Fall Is Officially in Play: Your October at Mahj House
THE WIND-UP
Fall Is Officially in Play
Hi friends,
How is September already over? It flew by in a blur of shuffling tiles and first-day-of-school photos. Our Fall Leagues have officially launched, and the studio has that happy, humming energy you only get when the same faces show up week after week, ready to play and ready to win.
On a personal note, I'm counting down to two things this fall: my weekly mahjong group (the people who know your tells and still love you anyway) and a trip to Vermont in a few weeks to watch the leaves turn. I'll be thinking of all of you from somewhere very orange and very cozy.
Inside this month: special events, makers in the house, a Hand of the Month challenge, and a note you can share with your significant other before holiday shopping starts. (You'll see.)
ON THE CALENDAR
Your October at Mahj House
Check out our October schedule. It has more fun events than we've ever attempted to squeeze into one month! From special Guided Plays to meet-the-maker moments, here's what's ahead.
SPECIAL GUIDED PLAY
Guided Play, Canyon Ranch Style
Tuesday, October 6 · 12–2 pm
Join Meryl for a special Guided Play sponsored by Canyon Ranch Austin, complete with raffle prizes and goody bags. Everyone who attends will also receive 10% off registration for the Canyon Ranch Austin Texas Showdown this November.
The Texas Showdown (November 12–15) brings 16 teams together at Canyon Ranch Austin for a mahjong retreat, with access to the resort's classes and spa.
Planning to play? Join our Tournament Prep class on October 29, 12–2:30 pm, to get ready.
IT'S MAHJONG… WITH A MISSION
FORE Kids ATX Open Play
Thursday, October 15 · 12–2 pm
Play for a cause! Mahj House Austin is teaming up with FORE Kids ATX and ATX Mahj Haus for a special Open Play.
Whether you want to play alongside our instructor Hannah Crow Vedros or just want some extra time around the table, this is the perfect chance to play, practice, and connect with fellow mahjong lovers while giving back. You'll be playing on beautiful sets from The Mahjong Line, which makes for an extra-special afternoon. Best of all, 100% of proceeds benefit FORE Kids ATX.
Plus, use code FOREKIDS for classes and retail anytime through October, and Mahj House Austin will make an additional 10% donation.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon!
OPEN PLAY
Open Plays You Don't Want to Miss
If you haven't joined us for Open Play on Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, you're missing out! This month brings a few extra-special editions:
Mahj City Limits · Fri, Oct 2
Festival fits, an ACL playlist, prizes, and recovery goodies to keep you going all weekend.
Open Play with Mushu Mahjong · Fri, Oct 9
Play on Kinsley Drenner's gorgeous sets, win prizes, and get a first look at her latest creations.
Save the Racks · Fri, Oct 16
Wear pink, sip rosy beverages, and snack on pretty-in-pink treats for a great cause. 10% of proceeds go to Susan G. Komen.
Halloween Open Play · Fri, Oct 23
Costumes strongly encouraged. Come dressed to impress for a chance to win a prize.
MEET THE MAKER
Four Winds Social
Tuesday, October 27 · 12–2 pm
Have you seen our new studio mats? They're a collab with Four Winds Social, and we are obsessed! Owner Courtney Popelka is coming with her Drop 4 mats in hand. Come say hi, shop the new drop, and get your mat monogrammed while you play.
DATE NIGHT
Beginner Fast Track for Two
Friday, October 16 · 5:30–8:30 pm · $125 each
Has your special someone been wanting to learn but didn't want to be the only beginner in the room? Say goodbye to dinner and a movie, because date night just got an upgrade. No experience needed. Bring your person, build your hand, and see who has the winning chemistry.
AROUND THE HOUSE
Fall League Is in Full Swing
If you've been craving a regular game, this is it. League play means a standing spot at the table, friendly competition, great prizes, and a raffle every week. Beginner League plays Mondays and Intermediate/Advanced plays Wednesdays, both 12:30–2:30 pm.
Join the waitlist for next season →
SHARE THE MAHJ
Know Someone Who's Curious?
Know an Austin friend who keeps saying, "I've always wanted to learn mahjong"? Send them this post, or send them our free Beginner Survival Guide. It covers the tiles, the lingo, and what to expect at their first class, so they can walk in feeling confident.
Get the free Beginner Survival Guide →
TILE TALK
Hand of the Month Challenge
Test yourself before you peek at the answers. Both questions come straight from our Tile Talk post, How NMJL Scoring Works: Your Card, Explained.
Question 1: You need a pair of 5 Dots to finish your hand. You have one 5 Dot and a joker. Can you call Mahj?
Question 2: Two players win hands that are each worth 25 points on the card. Player A used two jokers. Player B used none. Who collects more?
Tap to reveal the answers
1. No, sadly. Jokers can never be used in a single or a pair. They can only fill in groups of three or more (pungs, kongs, and quints). Keep waiting for that second 5 Dot.
2. Player B. A jokerless hand doubles its value. The one exception is Singles & Pairs hands, which are already jokerless by nature.
SHARE THIS PART WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Go ahead. Send them the link. We'll do the hinting for you.
Dear Husband (or Partner, or Santa),
Shopping for a mahjong player can feel like reading the NMJL card for the first time. Is it a rack or a pusher? Why does she need another tile set when she already has one? (Trust us, she does.)
Good news: we've made it easy.
The Mahj House Holiday Wish List: here's how it works
- Make sure she's filled out the wish list. (Wink, wink.)
- Wait for our call or text.
- Stop by the shop, pick it up, and become a hero.
Wish lists due by December 10 for holiday delivery.
NOT SURE WHAT TO BUY?
How to Choose Your First American Mahjong Set
We break down tiles, racks, mats, and what you actually need to get started.
Still stuck? Come see us. We're always happy to help you find the right gift.
ONE LAST THOUGHT…
Mahjong is the only place where saying "I'm just waiting on one joker" counts as a whole personality.
See you at the table, y'all.
Bird Bam Cheers,
Tara & Courtney
Table Rentals + Retail Shopping: 10–4 Mon–Fri, 10–2 Saturday
3316 Bee Caves Road, Unit D · West Lake Hills