An ancient game is having a very modern moment—and the 417 has officially caught Mahjong fever.
If you've recently found yourself wondering why everyone suddenly has colorful tiles, matching mats, racks, and something called a "Mahjong card" tucked under their arm...
You're not alone.
Mahjong is having a moment.
But calling it a new craze isn't exactly fair. The game has been bringing people around tables for generations.
So, Where Did Mahjong Come From?
Mahjong originated in China during the 19th century, developing from earlier Chinese games into the four-player tile game we recognize today.
By the 1920s, Mahjong had made its way to the United States and exploded in popularity. American businessman Joseph Park Babcock helped introduce the game to American audiences by publishing simplified rules and adding Western-style markings to imported tile sets.
Over the decades, different styles of Mahjong developed around the world—including the version many players throughout the United States know today as American Mahjong.
And more than a century after Mahjong first became a craze in America, people are gathering around the table again.
The New Book Club?
It’s easy to see why Mahjong is finding a new generation of players.
We're surrounded by screens. Phones buzz. Emails arrive. Social media never stops. And finding an excuse to sit around a table with other people for a couple of hours suddenly feels pretty wonderful.
Mahjong gives you exactly that.
Four people. A table. A set of tiles. Snacks and drinks certainly don't hurt. And for a little while, everything else gets ignored.
Some have even started calling Mahjong "the new book club."
Honestly? We can see it.
You get the social gathering without having to finish 400 pages beforehand—or know the complete filmography of Sam Neill for trivia night.
He's been in more than *Jurassic Park*, in case you didn't know.
The game gives everyone something to focus on while conversation happens naturally around it. And once you start playing regularly, the people around the table can become just as important as the game itself.
That's exactly what happened to Springfield Mahjong instructor Murray Beairsto of Mahj With Murrjong .
Meet Metro's Mahjong Madam
Murray's introduction to Mahjong started with friends—and a little family history.
"Several of my friends were playing, and I remembered how much my mom loved the game. She used to play regularly with her friends starting in the '90s. When she was downsizing, she gave me her set."
Once Murray started playing, it wasn't necessarily the tiles that kept bringing her back.
It was the people.
"The women I play with brought a group together—friends of friends. We all learned together and built something special. It also gives you the opportunity to shut out all the crazy for a couple of hours."
That recurring theme—connection—comes up again and again when you talk to Mahjong players.
Phones disappear. Social media gets ignored. Old friends reconnect, strangers sit down together, and everyone has a reason to be present.
As Murray puts it:
"Everyone is just happy to be in the room."
From Player to Teacher
Anyone who has ever looked at an American Mahjong card for the first time knows there is one small problem with deciding to learn Mahjong:
What on earth is happening?
There are suits. Winds. Dragons. Jokers. Charleston passes. Rules about what you can call, what you can't call, when you can call it... It's a lot.
Murray remembers that learning curve well.
"When we started playing, we were all new to the game. It's such a layered game that one of us needed to do a deep dive. I was so intrigued, I jumped right in."
Before long, she became the person everyone at the table turned to with questions. And eventually she thought: "I can teach this!"
A couple of tests later, Mahj With Murrjong was born.
Today, Murray teaches private groups, special events, in-home lessons, and classes at Splatter Art Studio on South Lone Pine.
Her favorite part? Watching the panic disappear. "Watching them go from sheer panic to, 'I got this—and this is really fun!' It makes me feel like I'm doing my job."
And there's another part of the game she loves seeing new players discover. "This game really celebrates everyone. People are genuinely happy when someone Mahjs!"
Is Mahjong Just a Trend?
Considering versions of the game have been played for well over a century, probably not.
What has changed is the culture surrounding it.
Today's Mahjong tables aren't limited to traditional green felt and basic tiles. Modern companies have introduced colorful designer tiles, patterned mats, coordinating racks, bags, accessories, and entire Mahjong aesthetics.
And according to Murray, that's helped introduce the game to a whole new audience.
"Companies started forming to create a new level of tiles, mats, racks. It took the game to a whole new level. That, coupled with people wanting to step away from screens, became something of a phenomenon. I don't see it slowing down anytime soon."
The players themselves might surprise you, too.
Men. Women. Young adults. Parents. Retirees. Lifelong friends. Complete strangers.
Bringing Family Together
Murray has watched Mahjong bring people from all kinds of backgrounds to the same table.
Including her own family.
One of her favorite Mahjong memories is teaching her "kids" how to play.
"When I first started playing, my son said, 'Mom, you're old.' I've taught him now, and he enjoys it. It gives us something to do together."
There is, however, one thing Murray wishes someone had warned her about before she started.
"This could become expensive. The new tiles, mats, everything—you want it all!"
Consider yourselves warned.
Where to Learn & Play Mahjong in the 417
Ready to see what all the fuss is about?
The Mahjong community around Springfield continues to grow, and there are several places around the 417 offering opportunities to learn or find a table.
Mahj With Murrjong: Murray offers private and in-home lessons, special events, and instruction at Splatter Art Studio. She focuses primarily on teaching rather than hosting regular open-play sessions.
Splatter Art Studio: Located on South Lone Pine, Splatter offers Mahjong instruction as well as open-play opportunities on Monday & Thursday afternoons.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Murray recommends their Friday night open play for players looking for another table around Springfield.
AR Workshop: Another local option offering opportunities to get involved with Mahjong.
The Jade Magnolia: A newer addition to Springfield's growing Mahjong scene with opportunities to play.
Blooming Bams Mahjong Studio: Hosts Mahjong opportunities including leagues, mini-tournaments, and open-play sessions.
A quick Insider tip: Open-play schedules, classes, and availability can change, so check directly with each location before grabbing your rack and heading out the door.
And Yes... Metro Has Caught Mahjong Fever Too
Eventually, Pat gave in.
Mahjong officially made its way to Metropolitan Grill with Mahj & Margs at Metro—our own spin on a social Mahjong night.
We're keeping the game true to Mahjong while adding just enough Metro personality to make things interesting.
Players bring their tiles, racks, mats, and cards, grab some dinner and a margarita, and settle in for an evening of casual play. And keeping everything moving is none other than our own Mahjong Madam, Murray Beairsto.
It's not a tournament.
It's not a beginner class.
It's simply another excuse to gather around a table, eat something good, sip something delicious, laugh with friends, meet somebody new, and play a game that's been bringing people together for generations.
And maybe that's why Mahjong feels so perfectly suited to the moment.
For all the beautiful tiles, complicated cards, colorful mats, and "Can I call that?" questions...
Mahjong really isn't about any of those things.
It's about the people sitting around the table.
And here in the 417, there are more tables waiting for you than ever.
Grab your tiles, find your people, and Mahj on, Springfield. 🀄
