The Big Idea
At One Bird Social Club, we believe games aren’t just fun — they’re good for your brain, your mood, and your sanity. We teach American Mah Jongg as a way to have fun, think clearly, feel better, connect with people you care about… and win as often as possible.
Play isn’t a luxury. It’s how we reset our brains, manage stress, and remember that joy is not optional. (Also, it’s way more satisfying than checking another box on your to-do list.)
Our mission? To make learning this game easy and fun, because play is serious self-care.
American Mah Jongg
American Mah Jongg is a fast-paced, rule-heavy, and delightfully addictive game played with 152 tiles and just enough luck to keep you humble. It’s part logic puzzle, part social hour, part mindfulness practice — and 100% fun.
We teach according to National Mah Jongg League rules. Whether you’ve never touched a tile before, you’re still trying to remember that Soap is actually a Dragon and One Bird is a Bam, or you’ve been playing for years, we’ll help you get clear on the rules, sharpen your strategy, and enjoy the chaos.
Our approach is practical, not precious. You’ll leave with confidence, clarity, and a sense of humor about the tiles that got away.
Carla
I’m Carla Naumburg, PhD, LICSW — a mother, social worker, and author of How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids — I’m also a lifelong fan of games that make me think hard and laugh harder.
After years of writing and teaching about mindfulness and parenting, I realized that Mah Jongg offers everything I’ve ever tried to get people to do — be present, patience, and curious, and stay calm when things fall apart — except it’s actually fun.
I live just west of Boston, MA, with my husband of 22 years, our two daughters, and our two cats who are, quite frankly, terrible at Mah Jongg.
I’m a member of the MahjLife Instructors Guild, and I started the One Bird Social Club to share this game with anyone who wants to learn, laugh, and build community — one tile at a time.
Play More. Seriously.
Playing games — especially ones like Mah Jongg — is good for your brain, your mood, and your social life.
Every time you sit down to play, you’re practicing focus, flexibility, emotional regulation,
and the fine art of not flipping the table when your tile gets snagged.
You’re learning how to stay calm when things don’t go your way — and celebrate when they finally do.
Mah Jongg is connection disguised as competition and it absolutely counts as self-care (even when you lose).