Margaritas, Mahjong & New Friendships: A Summer Night to Remember
There are some evenings that remind you why community matters, and Margaritas & Mahjong Night was definitely one of them.
From the moment the doors opened, the room filled with smiling faces, the sound of Mahjong tiles clicking across the tables, and plenty of laughter. Add margaritas, mocktails, delicious light bites, and incredible treats from our weekly sponsor, Mrs. Fad's Bakery, and it was the perfect recipe for a summer evening.
But the best part wasn't the food or the drinks.
It was watching people grow.
Every Expert Was Once a Beginner
One of the things that makes Strictly Mahjong so special is that every Open Play includes players of every experience level.
This week we had several newer players who came ready to practice. They asked questions, tried new strategies, made a few mistakes, celebrated some great hands, and gained confidence with every game.
We always remind our players:
Practice makes better.
The more you play, the more comfortable the game becomes. Before long, you'll begin recognizing patterns, making quicker decisions, and developing your own strategy.
A Community That Wants You to Succeed
If you've never joined one of our Open Plays because you're nervous, let me let you in on a little secret...
Our experienced players are some of the biggest cheerleaders you'll ever meet.
They happily answer questions, explain hands, offer strategy tips, and encourage beginners throughout the evening. There is never any judgment, only support.
That welcoming atmosphere is exactly what we've worked so hard to build.
Watching Confidence Grow
One of my favorite things about hosting Mahjong is seeing someone's journey.
I've watched players walk into Mahjong 101 never having touched a tile before.
A few weeks later, they're coming to Open Play.
A few months later, they're confidently sitting down with experienced players and holding their own.
Those moments are incredibly rewarding because Mahjong is about so much more than learning a game. It's about building confidence, making friends, and finding a place where you belong.
July is Here!
We're excited to head into July with our regular Open Play schedule:
🀄 Week 1 & Week 3: Tuesdays
🀄 Week 2 & Week 4: Thursdays
Whether you're brand new or have been playing for years, there's always a seat waiting for you.
Come by yourself or invite a friend. You'll leave with more confidence than you arrived with and probably a few new friendships too.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Margaritas & Mahjong Night and helped make it another memorable evening. We truly have the most supportive Mahjong community, and we can't wait to see everyone back around the tables soon.
See you at the next Open Play!Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
