Reviewed by: Grace Garrison
Where to learn + play mahjong in Birmingham: Groups, lessons, instructors
Reading time: 4 minutes
This popular Chinese game may have been invented in the 1800s, but it’s certainly having its moment in the U.S. today.
Mahjong, a tile game in which players draw 13 tiles and take turns drawing and discarding tiles to create four sets of three and a pair, is taking the Western world by storm, thanks in part to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
In Birmingham, there is plenty of mahjong to be played — in fact, Birmingham was ranked the 19th most popular city in the U.S. to play mahjong, according an analysis from Mahjong 4 Friends.
Keep reading to get started playing mahjong in the Magic City.
Your guide to Mahjong in Birmingham
Magic City Mahj
These classes, led by instructor Robyn Henderson, are great for both beginners and more experienced mahjong players who want to further hone their skills.
Sessions fill up quickly, so keep an eye on Magic City Mahj’s social media profiles to learn about how to sign up.
- Facebook | Instagram | Email
- When: Varies — see social profiles or email for more details
- Where: Hoover + Birmingham area
- Cost: $35
Mah Jongg Meet Up
The O’Neal Library has hosted weekly mahjong meetups for the past three years, with the first of the month always devoted to lessons for beginners. The library is currently under construction, so the Monday mahjong sessions have been moved to Mountain Brook Baptist Church until further notice.
- Event details
- When: Every Monday | 10AM
- Where: Mountain Brook Baptist Church, 3631 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham, AL 35213
- Cost: Free
205 Mahjong Club
Also from the Bird Bam Besties, their 205 Mahjong Club was recently announced for Fall 2026, membership of which will include prescheduled open-play sessions in Homewood, club swag, 15% off other events and more.
Heads up: This club is intended for more experienced players — sessions will NOT be guided, but small rule clarifications are okay. Ages 21+ only.
- Register
- When: Alternating Mondays, Aug. 31 – Nov. 30 | 6:15PM-8:30PM
- Where: Corbeau Wine Bar at The Edge — 817 Green Springs Hwy Suite 105, Homewood
- Cost: $175 + fees/processing ($10 for a sub membership)
Board in Birmingham
This Hoover-based restaurant, event space and catering company hosts Tile Tuesdays every week from 6PM-8PM, welcoming players 18+ of all experience levels. Tile Tuesday has 16 open spots every week than can be reserved ahead of time by calling ahead.
- Website | Facebook
- When: Weekly on Tuesdays | 6PM-8PM
- Where: Board in Birmingham, 5426 Hwy 280, Suite 6, Hoover, AL
- Cost: $16, includes charcuterie cup + glass of wine
- Call (205) 489-4903 to reserve your space
Mahjong with Jami
Learn the game and join open play sessions with certified mahjong instructor and creator of Chelsea Mahjong Club, Jami. Offering classes, private events and open play sessions in Birmingham, Chelsea and beyond, Jami’s schedule varies week to week, so keep up with her social media for the latest details.
- Facebook | Instagram
- When: Varies — see social profiles for more details
- Where: Birmingham + Chelsea
- Cost: Varies by event
House of Mahj
Based in Trussville, House of Mahj offers 101 and 102 lessons, a masters class, guided play events, open play events and a monthly mahjong club. Owner Machelle Womack also offers in-home lessons.
- Instagram | Facebook
- When: Varies — see social profiles for more details
- Where: Trussville area
- Cost: Varies by event
What did we miss, Birmingham? Let us know about your favorite mahjong events in the Magic City area by tagging us @bhamnow on Facebook and Instagram!
