In Bergen County, Mah Jongg Is Having a Moment
For the past two months, my group of four friends has been learning the game with instructor Carole Blancato. What once felt like a pastime of an older generation is now showing up everywhere—from living rooms to social gatherings. Today, Mah Jongg feels less like a niche hobby and more like a social staple.
At its core, the game blends strategy and pattern recognition. Players work to match tiles in their hand to combinations on a card before someone else declares Mah Jongg. While the rules can feel complex at first, the challenge is part of the appeal. Once it clicks, it’s easy to get hooked.
A Social Revival
Blancato learned Mah Jongg as a child, watching her mother play. Like many, she returned to it later in life—just as the game began to gain new momentum.
Historically, Mah Jongg was associated with more traditional gatherings. Today, it has evolved into a centerpiece for social connection. It fits just as easily into a casual night with friends as it does a brunch or holiday gathering. The game has become less about formality and more about experience.
“Mah Jongg is at the center of it,” Blancato says, “but everything else is part of it—the socialization, the refreshments.”
That shift has helped fuel its popularity. New accessories, including colorful mats and modern tile sets, have given the game a fresh, stylish appeal that resonates with younger players.
Beyond Tradition
While Mah Jongg has long been a way for women to connect, its audience is expanding. Men are joining games, and children are learning alongside their parents. What was once generational is now cross-generational.
Blancato teaches with Stacy Mah Jongg, a group of instructors serving Bergen and Rockland counties, led by Stacy Budkofsky. Over the past 15 years, Budkofsky has taught thousands of players, building a structured approach that introduces the basics over several lessons before advancing to strategy and defensive play.
The annual game card, which outlines all possible hands, changes each year—giving even experienced players a reason to keep learning.
But for Budkofsky, the real draw goes beyond the game itself.
“It’s more about the social connections you make and the relationships that are formed at the Mah Jongg table,” she says.
Practice Makes Play
Mah Jongg is played with four people, making it ideal for small, consistent groups. While lessons are a great starting point, regular play is essential to improving.
Budkofsky suggests learning with friends when possible. “If you don’t continue to play, your game will not evolve,” she says.
Equally important is aligning expectations—whether the group is playing casually or more competitively.
For those looking to sharpen their skills, online platforms can help, but in-person play remains the heart of the experience.
Let the Tiles Lead
For new players, Budkofsky offers simple advice: Stay flexible.
“You have to let the tiles guide you,” she says. “You’re making decisions, but you also have to go with what you’re getting.”
And one final tip: Know the card. Familiarity builds confidence, improves strategy and strengthens overall play.
As Mah Jongg continues to grow across Bergen County, its biggest draw may be its simplest one—the joy of gathering around a table.
And for those ready to join in, classes, events and more information are available at stacymahjongg.com.