon. Take a lesson, gather some friends, and you might just discover your new favorite pastime. You never know—the conversations that unfold over those tiles may lead to beautiful friendships, great stories, and an unexpected sense of community.

Embrace the journey; you’re not just learning a game; you’re creating memories, one tile at a time.