Hayden Wilson, a Clemson marketing grad, has only been playing mahjong for three years, but has turned it into a burgeoning business by bringing a new approach to the ancient game. It began as a remedy for her isolation as a new mom during the pandemic, but during the last year and a half, she’s been teaching her passion and sharing her sense of joy with thousands of people statewide.
Mahjong means “the clattering of sparrows” in Chinese, which is a nod to what the clicking tiles sound like when you’re playing the game. The skills involved are similar to poker—reading your opponent, playing offensively and defensively, utilizing strategy, and being able to change hands quickly. In Asian cultures, it’s a way for families to connect at home, but here it’s a way to socialize.
The wildly beautiful tiles feature six sets of designs including dragons, wind, flowers, dots (pearls), bams (bamboo), and craks (Chinese characters), representing the peasant class, the working class, and the ruling class. The game is filled with nuance and pageantry and symbolism deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
“I call it golf for girls . . . it’s not only a way to be social, but a way to use your brain and take a break from daily chores like laundry, making kid’s lunches, and school pick-up,” Wilson says, laughing.
Her classes consist of laying out the foundational aspects of the game in the first hour, while participants are enjoying cocktails and snacks. Her group is a little unconventional in that regard, as some groups don’t even allow talking. She also imparts the information like a stand-up comedian to put people at ease and make the game more accessible, and that frivolity imbues the evening. Many people even leave the class as friends.
She teaches three classes a week and recommends students take one class, practice within that week to refresh, then go out to play weekly. (It’s similar to learning a new language and can seem a little difficult at first.) There can be wagering involved, but Wilson’s games are money-free zones.
Social media has contributed to the massive growth and popularity of mahjong recently. However, the classes are a low-tech way of having fun, networking, connecting with like-minded people, and building community. “My initial teaching venture was a way to fund my mahjong hobby,” says Wilson. “But my dream of getting out of the house a few times a week to connect with others has actually come true.”
Take on the Tiles
Wilson will be marshalling the Mahjong Rose Ball Tournament on February 13 at the Greenville Country Club. The tournament will help raise funds for the Rose Ball, which will be held in September.
HayMahj 101
Learn the basics of American Chinese mahjong. No previous experience needed to attend. Three hours in duration. Pricing is for private classes hosted in your home or space (see website for more info). $55 to $85 per person.
HayMahj 102
Learn strategy on how to be cut-throat to your opponents, when to change hands, how to read your competitors, and how to sabotage the game if it’s impossible for you to win. Two to three hours in duration. Pricing is for private classes hosted in your home or space (see website for more info). $55 to $85 per person.
The Greenville Mahjong Society
A club where there’s weekly play each Monday to practice without the need to coordinate or own a tile set.
Major Mahjong Merch
Wilson jokes, “If your husband invests heavily in golf, maybe you deserve an expensive mahjong set.”
- High-end luxury brands offer expensive sets such as those from Hermès ($12,400), Tiffany & Co. ($15,000), and Gucci ($23,000). Amazon offers sets starting around $60.
- Wilson’s own signature “HayMahj” set, which she designed and had manufactured in China, runs $175 and has custom-created artwork featuring whimsical cocktail illustrations.
