From the kitchens of Hollywood celebrities to quiet Upper East Side lounges, Mahjong is back — and cooler than ever.
No longer just your grandmother’s game, this centuries-old pastime is getting a serious glow-up, and people of all ages are learning to play, host, and collect beautiful tile sets.
But behind the trend is something deeper: Mahjong offers connection, strategy, and fun, all wrapped up in two relaxing hours around a square table.
The Mahjong Revival: From Tradition to Trend
A recent Vogue feature titled Inside the Rise of Mahjong highlights the game’s skyrocketing popularity — especially among young moms, creatives, and social connectors. Celebrities like Julia Roberts, influencer chefs like Gaby Dalkin, and style icons like Aerin Lauder are embracing the ritual and rhythm of the game.
Private clubs in Manhattan host exclusive “mahjong mornings,” and in LA, friends meet up over wine and wellness drinks to play, laugh, and reconnect — no phones, no screens, just tiles and good company.
“It’s a new way to gather,” says social media strategist Holly Liss Jammet. “A clean two hours, light drinking, and actual conversation.”
— Vogue, July 2025
Not Just a Trend — A Skill-Building Hobby
Sure, mahjong is having a cultural moment, but it’s also a deeply rewarding game. If you’re new to American Mahjong (specifically the NMJL version), here are a few tips to get started:
- Learn the categories on the NMJL card (Consecutive Runs, Like Numbers, 13579, etc.)
- Use jokers the right way
- Play defensively (and graciously)
- Practice solo with online games or exercises to build confidence.
Want more tips? Check out our beginner’s guide here ➝
From Kitchen Tables to Restaurants
As designer Jean Liu shares in the article, people are now designing their homes around Mahjong — with dedicated tables, snack stations, and even themed game nights.
Whether you’re playing at a restaurant or your neighbor’s backyard patio, the core of the experience remains the same: joyful connection, gentle competition, and a sense of ritual in a fast-paced world.
Ready to Play?
Whether you’re in it for the fun, the fashion, the strategy — or all three — there’s never been a better time to learn Mahjong. And don’t worry if you’re a total beginner: every expert was once intimidated by the card too.
Additional Reading
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