top of page
Search

Shuffle, Socialize, and Play: Discover Mah Jongg at Your Library

  • Writer: Cheryl Graffo
    Cheryl Graffo
  • 5 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Are you new to the area or looking to socialize, build community, and learn to play a popular game?


If so, the Beaufort County Library System is the place for you!  Specifically, the Beaufort, St. Helena, Hilton Head, and Port Royal branches host mah jongg clubs four days a week. This popular game is offered free of charge, and everyone is welcome, whether you’ve never played or have been playing for years.


Mah jongg is a rummy-like game, in which players try to build hands using tiles instead of cards. The game originated in China and was popularized in the U.S. by Joseph Babcock in the early 20th century.


According to the National Mah Jongg League, the game falls into two broad categories – American mah jongg and Chinese mah jongg.   American mah jongg, which the library branches play, uses a card of standard hands, against which all games are played; these cards are changed annually.


So how do you play? Just as in a card game, mah jongg tiles comprise three suits - bams, craks, and dots. Each year, the National Mah Jongg League issues new cards. The card describes hands you can build with the tiles. The game’s objective is to be the first player who can build a hand from the card with the tiles.


Never fear – the library system has numerous books on mah jongg, so patrons can learn the basics and finer points before playing.


A fun fact: Agatha Christie’s 1926 novel The Murder of Roger Ackroyd features characters playing mah jongg. Another fun fact: the word “mah jongg” means "sparrow" or "chattering sparrows,” and is believed to refer to the bird-like clacking sound that the tiles make when they are shuffled.


If you’re either confused (or intrigued) by the game’s description, then why not join us to see what all the fuss is about?


Join us on the following days:

  • Beaufort Library: Fridays 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and starting Saturday, May 23, Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

  • St. Helena Branch Library: Thursdays 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

  • Hilton Head Branch Library: Mondays 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

  • Port Royal Branch Library: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.

 

 
 
bottom of page