Get in the Game

Can you hear it? That distinct clacking of game tiles being shuffled is the sound of a trend shift in game nights. The ancient Chinese tile game mahjong is taking Georgia by storm with games and lessons popping up in libraries, clubs and homes all over.

Mahjong enthusiasts say the game is a great way to socialize while challenging the mind with memorization, focus and strategy. And it’s a game with generational appeal, so it’s ideal for family gatherings.

The game is a great way to socialize while challenging the mind
with memorization, focus and strategy.

Walton Gas customer Joanna Luczak of Watkinsville is among the devotees. She developed a passion for mahjong a decade ago while hosting a teacher from China during a school exchange program. Over the years, the Luczak family continued to enjoy the game at home, not realizing mahjong’s growing popularity in their community. That changed late in 2024 when Joanna began organizing a weekly game at the local library.

“During the summer we had up to 40 people each week,” she said, explaining her surprise at the response. On average, about 24 players ranging from newcomers to experienced gather on Sundays at 2 p.m.

“It’s a joy to meet and play with such a good group of people,” she said.

Since January is National Hobby Month, it’s a great time to explore the game that Luczak and many others are enjoying. Our Walton Gas team has sorted out some of the game’s details to help local beginners.

A group of people playing a game of mahjong together

Mahjong games are popping up in Georgia libraries, community centers, restaurants and homes.

How it’s played

Skill, strategy and luck all play a role in mahjong, which is often compared to card games like rummy or spades. There are more than 40 styles of the game, including American mahjong (also called mah jongg), which is the most popular in Georgia.

“It’s complicated — and there are a lot of rules to track — but mahjong is not difficult to learn,” declares a poster to Northern Georgia Mahjong, one of several local Facebook groups dedicated to the game.

“…by the second game, the newbies are playing on their own.”

Luczak and her husband Danny teach beginners who join their Sunday games. “Most often, by the second game, the newbies are playing on their own,” she said, encouraging beginners to give mahjong a try.

A mahjong beginner needs a set of tiles (152 tiles for the American style) and a rack to hold and display them. The tiles can be expensive, so first-timers may want to find some introductory instruction opportunities that include all the essential equipment. If you like the game, then you can invest in tiles of your own.

Each player at a table of four is dealt a hand of 13 tiles marked with symbols. There are three suits called craks, bams and dots, plus dragons, winds and flowers. The goal is to trade and collect tiles, complete one of the patterns listed on an official score card, and be the first to declare “Mahjong!”

Beginners are welcome

Mahjong is meant to be played with others, so seek out opportunities that offer instruction and beginner-level play.

  • Look at the library. Libraries are the go-to place in many communities for mahjong. Players of all skill levels meet at the Oconee County Library in Watkinsville on Sunday afternoons. At the Spout Springs branch of the Hall County Library System in Flowery Branch, a new group formed last spring welcomes players of all experience levels to play on the second and fourth Thursdays.

    The Northeast Spruill Oaks Library in Johns Creek hosts Mahjong Mondays for those who play American Mahjong. Wednesday afternoons are when knowledgeable players can join in a game at the Braselton Library.

    Branches of the Cobb County and Forsyth County library systems frequently offer multi-week courses for adults that teach the rules and basics of the American style.

    To find a mahjong meetup close to you, check your local library’s website or event calendar for a current schedule. Some groups may require a multi-session commitment, while others offer more casual skill-building opportunities.

  • Check community centers. Municipal parks and recreation departments are also getting in on the fun. A regular game is available in Tucker at the Tucker Recreation Center on Thursday afternoons. Beginners are invited to stop by on the first Thursday of the month for lessons.

    Weekly games are held at senior centers in many communities. These include places like the Oconee Senior Center in Watkinsville, which hosts games on Thursday afternoons.

    Tiles, tables and chairs are provided at Preston Ridge Community Center in Alpharetta, which invites players of all skill levels to participate in games held on Tuesday afternoons. Beginning January 2026, an annual membership is required to participate.

  • Take a class. Both Emory University and Kennesaw State University offer introductory classes through their continuing education departments. Teaching groups like Classic City Mahj based in the Athens area also have fee-based classes scheduled for 2026.

  • Join a club. The metro Atlanta area has several dedicated mahjong clubs that offer play as well as instruction in the different styles of the game. The Downtown Decatur Mahjong Social Club welcomes players of varied skill levels and has supervised beginner play at games on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Rocket Mahjong is a social club offering instruction and play for game enthusiasts living in northeast Atlanta.

  • Grab a bite. Intermediate and advanced players can combine a meal and mahjong at places like Slopes BBQ in Roswell (Saturdays) or Hopstix in downtown Chamblee (Mondays). A new group in Gainesville meets at various restaurants around the town square on Sunday afternoons.

Get in the game

Whatever your experience, there’s likely a mahjong group ready to play near your Georgia community. A search of Facebook groups for “Mahjong in Georgia” brings up a variety of options, allowing you to select a group that fits your personal schedule and skill level.
Whatever your experience, there’s likely a mahjong group
ready to play near your Georgia community.

One of the most active Facebook groups is Northern Georgia Mahjong, which connects players with games, tournaments and instruction in their communities. Page administrator Christina Iyengar maintains a lengthy list of regular meetups occurring in towns throughout the region. Individual instructors and teaching groups are also listed.

You can also search for game nights in event listings in local newspapers and magazines. Don’t forget to check event calendars posted by community centers and libraries, too.

Churches and synagogues are also adding games to their adult activities calendars. For instance, Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandy Springs is hosting a mahjong game night for experienced players on Jan. 28 “to warm up your winter evening.”

Whether you’re in it for the mental health benefits, looking for a new way to entertain friends and family or wanting to connect with your community, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to get in on the familiar clack-clack of the tiles in Georgia. Get in a game and soon you’ll be shouting, “Mahjong!”