Weston’s mahjong enthusiasm builds community

What began as a new offering at the Weston Council on Aging just a few years ago has grown into a popular way for residents to challenge themselves, meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces.

Mahjong, a tile-based game built around matching specific patterns, has recently experienced a surge in popularity in Weston, as well as around the country, according to news stories in national outlets, including the Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal. Levels range from complete beginners to experienced players who have been sharpening their skills for decades. While the game can seem complex at first, local players say its combination of strategy, luck and social interaction is what keeps people coming back.

The Weston Council on Aging first introduced mahjong classes in the fall of 2023 and ever since then it has been a hit within the community.

“When the COA first offered the class there were roughly 30 people signed up to learn of all ages,” said local player Karin Ott. “The group includes many people like moms with young children, people who work and others who are retired.”

Since then the game has become increasingly common throughout Weston.

“There was a lot of interest and I have seen its popularity expand since then,” said Ott. “I have friends in different groups that range from beginners to old hats or ‘mavens,’ so for me it seems to be very popular.”

For those who have never played, mahjong can initially look intimidating. Some compare the basic concept to other games, such as Yahtzee.

“There is a card that changes every year, on this card there are many different pattern combinations; then you arbitrarily get dealt tiles that you need to use to match a certain pattern on the card. It sounds complex but the end goal is very simple.” said player Alison Braunstein.

Mahjong is generally played by four people. Players receive tiles and try to create one of the combinations shown on the mahjong card. Throughout the game, they draw and discard tiles while figuring out which possible hand they should pursue.

One of the biggest challenges seen within the game is being able to change your plan or “pivot” as the round goes on. A player may initially work toward one combination before realizing that another player may be going for the same one, or that the tiles they need are no longer available for them to obtain.

“You have to pivot to come up with something else,” said Braunstein. “So you are thinking very hard at all times.”

Despite the strategy involved, a large portion of the games also comes down to luck and which tiles players receive. Because of that, experience doesn’t always determine the winner.

“A total beginner can play with someone who’s advanced,” said Braunstein. “As long as the experienced player is open and willing to help with the nitpicky rules.”

That range of experience is reflected in the groups playing in Weston. The COA’s open games welcome beginners, while some regular players have been playing for years.

“It’s really a good mix of players,” said Joan Heilbronner, president of the Weston Observer board of directors. “Newbies are always welcome, though some feel like they need to watch a few times before playing.”

Some of the regulars learned through the COA, while other participants come from surrounding areas and have much more experience. However, the game itself is only part of what makes mahjong such an appealing game.

“The game truly allows people to make new friends, and genuinely have a good time,” said Heilbronner.

Many people meet friends at large places where mahjong is played, like the COA, and from there they make smaller groups that split off from the rest.

“I really think it’s great that mahjong has allowed me to reconnect with old friends, and just socialize in an environment that I have fun in,” said Ott.

The ability to create and or renew friendships has become one of mahjong’s biggest draws in Weston. The town has often allowed for connections among parents to foster through sporting events, volunteering, performances and more. As children grow older and graduate, however, some of those built-in opportunities to see each other disappear.

Mahjong gives people another means to reconnect.

“It’s just a great way for people to talk, and meet with old friends in a fun and sometimes competitive manner,” said Braunstein.

For many, the game also provides something a bit different: a temporary break from everything happening outside the game.

“When you play all you are really thinking about is the people around you and how you can win,” said Braunstein. “It’s honestly kind of relaxing to have a calm place to be with your friends, that also challenges your mind in a healthy way.”

The increasing popularity does not mean learning the game is always easy. It’s apparent that beginners struggle with understanding the mahjong card, recognizing the different possible hands and learning to slow down enough to understand the game.

Still, beginners should not get discouraged.

“Be patient with yourself and others who are learning, relax, have fun and don’t forget to find humor in the mistakes you will make,” said Ott.