What began as a centuries-old Chinese game has become one of Oxford’s fastest-growing social hobbies, bringing together neighbors, young professionals, retirees and even recent college graduates around colorful racks of tiles. Mahjong traces its roots to China in the mid-to-late 1800s, where it evolved from earlier card and tile games. While the game has developed many variations around the world, American Mahjong has become especially popular in the United States. Unlike traditional Chinese Mahjong, American Mahjong uses racks, jokers and an annually updated hands card published by the National Mah Jongg League, giving every player a fresh set of combinations to learn each year. The game’s recent surge in popularity took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people were looking for ways to connect safely with others. That momentum has continued, and Oxford has embraced the trend with several groups meeting throughout the community. Among them is the OxMahjong Club, started by Alison McAvoy nearly two years ago. What began as a way to share her love of the game has grown into a welcoming group that regularly attracts both experienced players and complete beginners. McAvoy learned Chinese Mahjong as a child before being introduced to American Mahjong by a friend after moving to Oxford. She quickly realized there were few organized opportunities for people to learn the game locally. “So then I was like, ‘Okay, well, how do I get these really pretty tiles without breaking the bank?’” McAvoy said. “So I decided to do this as a side gig where I would teach people how to play.” Today, the club typically meets at Casa Mexicana at least once a month for open play, with additional games hosted in members’ homes. McAvoy also
teaches beginner lessons at Oxford Floral and occasionally hosts themed events around town. The gatherings have become more than just game nights. They offer a chance for people to unplug for a few hours and spend time together. “It makes you think,” McAvoy said. “I love games that make you think, and it’s also a strategy game. You get to sit around a table and talk to your friends. It gets you away from your house for a couple hours to relax.” While Mahjong has long been associated with older generations, Oxford’s players say the game appeals to a much wider audience. Many participants are young professionals and mothers who fit games into their busy schedules, while others are retirees looking to stay mentally active. Leslie Coleman joined the game after knee surgery forced her to take a break from pickleball and tennis. “I no longer had an excuse not to learn to play Mahjong,” Coleman said. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Now she plays about three times each week. For Deborah Strickland, the appeal is just as simple. “It’s good for keeping your brain active,” she said. The social side of the game is equally important to MiHyang Faulks, who helped introduce many local players to American Mahjong after moving to Oxford three years ago. Faulks transformed her sunroom into a dedicated Mahjong space where friends regularly gather to play between school drop-offs and other daily responsibilities. “I just want to see their pretty faces,” she said. “I want them to come enjoy.” Oxford now has several Mahjong groups that meet throughout the week, including gatherings at OxfordMag.com 19