The Mahjong Movement

Old game, new love, can’t lose (metaphorically).

Erica Buehler

July 17, 2024

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Before you make any snap judgments: no, the focus group for this trend is not a retirement home.

While the game has been popular with the blue haired set since the 1920s, it seems like mahjong is everywhere right now, transcending geography and generations. The simple game with ancient roots has seen an explosive resurgence lately, prompting the opening of social clubs and extra digital downloads.

Mahjong rooms are even becoming a design and social phenomenon. And could it really be because of that one scene from Crazy Rich Asians? Actually, kind of. The game appearing in recent mainstream media sparked a newfound love for it, particularly from Asian American millennials and Gen Zers.

There's also been a shift toward mahjong as a way to foster human connection - with all the stylish flourishes that go with it. Events put on by Mahjong Mistress in LA, dubbed East Never Loses, are avant-garde scenes for Angelenos eager to embrace a game embedded in their heritage and NYC’s Green Tile Social Club at Hana House is attracting a young crowd to come play with the scene complemented by DJ music and cocktails.

And, not to get you too excited, but maybe mahjong has other benefits in store for you, like relieving some of that 2024 stress (a tall order, we know; baby steps). If you’re still curious about this board game stealing the spotlight, read more here about its surging popularity.

Then, when ready, throw a mahjong party of your own using our shopping list for beginners as your guide.

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