I’m sitting on a cozy patio overlooking the Wasatch Back; sweeping forest views surround me at every angle, but it’s the tabletop game in front of me that commands my attention. Laid out like a picnic display are 144 colorful tiles, some marked with mandala-like designs and others stamped with numbers one through nine. The goal is to build a hand through a cycle of draws and discards, guided by a printed key listing thousands of possible tile combinations. As one might imagine, I’m disoriented. Thankfully, two seasoned players, Après Mahjong co-founders Natalie Stouffer and Bethany Jordan, are there to guide me through the basics, offering a crash course in strategy and interpretation. (Spoiler alert: I win!) This is American mahjong, and it’s having a moment in the Beehive State. 

You may recognize mahjong from the global box office hit Crazy Rich Asians, or perhaps you’ve noticed the game making the rounds at country clubs and ladies’ luncheons. Lately, the rummy-style game, which originated in China in the 19th century and was introduced and adapted in the United States in the 1920s, has been making a serious comeback across the US—especially among younger players. Between 2023 and 2024, mahjong events nationwide surged by 179%. In Park City, Stouffer and Jordan are at the forefront of the movement. 

“American mahjong might not be new, but its comeback over the last few years feels right at home here in Utah,” says Stouffer. “In Park City especially, people are always looking for new ways to connect beyond the ski slopes and hiking trails, and American mahjong is the perfect après activity for all seasons.” 

Since launching Après Mahjong in January 2025, the duo has taught hundreds of new players and hosted open-play events, tournaments, and private parties—and they’re only getting busier. The consistent pool of new players is no surprise, considering so many of us are longing for a digital detox in this era of information overload, or are simply seeking meaningful, offline connections. Some even point to the rise of “grannycore” among young people, a trend that returns to cozy pastimes that carry a sense of hygge. 

Stouffer and Jordan point to the game’s aesthetic allure: “The way the tiles feel in your hands, the satisfying sound when shuffling, the beauty of the table setup, these little rituals make every game feel special.” 

Whatever the reason, players are finding community through mahjong—and with teachers like Stouffer and Jordan (who themselves met while playing the game), there’s a seat at the table for everyone.