About us
Welcome to the Downtown Decatur Mahjong Social Club! We’re a friendly community centered on American and Hong Kong Mahjong, with occasional social games mixed in. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new, you’ll find a welcoming group focused on fun, learning, and connection. Come play, socialize, and enjoy Downtown Decatur with us.
## Play With Us
All skill levels are welcome. We offer beginner-friendly tables, intermediate, and advanced play. Intro to Mahjong lessons and supervised beginner games are offered on a regular basis (see Events). New players are always encouraged to observe, learn, and jump in when ready. Bring your own tiles and racks, or just come curious. The guest fee for play is $10.
### Regular Meetups
- Tuesdays (The Pool Turtle)
5:30 PM group dinner | 6:30 PM open play - Wednesdays (Bench Warmers, Decatur)
5:30 PM group dinner | 6:30 PM open play - Fridays (Cafe Lily)
11:30 AM lunch | Play 12:45–2:45 PM
6 tables (24 players) plus seating for observers - Sundays (Winter location: The Pool Turtle)
2:00–5:00 PM open play
RSVPs are appreciated so we can plan tables.
## Lessons
- Beginner Lesson Series: Q2 2026 series begins April 19 (Sundays) at Cafe Lily
- Intro to American Mahjong 90-minute lesson:
1st Wednesdays at Benchwarmers @ 6:30 PM
2nd Fridays at Cafe Lily @ 12 PM
3rd Tuesdays at The Pool Turtle @ 6:30 PM
4th Sundays at The Pool Turtle (while it’s cold!) @ 2:00 PM - Supervised Beginner Play: First Wednesday and Second Friday, Third Tuesday and Fourth Sunday of each month.
- HONG KONG LESSONS- March 8th start up, Sundays at Pool Turtle AND in April and beyond the 2nd Sunday of each month for Lessons.
- HONG KONG LESSONS- April 15th and the 3rd Weds of the Month at
- Bench Warmers 6:30P to 9:30P
## Mahjong Cards
We use the Official 2025 National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card (large print recommended). We Supply Free the new 2026 card to our dues paying members, when the cards arrive in April.
## Membership
Members pay dues to support Club organizational costs, supplies, events and prizes. Membership is on a calendar-year basis (Jan-Dec, regardless of WHEN a person joins).
Three Dues Payment options:
1. Pay per Play - $ 5
2. Pay Quarterly - $ 45
3. Pay Annually - $160
You choose the option that best fits the time of year you are joining.
At all our weekly venues, we have a Welcome letter (with registration form) that explains the details of our Dues structure more fully. Please get one of these when you come to visit. Hope to see you soon. Mahjong!
## Get Involved
Have venue ideas, special event ideas or want to host an event? Interested in being an instructor for our Beginner "Intro to Mahjong Lesson" Let Barb Rowland know that you are interested in volunteering by emailing barb@barbrowland.com.
We are looking for someone to help with administration by entering new members into our club roster also.
We look forward to playing, learning, and socializing with you. Watch for announcements about special celebrations and tournaments!
Upcoming events
216
Game Night- Open Play-American Mahjong & Hong Kong Every Weds.
Bench Warmers Sports Grill - Ponce de Leon, 240 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, USAmerican Mahjong-Hong Kong Mahjong
Mahjong and games Every Weds starting
Half Price Wine Nights and Lemon Drop shooters for $5.
5:25P Dinner with the group
6:20P Set up and social
630P Play begins- Mahjong Open Play.
This is NOT supervised play nor are we doing lessons, just playing with players at similar levels and having fun.
$5 entry fee-$10 for non-members.
Bench Warmers will have special priced apps/specials and reduced cost premium beers for $5 for us.Please Bring your own Mats and Tiles and set up your tiles at the table of the Level of Play you are comfortable.
Some other tables will be available for Hong Kong
Bring your 2025 Official Mahjong Cards, or we will have 2024 cards if you do not have your cards yet we have a few extras.
Join us for a fun and friendly Mah Jongg games with Decatur Mahjong Social Club!
Our quarterly Lessons Series will be offered again on January 4th. see events
Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about this classic game, all skill levels are welcome. Connect with members of the community in Decatur while enjoying a game that blends strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Mah Jongg is a great way to socialize, relax, and challenge your mind.
Our group is welcoming and happy to help newcomers and beginners who have taken lesson or know the basics. (See Lesson offering under events coming and occasional Intro to Mahjong lessons along with videos below).Bring your tiles and racks, or simply come to learn and observe.
