Mahjong Madness in Hoover

Learn how and where you can play Mahjong in Hoover, Ala.

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Bams, dots and craks. To those unfamiliar with the centuries-old tile game, it sounds like speaking in code, or perhaps even nonsense. But both new and seasoned Mahjong players will tell you these clever nicknames refer to the three suits included in a standard American game set. Well, those and winds, flowers, jokers and dragons…however, let’s not overcomplicate it just yet. We’ll save that for your local instructor.

While the game does require learning some jargon, strategy, skill, and a fair amount of luck, its biggest draw is the easy way it brings people together. This is precisely why Katy Houston, education and volunteer coordinator for the City of Hoover, is introducing the game to the greater community.

Katy, whose role focuses on adult and children’s programming for Aldridge Gardens, said the idea for hosting Mahjong came from one of the women in a nature journaling class. “She asked if we had ever considered Mahjong,” shared Katy. “While it’s not a traditional education class for us, it has been a great way to bring people into the gardens and build community.”

Sammi Thrasher, a local middle school teacher and owner of Oak Mt. Mahj, has seen similar experiences unfold for her players. “It’s a safe, low-pressure way to make new friends, without having a worry about small talk and navigating conversation,” she said. “I’ve had so many women who have signed up for a class by themselves, and by the time they leave, they are getting all the phone numbers of the ladies at the table.”

While Sammi has played Mahjong with her family since childhood—she was taught by her grandmother—she enjoys helping new people learn the ins and outs of the game. “The more people who play, the more people I get to play with too,” she shared. 

Learning new skills, like Mahjong, also helps build confidence and keeps the mind engaged and active, said Robyn Henderson, who started the Hoover-based Magic City Mahj as a way to teach friends the game in a fun, approachable setting. The shared experience of trying something new naturally builds camaraderie and encourages conversation, even across generations. 

“My favorite part of playing Mahjong is the time around the table with friends,” said Robyn. “It’s the conversation, laughter, and shared focus on the game that make it special—Mahjong gives us a reason to slow down, connect, and enjoy being together while doing something we all love.”

What is Mahjong?

In short, it’s a four-player tile game that is truly a combination of strategic thinking and luck.

Pronounced mah-JONG, with a soft “J,” and spelled Mahjong, Mah Jongg, Mahjongg, Mah-Jongg, or Mahj for short, it is a Chinese tile game that originated in the mid-1800s to teach players about discipline, strategy and calculation.

The purpose of the game is to draw and trade tiles to strategically form an approved hand, or lineup, of 14 tiles. (Don’t worry - you don’t have to memorize the lineups because each player has a handy game card with all of the 60-70 approved line-ups listed.) The first player to successfully create an approved line-up wins the round. Every line-up is worth a certain number of points, which are also listed on the card.

Mahjong came to America in the early 1900s, brought over by wealthy families who learned it when traveling abroad and by Americans living abroad. In 1937, a group of American Jewish women created the National Mah Jongg League to set standardized rules, which also sparked new interest in the game. It became a way for Jewish women to build community, and today, nearly a century later, American women of all backgrounds are continuing the tradition of connecting with one another and building community over colorful tiles.

What do I need to play?

To play Mahjong, you’ll need:

  • One set of American Mahjong Tiles
  • One Set Four (4) Tile Racks with Hinged or Magnetic Pushers
  • Four Game Cards Some tile sets include game cards. New cards are issued annually by the National Mahjong League.

And these completely optional, but very fun, accessories:

  • One Mahjong Mat
  • Tile Shufflers
  • Line Finder for Game Card
  • Small Storage Bag for Tiles
  • Speciality Bag for Racks and Pushers
  • Larger Duffle Bag for Tiles, Mat, and Racks and Pushers

Where can I play in Hoover?

New and seasoned Mahjong players have an abundance of options when it comes to playing right here in Hoover. Of course, you can gather and play with a group of women from your neighborhood, place of worship, or even your child’s soccer team. But, chances are, you all will want to learn the rules of the game first. Or maybe you just need help finding the right group to play with. Either way, you’re more than welcome to join instructors and players for the following:

Aldridge Gardens

This spring, Aldridge Gardens is hosting a series of free Mahjong classes for beginners and open play for experienced players. Classes and open play are scheduled from 2-4 pm on the following days: March 1 and 15; April 19; May 17, and June 7 and 21. Led by local Mahjong teacher Cynde Morgan, the classes are free, but registration is required because spots are limited. Go to aldridgegardens.com and scroll toward the bottom of the page to find “Mah-jongg with Cynde Morgan.” Note that registration is not required for open play.

Magic City Mahj

Based in Hoover, Magic City Mahj is owned and operated by Robyn Henderson. She offers small-group classes, private in-home lessons, and regular Level 1 and Level 2 Mahjong classes at Hoover Steaks & Wines in Knox Square across from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. For updates, follow Magic City Mahj on Facebook and Instagram @MagicCityMahj. To register for Level 1 and Level 2 classes, go to hooversteaksandwines.com/events.

Oak Mtn. Mahj

Led by local middle school teacher Sammi Thrasher, Oak Mountain Mahj hosts classes, open play and tournaments. You can primarily find her near Hwy. 280 with regular appearances at Board in Birmingham, and specialty events at Misc. Lou’s Boutique, North Shelby County Library, and Brock’s Gap Brewery off of Hwy. 150. Follow @Oak Mtn. Mahj on Facebook for event dates and times, and to register.