Stephen Montoya
Amanda Woolsey, (right) and Bethany Factor toast to their newly opened clubhouse, near Camp Bowie Blvd.
Several years ago, I tried learning Mahjong — you know, that tile game all the women were playing in the 1993 film “The Joy Luck Club”. I thought it would be like dominoes: match a few pieces, call it a day. But I was wrong. Mahjong turned out to be more than just matching tiles; it was about skill, strategy, and maybe a bit of luck. Playing it on a computer without any guidance? Disaster. After a week of fumbling, I gave up, chalking it up to confusion or maybe just the wrong vibe.
Then, as time went by, I walked into The Mahj Clubhouse. Everything changed. Located at 5220 Pershing Avenue, Suite B, this isn’t just a place to play—it’s a full-blown experience. Bright lighting, automatic Mahjong tables, and an undeniable buzz greeted me, like stepping into the greenroom at a major venue. Here, Mahjong isn’t just a pastime; it’s a movement, a community.
Co-founded by Amanda Woolsey and Bethany Factor, The Mahj Clubhouse was born out of passion and necessity. Woolsey, a Fort Worth native, discovered Mahjong after moving to Pittsburgh. What started as a casual game with friends quickly turned into an obsession. Upon returning to Fort Worth in 2012, Woolsey realized there really weren't any dedicated Mahjong spaces. Fast forward to 2023, and the Clubhouse is buzzing with life, proving there was a void that needed filling.
Factor shares Woolsey’s love for the game and their mission: create a space where Mahjong enthusiasts, from beginners to pros, can gather. The struggle to find three other players to form a traditional table is real, but The Mahj Clubhouse solves that.
Stephen Montoya
Woolsey, (right) and Factor play a game of Mahjong at one of four tables set up in this new clubhouse space.
“Intentional socialization.” That’s how Woolsey describes the essence of The Mahj Clubhouse. It’s not just about the game but the people. When you sit at a table, you’re not just committing to Mahjong; you’re committing to the camaraderie it fosters.
“It’s like being in a band,” Woolsey explains. “Everyone shows up to play their part.” And it works. From birthday parties to girls’ nights, the Clubhouse has become a hub of connection and laughter. Woolsey has even taught over 1,500 people to play, often making the game feel accessible in just three lessons.
For $60 a month, members enjoy unlimited drop-ins during designated hours. It’s a small price for a place that feels more like a second home than a gaming room. For the uninitiated, guided lessons and one-time sessions make diving into this traditional game easy. In just over a month, the Clubhouse has grown a loyal following, proof that people are craving both connection and challenge.
If Mahjong feels intimidating, consider this: it’s like poker, but prettier. With 152 tiles—dots, cracks, and bams—players aim to form a winning hand while strategizing to block opponents. It’s a game that sharpens the mind and rewards patience, much like life itself.
The game follows standardized National Mahjong League rules in the U.S., updated annually via a league-issued card that lays out winning combinations. The Mahj Clubhouse keeps these cards on hand for everyone, alongside lessons, social events, and guided play sessions.
“It’s more than just a game,” Woolsey says. “It’s a brain workout, a social event, and for some, even therapy.” The pandemic, she adds, opened people up to slower, more meaningful hobbies. And Mahjong? It’s leading the charge.
Factor echoes that sentiment: “Whether you have a group or you’re flying solo, The Mahj Clubhouse is here to provide a welcoming space.”
Mahjong’s roots run deep — all the way back to the Ming Dynasty. But its appeal transcends borders. Woolsey and Factor respect its heritage while embracing its modern evolution. Retired couples, young professionals, and everyone in between are showing up to play.
“It’s a game that grows with you,” Woolsey explains. “It sharpens your mind and connects you with others. That’s what The Mahj Clubhouse is all about.”
The Mahj Clubhouse Details:
Hours: By Appointment
Location: 5220 Pershing Avenue, Suite B
Membership: $60/month for unlimited drop-ins during designated hours
Special Events: Private parties, birthday celebrations, and more!
