The Game That’s Climbing Popularity Charts: Mahjong's Mile-Long Waiting Lists

• Key Takeaway One: Mahjong, a tile game with roots in 19th century China, is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly in South Mumbai clubs, with waiting lists for learning the game extending significantly.
• Key Takeaway Two: The game appeals due to its mental stimulation, requiring technique, skill, and memory, leading to a diverse demographic of players, although more women seem to play than men.
• Key Takeaway Three: Clubs are actively facilitating the growth of Mahjong through lessons, tournaments, and dedicated playing times, highlighting a communal resurgence in offline social activities post-COVID-19 lockdowns.

Most spiffy South Mumbai clubs boast serpentine waitlists for membership, but nestled within these lists is a burgeoning curiosity for Mahjong—a tile game believed to have originated in 19th-century China. Its ascent up the popularity charts has been meteoric, reminiscent of a chart-topping hit on a musical steroids burst. The game, which requires a blend of technique, skill, and a sharp memory, has not only captured the imagination of bridge aces like Hema Deora but also sparked a viral offline trend, leading to long queues of eager learners at Mumbai clubs.

A year ago, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) saw a trickle of inquiries about Mahjong, which quickly swelled into a flood, prompting Ashwin Mehta, the honorary secretary of the cards committee, to introduce formal lessons. The initiative was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with 80 members learning the game within four months. The club's adoption of Mahjong, complete with dedicated tutors and club-owned sets, reflects a broader trend of rediscovering social interactions through traditional games post-pandemic.

Mahjong's appeal isn't confined to any single demographic, although it currently enjoys a predominantly female player base for reasons that remain unclear. Across South Mumbai clubs, the game is being integrated into the fabric of social activities, with teachers like Nita Kapadia and Ritu Jaggia leading the charge in spreading their passion for the game. Kapadia, a veteran player of 45 years, emphasizes the discipline and focus she inherited from Army wives, while Jaggia highlights the cerebral and fun aspects of Mahjong, alongside the life lessons it imparts, such as the importance of letting go.

The Ratan Tata Institute and Malabar Hill Club are among the latest to join the Mahjong wave, catering to a broad spectrum of players from grandmothers to the youth. The game's complexity and strategic depth have proven to be major draws, challenging players to think and adapt continuously.

As clubs like the Willingdon Sports Club compile handbooks and the Malabar Hill Club acknowledges the game's cross-generational appeal, Mahjong stands as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional games in fostering community and connection in an increasingly digital world. The game's resurgence is a vibrant reminder of the joy found in face-to-face interactions, shared learning experiences, and the simple pleasure of gathering around a table to play a game that bridges generations and cultures.

In essence, Mahjong's growing popularity underscores a collective yearning for communal activities that were dearly missed during the lockdowns, serving as a vibrant beacon of social re-engagement and intellectual stimulation. Whether it's through the strategic gameplay, the social interactions, or the life lessons subtly imparted, Mahjong is more than just a game—it's a cultural phenomenon redefining leisure and learning in the heart of Mumbai's social clubs.