The Venue is BenchWarmers in Decatur and the offer us specials. .If you would be a Host of a Downtown Decatur event, talk to the Organization team, we could use your help occasionally.
Dont forget we have Mahjong Every Fridays with Lunch at Cafe Lily. 1130 Meet for lunch, Play at 1245ish to 245P max. And Sunday's starting December 7th Play at The Pool Turtle 2 to 5pm. https://www.thepoolturtle.com/
To get your 2025 OFFICIAL Mahjong card: Go to https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#
they are $14 or $15 for Large type. (We suggest Large Type Card) Only order from the National Org, as many bootlegged cards out on amazon, Walmart and other places. New cards come out every end of March , which keeps the game interesting. We do have order extra cards we are waiting for so ask, otherwise order please.
BEGINNERS:
But here are some video's for total beginners to help fully understand the game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebPizTCb7EU&t=27s. she has several video.
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPUx4fyBu4o&list=PLLk097vMqukZECQNPNqSK2q99DiLNgkzj
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrOY40SxDVw
http://www.mahjongpictureguide.com14 attendees
OPEN PLAY-Tournament Style or Regular on Fridays-Cafe Lily
Cafe Lily, 308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA, US# Downtown Decatur Coed MahJong Social Club- Cafe Lily
The Friday group plays Friday's lunch 1130a and Open Play 1230P
Alll levels are welcome!! Play a laid back game or challenge yourself!Friday Lunch at Cafe Lily at 1130am on Fridays,
Play at 1230P- 3P.Join us on Friday's for Lunch, Social and MahJong Play at 1130am at Cafe Lily, and play starting at 12:30P pm. see menu items photos at: https://cafe-lily.square.site/?utm_source=sqmktg_email#26 $5 entry fee if you do not have lunch for members, $10 for non-members. Non members having lunch $5.00. or ask about our 2026 New Membership/Event Fee Reduced Rates for Quarterly or Annual Payments.
3 tables will be set up for Intermediate/advanced players. 2 for Beginners.
Open to beginners and all levels of play, we will divide tables accordingly. and discuss lessons options of the beginners, video's etc. So maybe you watch the first time? 2 tables will be available for Beginners. See our discussions for more info for beginners.
Cafe Lily has become our Sponsor and is giving us the private room for free but they are requesting everyone try to spend or support the restaurant or tell you friends about their great food and service. They have small plates and appetizers, wine beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, great desserts all available.We are reserving a table and hope you will join us for lunch in the main restaurant at 1130am. If you are not having lunch we will see you at 12:30P for play. Please do not bring any food or drink to the restaurant. Please tip our server's nicely for your teas, coffee, beverages and food.
Let's have Fun!4 attendees
Open Play-American Mahjong Every Friday- Cafe Lily
Cafe Lily, 308 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, ga, USThe Friday group starts with Friday's lunch 1130a and Open Play 1230P to 230P. Alll levels are welcome!! Play a laid back game or challenge yourself!
*even tho reservations on facebook may show few people, we always have 4 or 5 tables.
Friday Lunch at Cafe Lily at 1130am on Fridays, Play at 1245P- 3P.Join us on Friday's for Lunch, Social and MahJong Play at 1130am at Cafe Lily, and play starting at 1245P pm. see menu items photos at: https://cafe-lily.square.site/?utm_source=sqmktg_email#26
$5 entry fee if you do not have lunch, $10 for non members, and $5 for non members having lunch.
We have beginner Intro to Mahjong Lesson the 2nd week of every month, $25.
3 tables will be set up for Intermediate advanced players. 2 for Beginners.
Open to beginners and all levels of play, we will divide tables accordingly. and discuss lessons options of the beginners, video's etc. So maybe you watch the first time?
2 tables will be available for Beginners.
Cafe Lily is our Sponsor and is giving us the private room for free but they are requesting everyone try to spend or support the restaurant or tell you friends about their great food and service. Please Tip your Servers nicely!
They have small plates and appetizers, wine beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, great desserts all available.
We are reserving a table and hope you will join us for lunch in the main restaurant at 1130am. If you are not having lunch we will see you at 12:45P for play. Please do not bring any food or drink to the restaurant. Please tip our server's nicely for your teas, coffee, beverages and food.Let's have Fun! (Time to order you 2026 Card.
if you need a new 2025 National Mahjong Official Card let us know as we have ordered some extras or go to: https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#We recommend the large print card. Its also time to order your 2026 card... now for released date late March/early April.
3 attendees
Past events
222
Group links
Organizers
Members
252
