American Mah Jongg Meetup — Next Friday at the Library

Above: The library is hosting a meetup space for Mah Jongg players following “American” rules. (image of playing set from Walmart.com)

Starting next week, the Southborough Library is launching a new “meetup” for community members to play Mah Jongg to get together. The drop-in program is currently planned to be held bi-monthly.

For many years, the Southborough Senior Center has held a weekly Mah Jongg program. But that program is limited to seniors. The Library’s meetup is open to all adults.¹

One important detail to stress — You should know how to play the game to participate.

Although, if you coordinate with a friend who is willing to teach your group of four players, or organize with other newbies who plan to try to learn together using rule books, etc. that could work as well. (Scroll down for resources on learning to play.) Just don’t show up expecting to find someone to teach you!

The Library isn’t providing instructions. They also aren’t providing the equipment or coordinating the groups of players. So some players will have to bring a set of tiles and cards for their group of four to use.

The event is scheduled in response to community interest for finding a public space for players to meetup and play.

It’s an opportunity for drop-in fun with others who love the game. If you have friends you know like to play, you may want to invite them to drop-in with you.

The Library’s event page explains:

Calling all novice and experienced players of Mah Jongg to our new bi-monthly Mah Jongg program! The Library is excited to offer space for our users to explore Mah Jongg. A knowledge of American Mah Jongg rules and your own National Mah Jongg League card is helpful. If you have a Mah Jongg set, please bring it along!

National Mah Jongg League rules will be followed. If you already have a NMJL Card of Standard Hands and Rules, please bring it with you.

Please note that no formal instruction will be offered initially during this event. Drop ins are welcome, but groups of 4 are necessary to play; space is limited.

The first meetup is scheduled for Friday, October 10th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on the Library’s main floor. It will be repeated on October 24th. (Future dates aren’t posted yet.)

For readers who want to try tackling learning how to play, I found the following guides:

• An online Beginner’s Guide
• A YouTube video series talking through each step

1. I won’t be surprised if a good percentage of players are seniors, since the event is scheduled for a weekday afternoon. But there also many younger community members who have schedules that can work for that as well.