Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese tile game, is gaining popularity across the Tampa Bay area as local enthusiasts gather to build community and master strategy.
Local Mahjong Resurgence
Players are filling local coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants to participate in community game nights. The tile-based activity relies on strategy, skill, and luck.
Red Eye Mahjong, a social club, helps lead the local surge by hosting open-play sessions and beginner lessons in traditional Hong Kong-style Mahjong. Founder Jacob Chang noticed interest rapidly spike two years ago.
Chang established Red Eye Mahjong after growing up playing the game alongside his Chinese family. The club’s fast expansion forced members to seek larger meeting spaces.
Community Growth
Red Eye Mahjong plans to host a community game night Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Gambit Games in Tampa. The meetup welcomes players of every skill level, including complete beginners.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
