Henderson Beach Resort will launch Mahjong Mondays on Feb. 2, offering experienced American Mahjong players a weekly opportunity for casual games and social connection at Primrose Restaurant. 

• The recurring event, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is designed as open play for those who already know the game. No instruction will be provided.

“When I first started teaching Mahjong, I thought I’d have a few people here and there interested, but I could never have imagined how busy I would be,” said Morgan Smith, a local Mahjong pro from FWBMahjong who will host the event. “Since May, I have taught dozens of classes, and a couple hundred people how to play. I keep thinking interest will die down, but it is still very much growing.”

The $15 per person event includes all materials and complimentary parking. A special Mahjong Monday menu will feature cocktails, wine, beer, salads and small bites. Players are encouraged to bring their National Mahjong League card if they have one. 

Smith said misconceptions about the game can discourage potential players.

• “I think the biggest misconception of Mahjong is that it’s ‘girly’ or that it’s too complicated to learn,” Smith said. “I have plenty of male students, and it is really such a fun game to play with your spouse. Pretty tiles just make it more fun.”

While American Mahjong is fairly complex, Smith says that once you learn the basics, it is easy to pick up a game. “The hardest part is remembering all the rules, but that’s what a good instructor is for,” she said.

The weekly event adds to Henderson Beach Resort’s community-focused programming, offering locals a way to enjoy the resort beyond an overnight stay. 

Smith said the events create meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world, and brings back the feeling of when life moved at a slower pace. 

“I have loved the connections I’ve made through these events, and even more than that, I love seeing people – especially women – come together around a shared hobby that encourages genuine connection and meaningful socializing,” Smith said. “Playing Mahjong feels like stepping back in time, to when life moved a little slower and there wasn’t constant pressure to stay busy or productive. It’s a game that requires both social interaction and concentration, inviting players to be fully present in the moment.”

Registration is available through Eventbrite. For more information on the resort, visit here.