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Mahjong + Community = Pure Joy at Ivory & Olive!

Mahjong + Community = Pure Joy at Ivory & Olive!

by Katie Gajda in News

We had an absolute blast partnering with  Mahjong OC for a fun, beginner-friendly Mahjong class led by the amazing Jodie, who is truly a powerhouse of personality, knowledge, and energy! Her love for the game is infectious, and it was such a treat to welcome 20 eager beginners to our store for an afternoon full of learning, laughter, and connection.

Mahjong is having a major moment—and we get why. It’s engaging, strategic, social, and just so fun. In fact, the first class was such a hit that we’re bringing Jodie and her team back in August for not just one, but two more sessions!

The joy and energy in the store that day was contagious—ladies chatting, learning, sipping drinks, and diving into their first hands of Mahjong. It felt like the start of something special… which is why we’re excited to announce plans for an ongoing Mahjong “social club” right here at Ivory & Olive Decor in Dana Point. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, all are welcome!

And let’s talk about the sets. We’ve teamed up with the fabulous team at Oh My Mahjong—and their stunning, high-quality sets blew us away. From the colorful mats to the beautifully designed tiles, we now carry (and can order) their full range in-store. Perfect for gifting—or treating yourself.

If you’ve been curious about the game, now’s the time. Mahjong is seriously addicting—in the best way. And we can’t wait to share more classes, games, and good times with all of you.

Here are Three of the Top Tips we Learned from Jodie on how to play Mahjong:

1. Get Comfortable with the Card

The NMJL card is everything in American Mahjong—study it like a roadmap.
Start by choosing just one or two sections (like Consecutive Run or 2468) and memorize a few hands. You can’t win if you don’t know what you’re building.

2. Master the Charleston

The Charleston (tile passing) is your first major chance to shape your hand.
Use it to narrow your focus toward a hand from the card and get rid of tiles that don’t support it. Don’t pass pairs or flowers unless absolutely necessary.

 3. Stay Flexible & Watch the Table

Even if you start building one hand, be prepared to pivot if the tiles aren’t coming your way.  At the same time, watch opponents’ exposures and discards—it’s the key to both defense and smart decisions.

These three skills—reading the card, using the Charleston well, and adapting as the game unfolds—are the foundation of American Mahjong success. Want help picking the best "starter hands" from the card to focus on? Join us for the next class by contacting info@ivoryolivedecor.com

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