Mahjong. An old and new girls’ night out
By Allison McCrory / Photos by Toni Sparks
“Everything old is new again.” — Jonathan Swift
Outsmarting opponents. Challenging the brain. Crafting a winning hand of eye candy tiles. Communing face to face in a country that the surgeon general deems is in a loneliness epidemic.
What’s not to love about Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese tile game that is surging worldwide, especially among women?
Since opening its doors, Rusted Arrow Mercantile in downtown Pensacola has offered classes to connect the community, adding Mahjong in 2024.
“It has been so fun to watch the excitement for the game take off,” said co-owner Samantha Breedlove. “Seeing people gather around the tables, learn together and form new friendships has quickly made it one of our favorite offerings.”
Less scrolling, more connecting
“It offers a chance to step away from phones, endless scrolling and binge watching, and instead be fully present in the moment,” she added. “The heart of Mahjong has always been about bringing people together. What feels especially exciting right now is how modern and approachable the game has become. With beautiful new designs for tiles and mats, Mahjong feels fresh and fun, even for younger generations.
“It challenges the mind, supports brain health and creates meaningful social connection. I think that combination is exactly what people are falling in love with.”
All along, Breedlove wanted Rusted Arrow and its upstairs venue, The Loft, to be a hub of interconnection.
“When we moved to Pensacola after living in the suburbs of Chicago and then St. Petersburg, building roots in the community was incredibly important to us. We wanted Rusted Arrow to be more than a shop and to be a place where people could truly connect,” she said.
A Game Still Surging After Centuries
Mahjong originated in the Shanghai area of China in the mid to late 1800s and made its way to the United States around 1920, with everyone from President and First Lady Harding to celebrities jumping on the Mahjong bandwagon. It quickly became popular, particularly in American Chinese and Jewish women’s circles.
For those interested in keeping the legacy going, Rusted Arrow offers options.
“We currently offer three different Mahjong experiences, all designed to be fun, welcoming and social,” noted Breedlove. “Mahjong 101 is where we break down the game from the very beginning and walk participants through every element, filling them with the tools and confidence they need to fall in love with the game. We supply everything, so all guests need to do is show up ready to learn, laugh and shuffle some tiles.”
Classes are held after shop hours, so participants enjoy a relaxed, private evening inside the mercantile. A shopping discount, small bites and wine are included in the ticket.
Ready to take it up a notch?
“Mahjong 102 is all about leveling up, with a focus on strategy, gameplay and building confidence. Mahjong is not a one-and-done kind of game, and the more you play, the more fun it becomes,” explained Breedlove.
Want to pop in and play when the Mahjong spirit strikes?
“We also host a monthly Mahjong open play, typically on the last Wednesday of each month. It is a casual drop-in night where guests can bring their own tiles if they have them, enjoy refreshments and small bites and spend the evening playing with friends and meeting new ones. It is a $25 drop-in fee and always a great time.”
Private party options for 10 or more are also welcome based on availability.
“I think there are so many reasons Mahjong is having such a moment right now. At its core, it is a classic, timeless game that has been played for centuries,” said Breedlove. “Even with all the rules and traditions to learn, the energy in the room is always light and joyful.”
When the structured game ends, participants often linger to play a bit longer, shop, share stories or make plans to play again.
“Watching friendships form so naturally around the tiles is what makes these events so special. The reaction of guests as they leave is our favorite part and truly the reason we love what we do. People walk out feeling excited to play more, learn more and dive deeper into their love of Mahjong.”
Rusted Arrow co-owners Samantha Breedlove and Ruth Cornelius work with Danielle Wood and Becky Cole to host 101- and 102-level classes. They graciously hosted the Bella team for a 101 class. The atmosphere was charming and inviting. Don’t let the beautiful tiles fool you — game play can be a bit challenging, but they will guide you through every step of this addicting game. Classes come with refreshments, wine and a shopping discount.
Want to Play? Be sure to get tickets from their website before they sell out.
What: Mahjong
When: Open play last Wednesday of the month; see website for upcoming classes
Where: Rusted Arrow Mercantile, 130 Palafox Pl., Pensacola, FL
Info: 850-285-0371; rustedarrowmercantile.com
