You're not imagining it: Mahjong is everywhere

If you feel like you're suddenly seeing mahjong everywhere, you're not alone. The little clacking tiles are taking over family game nights, cocktail bars and coffee shops — Eventbrite says searches for mahjong jumped 365% across its platform as Gen Z embraces "granny-core" activities, part of a bigger shift toward tactile, social hobbies instead of digital one

Mahjong works really well for that: It gets four people around a table, requires strategy and conversation and is nearly impossible to play without putting your phone down. Its current boom also spans generations and traditions — Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Filipino and American versions all have distinct rules and histories. The game's recent resurgence has been attributed to post-pandemic loneliness and young adults drinking less, but as a player myself, I think it's simpler than that: Mahjong is just really fun.

“Mahjong used to just be something I associated with family,” Nicole Wong, founder of The Mahjong Project , tells Good Housekeeping

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. “and now it feels like something much bigger than that—it’s a point of connection and an opportunity to engage more deeply with my community and the physical world around me.” At a time when people are feeling more connected to screens and less connected to each other, the draw to physical game play makes perfect sense. 

The downside is that starting your own table can be a bit pricey, but it's worth it to have a hobby that is both social and screen-free. There are plenty of mahjong sets and accessories, including complete kits for beginners available online so you can see if the trend is for you. 

Mahjong sets available online

GUSTARIA American Mahjong Game Set 

This complete American mahjong set includes 166 white melamine tiles, four colorful combination racks-and-pushers and two lidded tile trays. The set also conveniently packs into an included black carrying bag for storage or taking to play in coffee shops or bars.

Giftqulo American Mahjong Game Set with Mat and Racks 

This 166-tiles American mahjong set comes with a useful extra accessory: a 31.5-inch square playing mat with a nonslip rubber base. It also includes four all-in-one racks and pushers, two lidded tile trays and a carrying bag, so you get everything you need to start a table from scratch.

TIASUSAN American Mahjong Set 

This set may be a little less traditional with its pink tiles, but it sure is cute. The engraved characters and Arabic numerals make this set beginner-friendly. It comes with 166 melamine tiles, four clear racks and pushers and a white storage bag to keep it all organized.

VIRORA MAHJONG American Mahjong Tile Set 

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This set also comes with pink tiles, made from four-layer acrylic with machine-engraved, handpainted details and a thicker profile, at 0.6 inches each. The set also comes with four dice, a storage pouch, a tile bag and a gift-ready storage box, so it's both travel-ready and polished (and great for gift giving).

BALE Upgraded American Mahjong Tile Set with Complete Game Accessories 

This set includes 166 engraved tiles and four acrylic combination racks and pushers. It also comes with 100 scoring chips, dice, a wooden wind indicator and three dedicated carrying bags, so you have everything you need to start playing with just one purchase.

MUTEX American Mahjong Set 

This set looks a little more upscale thanks to its walnut wooden racks and matching pushers. It also includes 166 melamine tiles, three dice, 100 money chips, a wind indicator and an instruction booklet, all packed into a tear-resistant blue carrying bag so you can take your game on the go.

My Mahjong Trove 160 Acrylic 4-Layer Engraved American Mahjong Tiles Set

This green set comes with 160 four-layer acrylic tiles, plus a carrying bag, manual, three dice, wind indicator and chips. Unlike many other kits for beginners, it doesn't include racks.

Mahjong mats you can get online

ECVLRTK Blue Mahjong Mat for Table 

If you already have tiles and racks, upgrade your table setup with this 31.5-inch-square mat. It has American mahjong rules printed on it so they stay visible during play, and also offers a waterproof surface and textured nonslip backing to protect table surfaces, keep tiles stable and soften the clatter during games.

HYXFJITS Mahjong Mat with Rules 23% OFF

This 32-inch square mat creates a cushioned playing surface with American mahjong rules printed on it to provide a reference during play. It's nonslip and easy to wipe clean, and also reduces noise during games. It comes with a carrying bag to make it easy to bring to games on the go.

Gedgan Mahjong Mat for Table 32.4" x 32.4" 

Turn your playing table into decor with this 32.4-inch square mat covered in turquoise lotus and butterfly motifs. It's made from thick, soft material that protects tabletops, and the rubber backing reduces slipping and tile noise.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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