Mahjong club fills Carrollwood center room after summer heat drives players indoors

At the Carrollwood Cultural Center on Lowell Road, a second-floor activity room that once hosted bridge and wood carving groups now hosts a different kind of game. Jennifer Grebenschikoff and Susan Baxter Gibson lead the Mahjong Club there every Tuesday. The duo started the group after the summer heat pushed their outdoor games at VISTA Gardens inside.

The club attracts a steady crowd. Grebenschikoff estimates that 40 to 45 people attend the weekly sessions. The founders initially looked to rent the room but decided to form a club instead to fit within the center's existing lineup of social groups.

Participants pay five dollars per week to join a four-person table. The fee is paid to the club contact upon arrival. All skill levels are welcome, though the founders avoid mixing complete beginners with experienced players. Instead, Grebenschikoff and Baxter Gibson spend much of the two-hour session teaching newcomers the basics.

The club follows the American style of mahjong. This version uses the rules and card of winning hands issued annually by the National Mah Jongg League. The league, founded in New York City in 1937, was established to standardize regional American variations of the game. The group also plays the Philippine version and recognizes the Chinese original, which dates to the 19th century.

Growth came quickly through word of mouth and promotion by the center via email and social media. The founders noted that interest has broadened beyond the traditional demographic. Grebenschikoff said the club now includes men, couples, and younger people, including teenagers. She cited television appearances and the movie 'Crazy Rich Asians' as factors that sparked interest among players in their 20s and 30s.

At the October 27 session, at least five newcomers arrived for the first time. Baxter Gibson managed a table of six beginners who were working toward playing full games. At another table, Grebenschikoff worked one-on-one with Mayra Saenz, who was starting from scratch.

Saenz, a beginner, said she was excited to learn and look forward to joining a match. She also noted that the club provides a nice way to meet people. The founders provide advice on where to buy tiles and supplies online and recommend where to get the official playing card for the year.

The club meets Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. Players should bring a copy of the 2026 National Mah Jongg League card, titled 'Official Standard Hands and Rules.' If they have them, players should also bring their own tiles, racks, and mat. For information, contact Susan Baxter Gibson at sbgibson1975@outlook.com.