Play American mahjong in Lake Geneva

You have heard about this tile game. Images of women playing this tile game have popped up in your social media feed, you have seen people playing at coffee shops and you probably have seen the gorgeous mats for sale. What is all the excitement about? Well it is time to find out this summer in Lake Geneva.

​

American mahjong is a version of the Chinese game from the mid 1800s. The game became popular in the United States in the 1920s and a group of women standardized the rules in 1937. It fizzled in popularity over the years, but was revived during the covid pandemic with young women in Texas and all over the South. The modern tiles,  fun table rules and alternative cards gave mahjong a fresh take on this old game. 

​

In the summer of 2024, women in Lake Geneva couldn't get enough of this tile game. Lessons were in high demand and the neighborhoods and country clubs were forming mahjong nights throughout Lake Geneva, Fontana, and Williams Bay. Any given morning you could see a group of women gathering at Green Grocer, The Coffee Mill or Inspired Coffee just to get in a few quick games. 

​

The library had offered mahjong for years, but it was always traditional tiles an traditional play. In 2024, the group at the library grew at a faster pace bringing in advanced tournament players and newbies alike. 

​

Lake Geneva has become a mahjong destination. Lake Geneva Summer Mahjong recognized there was a need for all these players to gather and play, whether they were full time locals, summer residents or just vacationing for a week. These free meet ups offer community building, strategy tips and fun on the shores of Geneva Lake.