MADE TO ORDER: GAME NIGHT MEETS MAHJONG

A Guide to Playing Mahjong—In Style

With roots dating back to the mid-19th century China, Mahjong built its global fame tile by tile, reaching America in the early 20th century. Today, it’s still stacking up fans and making waves in Barrington, proving it has plenty of winning hands left to play. We tapped Sunny Esler, founder of Tigre de Tartán, a maker of stylish Mahjong mats and accessories, for tips to get started. 

WHAT YOU NEED:
A set of tiles, tile racks, and a Mahjong Card. The Mahjong Card is your game plan—it provides the codes to all the winning tile combinations you can aim for. Sunny advises ordering your card directly from the National Mah Jongg League. 

OPTIONAL, BUT LOVELY TO HAVE:
A mat, tile shufflers, a bag or box for tiles, and a stylish tote to haul it all in. Tigre de Tartán has pretty much all of it—from tile sets to nappa leather tile bags and mats. Sunny even has racks and cocktail napkins that moonlight as surface protectors! 

FIND A MAHJONG MASTER.
Teachers aren’t hard to find—they’re hosting games at clubs, restaurants, and yes, they’ll even bring the tiles straight to your living room. Sunny picked up the game from Katie Barber at the Women’s Athletic Club in Chicago, but if you’re in the Chicago area, she recommends calling up Adey Hannis of Holy Mahj—she makes house calls! Sunny adds, “Ask an older relative or neighbor. Mahjong is generational—someone always knows how to play.” 

SET THE SCENE.
Mahjong is an event. “It’s the perfect excuse to break out good napkins, pretty glasses, and a chic setup,” says Sunny. “Think cocktail vibes meet game night glam: coordinated tile racks; a statement mat; maybe even a themed snack spread. It’s not just about playing, it’s about turning the table into a whole experience. 

STAY IN SUIT.
The Mahjong table doesn’t stop at game night—there’s a whole community shuf-fling online! Sunny loves staying in the mix with some of her favorite Instagram accounts like @holymahj, @mahjongee, @yay_tigre_de_tartan, and @themahjsociety. “I get the best tips, inspo, and that cozy Mahjong camaraderie,” she says. 

PICK YOUR S-QUAD.
Mahjong is a four-player game, and although you can always branch out later, your core four matters. Once you’re together, Sunny advises holding off on the wine and cocktails. “Mahjong is joyful and addictive, but it does require your attention, especially at first. You need your brain on!” She suggests scheduling game time before 2 p.m. 

MAHJ AND MINGLE.
Keep your game sharp between matches. Sunny suggests finding ways to keep those tiles moving. Groups like The Mahjong Society host open play sessions where Mahjong lovers gather just for the joy of playing. Or, bring the fun home by downloading the Real Mah Jongg app—perfect for squeezing in a few rounds with bots whenever the mood strikes. “You’ll get used to the rhythm and structure before ever touching a real tile!” says Sunny. It’s not about prepping—just playing.