In the heart of Dripping Springs and beyond, Mahj Social Club is sparking a revival of American Mahjong—a traditional game played as early as the mid-1800s. Founded by locals Brittany Ward and Laura Lindelow almost a year ago, this passion project began with their love for a challenging game played with friends, often fellow moms. What started as monthly game nights has exploded into a Mahjong-obsessed community that gathers to unwind and socialize over a hobby that’s as good for the mind as it is for the soul.
Mixing Eastern tradition with early 20th-century American vibes, American Mahjong is enjoying a major post-COVID resurgence, led by Mahj Social Club in Austin and Dripping Springs. The club offers private lessons, group play, and tournaments with a fun twist—think clinking glasses for a discarded Bird Bam and vibrant, modern tilesets. Easy to pick up but tricky to master, the game involves four players aiming to build a winning hand by drawing and discarding tiles—a stimulating mix of strategy and luck.
In early 2024, Blair Nelson jumped on board with Mahj Social Club as a partner, helping expand to Austin to meet the buzzing demand. Nelson, Ward, and Lindelow infuse Mahjong with philanthropy, offering lessons for school fundraisers and supporting organizations like CASA of Travis County, Texas Book Festival, and the Junior League of Austin. Mahj Social Club teams up with local hotspots such as Palm Social Collection and Fitzhugh Brewing to spread the joy of the game and boost local businesses.
Interested in hosting your next Mahj match? Looking to enjoy a new hobby or meet others who are Mahj-obsessed? Book a lesson or a spot at Mahj Social Club’s latest events. Whether you’re a regular player, new to the game, or simply curious about this iconic tradition, Mahj Social Club invites you to join in on the fun.
mahjsocialclub@gmail.com | @mahjsocialclub.