Meet Mahjong Social Marietta

Mahjong Social Marietta is it just me or has Mahjong been popping up everywhere?

Marietta, GA is no exception—thanks to friends‑turned‑Mahjong‑hostesses Kate and Laura, who launched Mahjong Social Marietta.

As the resident square‑stroller and chronic community cheerleader behind Merry in Marietta, I’m always curious for fun ways to connect locals beyond the usual coffee‑shop small talk. My latest discovery? Mahjong Social Marietta (MSM)—a welcoming club where two friends turned their love of Mahjong into a fast‑growing hub of friendship, laughter, and a dash of healthy competition.

If you’ve ever thought, “I really should get out more and meet people,” this one’s for you.

So what is Mahjong?

• What is Mahjong: A rummy‑style strategy game played with 144 beautifully illustrated tiles—think cards, but clackier.

• Where it began: Late‑19th‑century China; it sailed to U.S. parlors in the 1920s and spawned an American rule set (Mahjong Association card) that MSM follows.

• Why it’s good for you: Studies show 30 minutes of play can boost memory, sharpen focus, and even improve sleep. Brain gym and social hour? Ok, you have my attention.

• Why the buzz? From that intense Mother vs Daughter-in-law scene in the Crazy Rich Asians movie (my own first memory of Mahjong—also special thanks to Dr. Nicole Shields for the loaning me the 3-book series that got me hooked; catch her spotlight here!) to endless TikTok tutorials, Mahjong has hit the pop‑culture spotlight—and families everywhere, from grandparents to grand kids, are sitting down together to play

“We Can Do This!”—How Kate & Laura Launched Mahjong Social Marietta

“We walked out of an April Mahjong event and I told Kate, ‘We can do this!’ A few months later MSM was officially launched.” – Laura

One post‑event “aha” moment was all it took. Within months, Kate and Laura transformed that spark into a monthly gathering where shuffling tiles is just the beginning. Their goal? Make Mahjong accessible, social, and—above all—fun for every age and skill level.

Love at First Tile

Both founders remember falling hard for the game from day one.

“It was love at first tile—we immediately fell for Mahjong.” – Kate & Laura

And the passion is contagious. I personally downloaded the Real Mahjong app to practice, then showed up to a live session feeling way out of my depth. Laura sat next to me, walked me through every Charleston and the rule book that outlines the winning combinations, and suddenly the clacking of the tiles felt oddly soothing instead of stressful.

If you’re new, you’ll find seasoned players eager to explain hands and strategy—no side‑eye, no gatekeeping.

A True Family Affair

“Mahjong spans 8‑year‑olds to 80‑year‑olds. It sparks new friendships, strengthens old ones—really, it brings every kind of group together.” – Laura

I witnessed this first‑hand: grandparents coaching teens, coworkers laughing with retirees, and plenty of snack breaks.

She adds, “And for anyone curious, we play classic American Mahjong using American Mahjong Association rules, so newcomers can study one standard and jump right in.”

Your First Win—And Other Club Highlights

I asked Laura and Kate to share their favorite moments at the tables.

Kate grinned: “The rush when someone calls mahjong for the very first time? Absolutely electric—everyone cheers.” 

Laura added in that their first candy‑colored starter set from The Mahjong Line still sees plenty of action: “We’re ambassadors for the brand, so those tiles will always be our sentimental favorite.”

The club isn’t slowing down, either—new collaborations with local favorites like Duffy Scott and Sarah Liz are already in the works, with pop‑ups, themed nights, and even a future tournament on the horizon.

Why you should give it a whirl—even if you’re nervous:

Laura’s mantra is simple: “Don’t be nervous—just try it.”

Show up solo and you’ll leave with a new group text, because the built‑in community is half the fun. The game itself is equal parts strategy and laughter, so you get a brain boost and a stress release in one lively session. And with flexible meet‑ups—come every week or just drop in when you can—it’s one of the easiest ways to click some tiles, meet your neighbors, and widen your Marietta circle.

Ready to Click Some Tiles?

Mahjong Social Marietta meets regularly on—and around—the Square. Sessions fill fast, so snag your spot or reach out below to set up your own private event!

Email:  mahjongsocialmarietta@gmail.com
Instagram: @mahjongsocialmarietta on Instagram for schedules & sign‑ups

Whether you’re chasing a new hobby, new friends, or just an excuse to say “Bird Bam! Five crack!” in public, trust me—this is the club. Download a practice app, grab your lucky charms, and come shuffle in.

I’ll be the one still fumbling the Charleston—promise you’ll sit next to me?

See you at the table—
Nicole  | Merry in Marietta