Mahjong is more than a game—it is a tradition centered on strategy, storytelling, and community.
The Story Behind the Tiles
Mahjong originated in China in the 19th century and quickly became a beloved game of strategy, skill, and chance. Over time, the game traveled across cultures and continents—but one thing remained constant: Mahjong brought people together.
Mahjong Comes to America
By the 1920s, Mahjong had become a sensation in the United States. In 1937, the National Mah Jongg League was founded, helping establish the standardized American version of the game many of us play today—including the annual card, jokers, and the Charleston.
A New Generation at the Table
More than a century later, Mahjong is having another moment. New players, clubs, and communities are discovering what generations before them already knew: there's something special about gathering around the table.
At Tiles & Tea, we're proud to be part of the game's next chapter—honoring its rich history while creating new traditions of our own.

