GUYTON, Ga. — The click of colorful mahjong tiles filled the room as women gathered around six tables, studying their hands and laughing between turns.

Organizer Dana Bodo moved from table to table, answering questions from newer players. Around her, more than a dozen women gathered not only to play mahjong but to spend time with friends.

What began as Bodo’s search for fellow players has grown into Effingham Gals Mahjongg, a community that has brought together more than 60 women from Effingham County, Savannah and surrounding areas.

A search for connection

Bodo started the group in September 2025 after recognizing a need for more local opportunities to play mahjong.

"I actually started teaching because I didn't have anyone up in this area," Bodo said. "I was having to go all the way down to Savannah all the time, which is not horrible, but I wanted to play more, and I'm pretty new to the area. I've only lived here for two years myself, so I did not have a friend group. I didn't have a circle, and I was like, well, if I offer classes, then hopefully I can kind of get a group that wants to get together and play."

What began as a way to find fellow players soon expanded into a thriving social network. As more women joined, attendance continued to grow, leading to regular games and new friendships throughout the community.

The appeal of mahjong

Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China and has evolved into several versions played around the world. The American version, which Effingham Gals Mahjongg plays, uses a standardized card that lists official winning combinations. Players work to build a winning combination while adapting to changing tiles, creating a game that combines strategy, skill and luck.

While the learning curve can seem intimidating at first, Bodo said most people quickly discover there is more to the game than the rules.

“Everyone that I've taught has come away from it, even if they start off confused and thinking this is overwhelming, walks away absolutely loving it, and then they find that it's more than just the game, it's the community,” Bodo said.

The group welcomes women of all experience levels and typically draws between 12 and 24 participants at its three monthly gatherings. Meetings rotate between local community centers and members’ homes, with additional games often organized between scheduled meetups.

For member Sarah Maier, the location itself matters less than the opportunity to gather.

“It doesn’t matter where you meet, as long as you have a square table,” Maier said.

More than just a game

As the group has grown, women from different occupations, backgrounds and communities have found common ground around the game.

For Alison Mahoney, joining the group had an impact that extended far beyond learning how to play.

“I'm not overstating when I say it did sort of change my life in a way because it expanded my friend circle more and some of the other friends that I roped into really liked this,” Mahoney said.

The friendships frequently continue beyond scheduled game nights. Members gather for lunches, birthday celebrations and informal games throughout the month.

What began as a shared interest in mahjong has evolved into a network of friendships that extends well beyond the game table. Members regularly meet outside scheduled gatherings and have built relationships that continue long after the tiles are packed away.

“It's been amazing because even when I went away on vacation when we would have normally met, some of the ladies got together and went to District Square Market,” Bodo said.

Part of the game’s appeal is the balance between strategy and chance.

“There’s skill, there’s luck, there’s strategy. It’s got all the elements that make for a fascinating game,” Bodo said.

Maier believes the game offers benefits beyond competition.

“The perks of mahjong are the community, the tablescape, the aesthetics, and then doing nothing on your phone,” she said.

At the most recent gathering, six different tables featured six unique tile sets. Some were traditional designs, while others were shades of pink, cat-themed or even made to play in the pool.

Maier said the game has also sharpened her thinking skills.

“I’ve found that I’ve gotten better at other games because this is such a brain teaser, and this made me smarter,” she said.

For Scarlett Gaskell, the benefits have been even more personal.

“Last October I had a stroke, and I was having trouble remembering. So then, when Alison said something about this, I was there to begin with, but it’s really helped my memory and helped me concentrate since I’ve started,” Gaskell said.

Leaders hope to continue expanding opportunities for women to learn and play mahjong in Effingham County.

Bodo offers beginner classes consisting of two three-hour sessions for those interested in learning the game. New players are regularly welcomed to the table, and members hope their numbers continue to grow.

As the final games came to an end, no one rushed for the door. Tiles were tucked back into their cases, but conversations continued around the tables. Women lingered to share stories and coordinate the next game before gathering their belongings and heading home.

The game had ended for the evening, but the connections formed through this community would soon bring players back.

If you are interested in learning more information about Effingham Gals Mahjongg, please contact Dana Bodo at peachandpalmmahjongg@gmail.com