Where to Play Mahjong in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China in the 19th century. Often compared with the Western card game rummy, it is typically played by four people using hand-carved, engraved tiles. The game gained popularity in the United States during the 1920s and has remained a favorite way for family and friends to gather. Today, a new generation of players is rediscovering the game, and mahjong nights are returning to Fort Lauderdale's social scene.

Here's everything you need to know before taking your seat at the table.

You'll often find groups playing American mahjong, which uses 152 tiles, including eight jokers that act as wild cards. The tiles include three numbered suits: bams, craks and dots, along with winds, dragons and flowers. Players continuously draw and discard one tile at a time until someone completes a winning combination and calls "mahjong," or "mahj," for short. Before the game begins, players also complete the Charleston, a series of tile exchanges with their neighbors that helps shape their hands while serving as a fun icebreaker.

What sets American mahjong apart is the official card published each year by the National Mah Jongg League, which lists all the winning hands for that season. While you'll discover different versions of the game, every spot on our list welcomes beginners, and most are happy to teach newcomers as they play.

One of the easiest ways to get started is by joining Mahj on the Beach for its summer Mahjong Nights series at Oceanic in Pompano Beach. Sit in the intimate mangrove room and take part in either a beginner lesson with founder Kari Long or open play with mahjong setups provided. In between, sip cocktails and enjoy bites from Oceanic while taking in the waterfront views. Upcoming classes begin at 6 p.m. and will be held on:

• Tuesday, Aug. 25
• Tuesday, Sept. 22

Long also partners with Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, for Mahjong & Mingle. Each session includes a welcome cocktail, grazing board and full mahjong setup, with an à la carte menu available. Seating is intentionally limited, with 16 lesson spots and eight open-play seats per session, so booking ahead is recommended. Sessions are held on select Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Aug. 13
• Aug. 27
• Sept. 10
• Sept. 24
• Oct. 15
• Oct. 22

Pro tip: If you’re vacationing in Greater Fort Lauderdale or planning a special gathering like a bachelorette party, Mahjong on the Beach offers personalized mahjong gatherings you can host in the comfort of your hotel room or at a venue of your choice around the destination.

Who said Mondays are no fun? Check out Martini & Mahjong Mondays at Shooters Waterfront along the Intracoastal for a waterfront social series that pairs mahjong with happy-hour bites and martinis. Cool off with the new special: a mini martini flight featuring dirty, lychee, and Florida-inspired guava flavors. Play begins at 6 p.m. with a complimentary welcome cocktail and the option to join various formats, including open play, Mahjong 101, 102, and refresher lessons with instruction in partnership with Besties & Bams Mahjong Club.

Besties & Bams Mahjong Club also hosts gatherings at Sunness Supper Club in Fort Lauderdale. Games are held in the Sunness main dining room, where players can enjoy an evening of mahjong, dinner, and drinks. Upcoming events include Open Play and Mahjong 101 (Beginner Class) on Aug. 18, Sept. 1, Sept. 15 and Sept. 29, and Open Play with Mahjong 102 & Refresher on Aug. 25, Sept. 8 and Sept. 22. Classes rotate every other week. Entry includes a seat at a mahjong table, one drink, and happy hour pricing on food and drinks all night. Additional dates will be announced.

The Beach Community Center hosts mahjong every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of Fort Lauderdale’s Club 55+ program. Membership covers games, fitness classes, and events at 11 community centers around the city. The Wednesday session runs six hours, so you can show up whenever your morning allows.

There are plenty of places to join for free as well. The North Regional/Broward College Library offers space to reserve a table for your game of choice with friends, from chess to mahjong. The Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library hosts Mahjong Mondays in its multi-purpose room every Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. Materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own set as well.