Mah Jongg gains popularity in Bowling Green area

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A tile-based game combining luck, strategy and social interaction is gaining popularity in south-central Kentucky, bringing players together at senior centers and community gatherings.

Players gathered at Phil Moore Park to enjoy American Mah Jongg, a game in which participants draw and discard tiles to complete specific combinations. The first player to complete a winning hand calls out “Mah Jongg.”

Sarah Cochran, founder of BG Birdie Bams, began teaching the game locally after discovering it in 2024. What started with a few interested players has grown into a community extending from Bowling Green to Cave City and Franklin.

Cochran said her goal was to create opportunities for people to meet others, learn a new skill and build friendships.

Warren County Parks and Recreation has also incorporated Mah Jongg into its senior programming, offering lessons and playing opportunities at multiple locations.

Catrice Turner, senior service manager for Warren County Parks and Recreation, said interest has grown significantly, with sessions now offered two or three days a week.

Turner said the department continually looks for activities that improve quality of life for Warren County residents, including opportunities for seniors to stay active and connected.

Cochran has also helped make the game more accessible by offering free instruction so funds could be used to purchase Mah Jongg sets for the senior center.

The game features a variety of tile sets, including specialty designs and seasonal themes. Prices vary, with more affordable options available online and premium sets costing several hundred dollars. American Mah Jongg players also use a card outlining eligible winning hands, which is updated annually in April.

Beyond the game itself, Cochran said the friendships and connections formed around the table are among the most rewarding parts of the growing community.

Those interested in learning to play can find information on the Warren County Parks and Rec Senior Happenings and BG Birdie Bams Facebook pages.