The colorful tiled game called “Mahjong” has rapidly become one of the nation’s most popular games—some joke it’s the new “bunco.” Learn why it’s so popular, the basics of how to play, and discover 9 places where you can find games so you can join Birmingham’s growing Mahjong community. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll find your place in this helpful guide.

What is Mahjong?

Mahjong is a four-player game that originated in China during the late 19th century—although variations have certainly emerged over time. If you’ve ever played rummy, it’s a little like that—you have a hand of tiles and you’re trying to take and discard them until you create a “complete” hand. After a set number of hands, you earn points based on your tiles. It’s a mix of strategy, luck, and a little competition to spice it up. I’ve had it explained to me before as a game of patterns and probability.

Did you know? There are international competitions like the Open European Mahjong Championship in Sweden, a tournament cruise on the Celebrity Beyond, and a Planet Hollywood Las Vegas tournament. 

Mahjong Basics

Here are a few essential things you need to know (or have on hand) if you’re wanting to play:

  • You’ll need a Mahjong 144-tile set
  • The goal = to complete a 14-tile mahjong hand
  • Each player starts with 13 tiles (dealer gets +1) and walls are built in a square around the table. 
  • You form sets:
    • Pong: 3 of a kind 
    • Chow: 3 in suit sequence 
    • Kong: 4 of a kind 
    • Eyes: a matching pair
  • For example, you might have 3 sets of 3 and a pair of 2 matching symbols. 
  • Different tiles mean different things (watch this video for a full breakdown).

Did you know? The term “Mahjong” means “the game of the sparrows,” which goes all the way back to Chinese culture.

Where to Play Mahjong in Birmingham

While it’s always fun to play host, Mahjong sets can be expensive. Not to mention it’s hard to form a group of four who want to play—and what if there are more than four of you? Don’t worry—there are plenty of fabulous places to play across the city.

Birmingham Mahjong Club

When: a variety of days & times

Where: receive information after registering

How much: $150 for General membership, $425 for All Access Membership

Details: This is a casual, social side of Mahjong—a way to pray consistently and meet new people all year long.

Dot Crack Bham Galentine’s Mahjong Open Play Night

When: February 12 from 6–8 p.m.

Where: Westhouse Events (143 Citation Ct., Birmingham)

How much: $25/person

Details: Open play mahjong hosted by @themarvelousmrsmazer, with light refreshments, sweet treats, and a festive atmosphere.

Garden Party Mahjong

When: March 7 at 10 a.m.

Where: Miss Sims Garden Botanical Park (908 Highland Rd., Homewood)

How much: $100 (Includes brunch, three raffle tickets, one door prize ticket, one mimosa ticket, one seat at a table set for four, and two hours of open play NMJL rules.)

Details: This mahjong experience is a partnership between Miss Sims Garden, Ruby Slipper, and Bird Bam Besties* to raise funds to breathe new life into Miss Sims Garden as a demonstration garden. 

*@birdbambesties offer Beginner Classes (Mahjong 101) & Guided Play

Mahjong Intermediate Classes, Beginner Classes, and Open Play

When: Intermediate: Tuesdays in February, open play Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays 5–7 p.m.

Where: Levite JCC (3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham)

How much: $5 open play, free for members; classes: $100 (members), $150 (non-members)

Details: Whether you’re a beginner, a skilled player, or you’re just wanting a quick one-time play, you’ll find something for you at the JCC. Tiles and cards provided. 

Mahjong Meet Up

When: Every Monday 10 a.m.–noon

Where: Community Meeting Room at the O’Neal Library (50 Oak St., Mountain Brook)

How much: Free

Details: Join with other community members for weekly Mahjong meetups, no registration required. Play is first come, first serve. All you need to bring is yourself—the library provides the tables, Mahjong sets, and mats! Be sure to check the events schedule before attending to confirm they’re meeting that week.

MahJong Open Free Play

When: Every Wednesday morning from 9 a.m.–noon

Where: Vestavia Civic Center (1090 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills)

How much: Membership required or purchase a $10 guest pass, or $15 day pass for Vestavia Hills residents.

Details: Show off your skills and have fun!

Riverchase Mah Jongg Lessons

When: 1st Wednesday & Thursday each month from 6–8 p.m. (Wed.) & 1–3 PM (Thurs.)

Where: Riverchase United Methodist Church (1953 Old Montgomery Hwy.)

Birmingham

How much: Free

Details: You don’t have to know how to play—they’re happy to teach you, using the American National Mahjongg League (NMJL) rules! Register ahead of time on their website.

Tile Tuesday – Mahjong Open Play

When: Every Tuesday from 5:30–8 p.m.

Where: Board in Birmingham (5426 US-280, Suite 6 ste 6, Birmingham)

How much: $16 (includes rental of Mahjong tiles, a drink ticket or a charcuterie cup, and door prizes!)

Details: Participant-led open play

The Birmingham Mahjong League

When: Wednesday evenings 6–8 p.m.

Where: Parkside on Fifth (4036 5th Ave S, Birmingham)

How much: $250 for 3 sessions

Details: Play these 9 Mahjong sessions with experienced instructors available to help. Socialize, learn strategy tips, win door prizes, and more! 

There are often sessions at local churches like Independent Presbyterian Church or bookshoops like Little Professor Bookshop as well. Finding instructors like @birdbambesties can also lead you to pop-up sessions throughout the city. Groups like Dot Crack Bham also have lots of fun. Plus, Modern Mahjong is a great resource to find additional groups nearby.