A game that arrived in the United States back in the 1920s is having a moment, and it looks a lot different this time around. Allison Merriman hosts monthly mahjong nights at Summit Coffee in Charlotte, North Carolina, teaching private lessons and group events to players who never thought the game was for them. She learned it from her mother during the pandemic, and now she’s the one passing it on, moving her gatherings to different neighborhoods to reach new people.
That tracks with what researchers say about the game. The National Institutes of Health reports that mahjong can enhance cognitive abilities and short-term memory, which makes it a popular pick for anyone looking to stay sharp. But experts compare learning it to bridge, meaning you need a patient teacher more than natural talent. That’s exactly the gap Merriman fills, and it’s why the game is spreading through coffee shops rather than country clubs.
For Suncoast residents, the timing is good. Whether you’re a retiree with a standing coffee date, a snowbird settling in for the season, or a younger player looking for an affordable way to meet people, mahjong fits. All you need is a table, a set of tiles, and somebody willing to teach. If you’ve been searching for a hobby that’s social, cheap, and good for your brain, this might be the one.
Have you ever played mahjong, or is there a game you’d love to learn here in Suncoast?
