Players’ voices and the clinking of mahjong tiles filled a space on the third floor of Watson Library as KU students gathered for the Global Awareness Program’s first Mahjong Night.
The event attracted almost 40 students, surpassing the 26 students who had RSVP’d.
Mahjong, typically a four-player strategy game, originated in China in the 19th century. There are dozens of variations of how to play, but the goal is to end with the winning hand by accumulating certain sets of tiles.
The game has recently been gaining popularity because of its ability to foster a sense of community, especially after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Michelle Ward — event organizer and director of the Global Awareness Program, which is geared to help students expand their worldview — noticed the popularity of mahjong at an international games night that GAP hosted in the fall.
“I believe strongly in building bridges between domestic and international students through the Global Awareness Program,” Ward said. “I really hope that we can create opportunities that will bring those two groups together, and mahjong seemed like a perfect way to do that.”
Angie Chen, a first-year neuroscience student, circled the room and helped teach the game to beginners.
“For many, many years now, I’ve played with my family, so I am very happy to help teach KU students a game that’s very close to my culture,” Chen said.
Chen’s extended family lives in Taiwan, and mahjong helps her connect with her non-English-speaking relatives when she goes back to visit.
“I think it’s relevant to expand your understanding of different cultural traditions and how people connect with each other through gameplay,” Chen said. “It just makes you feel closer to that culture itself.”
Another student, freshman Kyler Shirley, also came to the event with mahjong experience under his belt. Shirley began teaching himself mahjong over winter break before teaching his family.
Shirley walked beginner students through the rules, helping one student win her first game.
“It brings people together, it helps people learn new skills. You know, it’s a mind game, so it teaches us strategy,” Shirley said.
Mahjong tiles also feature Chinese characters, which has helped Shirley learn more about the language.
Beginner players who attended the event, such as graduate student Naomi Galindo, also found value in gaining exposure to Chinese culture and language through mahjong.
Galindo first heard about the game through “Crazy Rich Asians” and was excited when she heard about the event through Instagram.
“I think it’s a great way to showcase the cultures that reflect KU students,” Galindo said.
Because of students’ enthusiasm, GAP plans to continue hosting mahjong events throughout the semester. Stay in the loop through GAP’s website and Instagram.
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Hannah Loub (she/her), reporting intern with The Lawrence Times since January 2026, is a journalism and global and international studies major at the University of Kansas. She is currently the lead digital producer for KUJH and worked as a beat reporter for the University Daily Kansan. Read her work for the Times here.
Molly Adams (she/her), photo editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2022. She can be reached at molly@lawrencekstimes.com.
Check out more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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