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Mahj & Mingle Social brings mahjong to players of all skill levels

Players gather at the Hopkinton Country Club for a Mahj 101 beginners class hosted by Mahj & Mingle Social. PHOTO/COURTESY MINA TIBER

Hopkinton residents Mina Tiber and Genny Masters have two aims for Mahj & Mingle Social, the company they co-founded earlier this year: have fun and foster connection.

The two founded the business this past May. They discovered the game of American Mahjong over a year ago through their group of friends. Calling themselves The Fun League, the group organized activities such as golf and tennis as a way to gather regularly and maintain friendships. Tiber said that when the colder months arrived, Masters suggested the group learn to play mahjong.

Tiber noted that despite some skepticism, the group decided to give the game a try. “We hired someone to teach us, and we were instantly hooked,” she said.

After a year of weekly mahjong sessions — most of which were themed — Tiber said she and Masters realized how popular the game was becoming both in the region and nationally, and they decided to turn their experience with it into something more.

“Why don’t we create [a business] and give everybody else the experience we had?” Tiber recalled.

Both women became certified instructors in American Mahjong and started marketing the business. Mahj & Mingle Social puts an emphasis on welcoming players from all skill levels and has play options for beginners and seasoned players. Attendees can attend instructional nights to learn the rules and strategies, participate in guided play or go for free play sessions.

Tiber said most of Mahj & Mingle’s events have been held at the Hopkinton Country Club, but it plans to expand in the region. It held a cocktail-themed event in Worcester earlier this week.

The business already is seeing some traction, according to Tiber. A recent class at the Hopkinton Country Club had 28 participants. “[It’s] the biggest that we’ve had so far,” she said.

Added Tiber: “We weren’t sure how this was going to play out, but this is very exciting.” She noted that in addition to strong support from the community and their friend group, she and Masters also have received support from other mahjong businesses in the region.

Tiber said that she enjoys the relationships that are formed around the table. “Players are developing these genuine connections outside of our events,” she said. “I think that’s what makes it really special.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Stephen Wallace, 76, died June 19. He was a 1967 graduate of Hopkinton High School.

Photo of the Day

Baypath Humane Society alum Pigeon sits next to a lift during a recent visit to the shelter’s new facility on Fruit Street, which is slated to be completed this fall.

PHOTO/LIZ JEFFERIS