My name is Lisa Cornwell, and I am a certified mahjong instructor. I fell head over heels in love with Mahjong before my first lesson was even over. That love—or obsession, some would say—has continued throughout my teaching journey and into my vibrant and ever-growing mahjong community, inspiring me to curate an incredible and fun collection of mahjong paraphernalia, which you can enjoy too. Recently, my mahjong journey has led me to host the LA LA Mahjong League of Los Angeles, the first West Coast chapter of THE MAHJONG LEAGUE™. My purpose here is simple: to continue growing our Mahjong community. Here, enthusiasts of every skill level can play together, be competitive (or social), win prizes, and just have a lot of fun! Who can join our League? You! Beginners through seasoned players all have a place in our League. I look forward to meeting you and sharing the joy of Mahjong at our table!
American Mahjong
American Mahjong is a distinct version of the game, with its own set of rules and a fascinating history shaped by a diverse range of groups, including Chinese Americans, Air Force officers’ wives, and Jewish American suburban mothers. As early as the 19th century, Chinese immigrants were playing Mahjong in the U.S., often tweaking the rules to better suit their families or social circles. Many of these variations have endured, but the most prominent versions of American Mahjong began to take shape in the 1920s. During that time, the game was often played according to the rules in the booklet that came with the Mahjong set or the rulebook bought at a local store. Though many of these early variations have since faded into obscurity, two major versions have stood the test of time. The first was developed by spouses of Air Force officers stationed at Wright Field in Ohio. This variation, known as the Wright-Patterson approach, spread to military families worldwide. The second, and perhaps most enduring, was created by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) in 1937. This version became particularly popular among Jewish American women, and in the decades surrounding World War II, it became an important social tradition in Jewish communities across the U.S. and beyond.
Today, the NMJL version is known as the “American Version” or “American Mahjong,” and is widely played across various communities in the United States and abroad.
One of the most remarkable things about Mahjong is its ability to transcend borders and cultures, evolving into countless variations around the globe. Each version brings its own unique characteristics to the game, yet all share the same enduring spirit of skill, strategy, and connection
