For decades, American Mahjong has been associated with a certain image: ladies in card rooms, the clacking of tiles, and longstanding rules passed down from generation to generation. But the game’s history tells a different story — constant adaptation, reinvention, and evolution. And one player and teacher, Lance Karp, is living proof that Mahjong’s future can be broader, younger, and yes, more masculine.
From Childhood Curiosity to Lifelong Passion:
Lance grew up surrounded by Mahjong. His grandmother’s tiles — once bright white but slowly oxidizing to a butterscotch hue — fascinated him. “I thought they were dominoes as a kid,” he laughs. Like many boys of the 70s and 80s, he was discouraged from sitting at the table. Mahjong was for the women; he was told to “go outside and play ball.”
It wasn’t until the pandemic that he found his way back. After quarantining in Wisconsin, neighbors invited him to play. Getting a game together wasn’t always easy, but the spark was lit. On a cruise from Australia to Japan, Lance began teaching fellow passengers to play. Two tables turned to three. A hobby became a calling.
Building a Movement at Home:
Back in California, Lance approached his country club’s activity director. “If anybody wants to play Mahjong, I’m interested.” Four players grew to nearly 80, including celebrity students like Kelly Ripa. Despite resistance from the “old guard” — some objected to men in the women’s card room — Lance persisted. Today his Saturdays are for teaching, Mondays for open play, and his living room routinely hosts five full tables.
His group spans ages 50 to 90, with a few younger players sprinkled in. “I even taught a 90-year-old with dementia,” he shares. “She’s fabulous. The game keeps her sharp.”
Designing for Men, Teaching for Everyone:
Lance isn’t just teaching Mahjong; he’s helping shift its image. He loves the masculine “Heritage” sets from Oh My Mahjong and believes accessories like tortoise racks and cognac mats are game-changers. “I have 27 sets of tiles,” he says proudly. “Heritage is my favorite.”
He also adapts his teaching style for different audiences. He’s found that some men need an easier on-ramp. He starts them with simple hands (like 2468 or winds and dragons) before introducing consecutive runs. Within a month, many become strong players.
The Bigger Picture: Sustaining the Game:
Lance is candid about the challenge ahead. Tournaments today are dominated by an older generation of women. Without a succession plan, the American version of the game risks fading. “We need the younger crowd to embrace the game with the same passion,” he says. “We have to bring a couple hundred thousand players in the next 10 years.”
Oh My Mahjong sees the same opportunity. Beyond selling tiles, the company is empowering Junior Leagues and college students to run charity tournaments, bringing Mahjong to new generations and demographics.
What’s Next:
Lance is heading back to the desert soon with 20 men eager to learn. He’s hoping to help spread the “Manjong” movement by sharing how men can embrace the game too. “If you can get someone to Mahjong two out of five times, they’re hooked,” he says. “You don’t have to sell the game. It sells itself.”
Call to Action:
Want to bring Mahjong to your community? Stay tuned for Oh My Mahjong’s upcoming collaborations with Lance, more masculine tile sets and racks, and Instagram Lives exploring tips, teaching methods, and the future of the game.