A centuries-old game is making a modern comeback along the Emerald Coast thanks to a local mom, instructor, and passionate player who’s sharing her love of Mahjong with our local community.

As I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram (ugh, I know—it’s a bad habit), I started noticing something pop up again and again: Mahjong. Pretty tiles, friends gathered around tables, snacks, drinks, and a vibe that felt equal parts chill and chic. As someone who loves game nights, I was intrigued. Then I noticed that Morgan was hosting a Mahjong class at Bitterroot, one of my favorite restaurants in Destin, so I figured it was time to see what all the hype was about. When I played my first game, I was instantly hooked. I was intimidated at first, but Morgan makes it fun and approachable! So if you’re interested in learning more (and giving it a try), keep reading to see why Mahjong with Morgan is such a wonderful addition to our community!

A Local Through and Through

Morgan Smith, the friendly face behind Mahjong with Morgan, was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach and is now raising her own family in this coastal community. She pours her time into family, local education (she currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for her sons’ nonprofit private school) and most recently, into teaching Mahjong.

“I first played Mahjong at a private lesson, just like the ones I teach, in April of 2024. My sister hired an instructor out of Pensacola and hosted the lesson at her home,” she recalls. “I fell in love with the game and the community it created.”

So, What Is Mahjong?

American Mahjong is a tile-based game where the object is to match your hand of 14 tiles to a “line” listed on the National Mah Jongg League Card. Basically, players take turns drawing and discarding tiles to build specific hands. The first one to get “mahjong” wins!

But beyond the gameplay, people are drawn to Mahjong for the experience it creates.

Mahjong is, at its core, a game of community. It brings people together from all walks of life. “I recently played with a group of women and men at my local rec center, who were all from different places, and ranged in ages from 37 to 80,” said Morgan. It’s a social game that requires strategy and concentration, but it also creates space for conversation, laughter, and connection.

“Honestly, one of the biggest draws is simply that it’s a game. Game playing has lost so much popularity with the introduction of phones and especially social media, and I think we all miss the opportunity to connect in person”

Teaching for the Love of the Game

As Morgan kept playing, she naturally began teaching her friends so she’d have more people to play with.

“I realized I was teaching people how I play, but not necessarily all the rules to play correctly,” she says. That realization led her to enroll in a course with well-known Mahjong instructor Molly Hardy (@mahjongmolly), which taught her how to lead classes using official National Mah Jongg League rules.

Since launching her Mahjong with Morgan Instagram in May, her calendar has steadily filled with private lessons, community events, and plans for future expansion.

While the game can seem intimidating at first, Morgan assures new players that it’s absolutely worth trying. The vast majority of her students have never played before and most haven’t even been introduced to the game, but after two lessons, they are usually able to play completely independently. “It takes patience, but it’s fun and the Mahjong community is incredibly welcoming.”

From Homes to Local Hotspots

Currently, Morgan offers private Mahjong lessons where she brings all materials and students host in their own homes or spaces. But her reach is quickly expanding.

She recently hosted her first public event at Bitterroot, a beloved restaurant in Destin whose owners are fellow Mahjong lovers. The event was a hit, and monthly lessons and open play sessions are now scheduled through the end of the year.

Morgan is also hosting “Mahjong & Margaritas,” a sold out fundraising event at La Paz with proceeds benefiting Montessori Learning Center in Fort Walton Beach. And she’s even exploring the idea of a Destin Mahjong League with one of her students — a sign of just how fast the Mahjong movement is spreading across the coast.

A Future of Growth — and Balance

Despite the momentum, Morgan is thoughtful about how she grows her business. “With two small kids, my top priority is still my family,” she says. “But I’d love to see Mahjong by Morgan continue to grow, especially through more community events.”

And that growth isn’t just about business; it’s about people. Morgan has already seen new friendships bloom through her lessons. “One of my favorite things about instructing has been seeing my students prioritize time with each other to gather and play Mahjong.”

Want to Learn to Play?

If you’re curious about Mahjong but feel a little intimidated, Morgan has a simple message: just try it.

“It is SO FUN,” she says. “The American Mahjong community is really special and welcoming. Intentional time spent with others, focusing on the game, the tiles and without the distraction of phones, is exactly what we all need more of these days!”

Follow Morgan on Instagram at @fwbmahjong to learn more about upcoming events, private lessons, and ways to join the Mahjong movement right here on the Gulf Coast.