What is Mahjong?

Mahjong is a game played at a table of four with tiles rather than cards.  It’s similar to playing Rummy, in that you start with 13 tiles and systematically draw and discard tiles while trying to match one of about 60 possible winning hands. 

The game, which originated in China, has a long history here in the States, beginning on the West Coast, then making its way to the East Coast where The American Mahjong League was formed. The history is fascinating.

This is a game of strategy.  It stimulates your mind and sharpens your memory. It forces you to focus and develop problem solving skills.  Each tile brings you closer to the hand you are building, or it can launch you off in a new direction.

The first games are reactionary.  But then the fun starts. You start to think ahead.  You assess the hand you’re dealt and then plan pivot hands.  You also learn to let go of your dream plan as soon as a better tile presents itself.  That’s a life lesson right there.

The mental challenge is good for individual skill building, but that’s not the only reason we built a mahjong parlor in Elkhart.  

Mahjong is having a moment - it’s in the news, in social media, and people are talking about it.  I started hearing about it from other boutique owners who introduced classes and merchandise in their boutiques and found it to be an excellent addition.  

Mahj on Main checked all the boxes:  It’s trending and popular and is bringing people to Elkhart, and to our stores.  It sharpens the mind, but most importantly, it builds community and that’s what I love. 

Check out our schedule.  Plan a day downtown, have lunch and stroll thru the shops.  The personal attention feels good!  When you hear the sounds of tiles clicking and women laughing, you’re getting close.  We’ll show you the game and introduce you around, then you can decide for yourself. 

~Kathy