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Mahjong Madness: Where to Play, Sip & Socialize in the Hamptons
From cocktail-hour games and mahjong lunches to beginner lessons and weekly gatherings, here’s where to get in on the action this November and December.
Move over, pickleball. Mahjong is making its move in the Hamptons, and the tiles are turning up everywhere.
At The Baker House 1650, The Maidstone and Faraway Sag Harbor. Over wine at Wölffer Estate Vineyard, martinis at The Pridwin and lobster rolls at LUNCH. The centuries-old Chinese game has become a social draw at some of the East End’s best-known gathering spots, bringing longtime players and curious newcomers to the table.
And this isn’t just a summer fling.
With mahjong nights continuing into November and community games running into December, the Hamptons crowd has another reason to get out, meet up and perhaps develop a healthy obsession with the tiles.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or don’t know a bam from a crack, here’s where to join the mahjong madness.
Mahjong Madness has hit the Hamptons
Mondays, Nov. 9, 16 and 23, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
$30 for the series; waitlist available
Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach
A three-session beginner series covering the fundamentals of American mahjong. Registration for the series is full, but a waitlist is available. A library card is required.
Friday, Nov. 13, 11:45 a.m.
Tickets starting at $75
LUNCH Lobster Roll, 32 Montauk Highway, Southampton
Courtesy of LUNCH Lobster Roll
Montauk Mahj pairs the game with a visit to one of the Hamptons’ best-known lobster roll destinations. A lunchtime gathering for players looking to mix mahjong with a little East End dining.
Monday, Nov. 16, 5:30–8 p.m.
$75 open play; $95 beginner lessons
Faraway Sag Harbor, 31 W. Water St., Sag Harbor
Mahjong takes over Faraway for an evening of games, light bites and a welcome toast. Play begins at 6 p.m., with options for beginners and experienced players.
Instructors Deb and Arlene introduce newcomers to the game using the Reckson MahJ Muscle Memory Method. Participants are asked to bring a laptop or tablet.
Monday, Nov. 23, 5–8 p.m.
RSVP required
Grace Presbyterian Church, 1225 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
Ladies Night Mahjong at Grace Presbyterian Church, Water Mill, NY
A welcoming evening of mahjong for women, including beginners. Bring a finger food to share and consider carpooling, as parking is limited. RSVP to adriana@gracehamptons.org.
Wednesdays, Dec. 2 and 9, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
$30 for the series
Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach
A two-session mahjong class for players looking to learn or strengthen their skills. The library’s calendar lists registration as open. A library card is required.
Another chance to get acquainted with the tiles. Deb and Arlene return with beginner instruction using the Reckson MahJ Muscle Memory Method. Bring a laptop or tablet.
Mahjong Madness has hit the Hamptons
Where to Play Mahjong Regularly
Can’t make a special event? Mahjong is also finding a home in libraries and community gathering places across the Hamptons, with weekly and twice-monthly games that keep the tiles moving well beyond summer.
Mondays, 1–3 p.m., through Nov. 30
Free
Hampton Library, 2478 Main St., Bridgehampton
Experienced players can join this regular afternoon gathering. No instruction is provided, so participants should already know how to play. Library cardholders receive registration priority.
Mahjong Madness has hit the Hamptons
Fridays, Nov. 13, 20 and 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 1–4 p.m.
Registration required
East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton
A regular afternoon gathering geared toward players who already know the game. The library has also indicated interest in finding a volunteer instructor for beginners.
Thursdays, Nov. 12 and 19 and Dec. 3 and 17, 1–3:30 p.m.
Chabad of the Hamptons, 13 Woods Lane, East Hampton
Mahjong continues through the fall and into December with scheduled afternoon gatherings at Chabad. Check with the organization for participation details.
Twice monthly during fall and winter; check for upcoming dates
Free
Jewish Center of the Hamptons, 44 Woods Lane, East Hampton
Mahjong gathering at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons
The Jewish Center offers mahjong for beginners and experienced players, with instruction available for newcomers. Nonmembers should contact the center before attending and bring photo identification.
Mahjong shares the table with cards and other games at this community gathering. Beginners are welcome. Check the library calendar for additional dates.
A weekly gathering for mahjong players looking for a regular table. No instructor is provided. The library calendar lists sessions Nov. 10, 17 and 24 and Dec. 1.
Mahjong is one of several games played at this community club, which also welcomes card and board game enthusiasts. Players should coordinate ahead to ensure a mahjong table is available.
There are no sessions Nov. 11, 20 or 27 or Dec. 4 or 24.
For information, contact Shelley at sschw300@aol.com or Wanda at azmoodeh06@yahoo.com. The club is not a library-sponsored program.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6–8 p.m.
Minimum $100 donation per person
Midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central Terminal; exact location provided after RSVP
The mahjong craze isn’t confined to the East End. Montauk Mahj heads to Manhattan for a fundraising evening benefiting City Harvest, held in memory of Wai Ching Ho. The gathering features American mahjong, dim sum and wine, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s work fighting hunger in New York City.
Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com
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