When we hosted our first Mahjong night at the shop with Jodie McCollum of Mahjong OC, part of the Oh My Mahjong, we knew it would be fun — but we didn’t expect it to be this much fun. Our showroom turned into a lively hub of laughter, strategy, snacks, and storytelling as guests gathered around the tables to learn, play, and connect.
Whether you were a Mahjong first-timer or a seasoned tile-slinger, it was a night to remember, and due to popular demand, we’re already planning the next one. (More on that soon!)
Wait, What Is Mahjong, Anyway?
Mahjong is a classic tile-based game that originated in China and has been enjoyed around the world for over a century. It’s played with four people and a set of 144 tiles, each beautifully marked with symbols, numbers, and characters.
The goal? To build specific sets (called "melds") and be the first to complete a winning hand, called Mahjong. Think of it like a mix of rummy, memory, and strategy, with just the right amount of luck.
Here’s a super-simplified breakdown:
🀄 Each player starts with 13 tiles.
🀄 Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles.
🀄 The goal is to create four melds (3 or 4 matching or sequential tiles) and one pair.
🀄 The first person to do this calls out “Mahjong!” and wins the round.
There are a few different versions of the game (American, Chinese, and Japanese styles all vary a bit), but we kept it beginner-friendly and fun for everyone.
What Made the Night So Special
We set the scene with cozy lighting, wine, and a bit of shopping, plus plenty of snacks from Bright Bread Co; their dreamy charcuterie boards are a hit at all of our events and were the perfect complement to the evening. With Jodie’s expert guidance and a warm, welcoming vibe, players quickly found their rhythm. She floated from table to table offering tips, answering questions, and cheering everyone on. By the end of the night, people who had never touched a tile were confidently calling out moves and planning future game nights of their own.
We set the scene with cozy lighting, wine, and a bit of shopping, plus plenty of snacks from Bright Bread Co.; their dreamy charcuterie boards are a hit at all of our events and were the perfect complement to the evening. With Jodie’s expert guidance and a warm, welcoming vibe, players quickly found their rhythm. She floated from table to table offering tips, answering questions, and cheering everyone on. By the end of the night, people who had never touched a tile were confidently calling out moves and planning future game nights of their own.
And because you all asked so nicely… yes, we're doing it again! Stay tuned for the next Mahjong Night announcement, coming soon to your inbox and IG feed.
