All about Mahj

Maybe Mahjong caught your attention in Crazy Rich Asians, with that pivotal scene where Rachel and her mother-in-law are locked in a battle of wills and tiles. Or you could have been intrigued by the game that kept filling your social feeds during the pandemic.

Today at the dawn of 2026 Mahjong continues to climb in popularity, eclipsing Bunco and Pickleball as one of America’s favorite hobbies. If  you’d like to jump into a new passion for this year but the tiles and terminology seem overwhelming, the North Atlanta Home Show has a special feature where newbies can dip their toes in.

McCauley Adams, Founder of All About Mahj, is bringing the strategy, excitement and community of Mahjong to the show with daily open play and introductory lessons.

Before the show, here’s a few fun facts about the game:

Mahj: The Origin Story

Mahjong originated in Southern China in the 1800s. The name means ‘sparrow,’ as some people say the clacking sounds the tiles make when players shuffle them sound like the bird. The goal of the game is to be the first player to match their tiles to one of the allowed winning combinations.

Celebrities Who Throw Tiles

A growing number of A-listers are embracing the game. In fact, Meghan Markle gushed about it on her show. “The game itself is really so fun,” she said. “But what was so great was the idea of learning something new with your friends, together, and then recognizing that the mahjong becomes the background of the expansion of friendship. It’s the feeling of community.”

Other celebs who’ve been vocal about their obsession with the game include Kelly Ripa, Julia Roberts, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jenna Bush Hager.

Side Effects of Mahj

Learning and playing Mahjong has a long list of positive side effects: improved memory, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of community through engaging, mentally stimulating social interaction that keeps the brain sharp and promotes overall well-being. It's linked to better cognitive function, reduced risk of cognitive decline, and improved mood in older adults, making it a powerful tool for healthy aging. For a schedule of games and lessons, please visit Official North Atlanta Home Show | January 23-25, 2026 | Gas South District Convention Center.