Photo courtesy of Oak Cliff Society of Mahjong
The Oak Cliff Society of Mahjong (OCSM) is creating more opportunities for residents to learn and play mahjong without traveling outside of the neighborhood.
Founders Sarah Lott and Lisa Martel started the group in September 2025 after playing in mahjong leagues in north Dallas before realizing there was demand in Oak Cliff.
“It’s a fantastic way to build connection,” Lott said. “As intimidating or as inaccessible as it may seem at first glance, we’ve worked really hard to reduce any kind of barriers.”
The increasingly popular game has leagues predominantly in Northern Dallas communities. OCSM aims to be accessible to players through reduced entry and playing fees and geographic barriers. According to Lott, the group has future plans to provide lessons in Spanish.
“It’s not for the community if it’s not for everyone in the community,” Lott said.
OCSM has two league levels: Mahjong Monday, for more competitive players, and Tile Tuesday, which is the social league. Leagues last five weeks and there are about five to six leagues per year. In addition to leagues, OCSM hosts teaching nights, open play events, private lessons and group classes.
League membership costs a total of $50 for five weeks of play, Mahjong 101 costs $25 per lesson and open play nights are free of charge.
The group works with local Oak Cliff retailers and restaurants including Nova, where most leagues are hosted, as well as Little Joy and Davis Street Mercantile.
“We feel there is a lot to be said for keeping it [OCSM] in the neighborhood,” Lott said. “It’s the Oak Cliff Society of Mahjong for a reason, we want to stay in Oak Cliff.”
The next guided play and Mahjong 101 night will be on June 24 with Davis Street Mercantile. Tickets are available on the Davis Street Mercantile website.
More information and sign ups are available at Oak Cliff Society of Mahjong’s Instagram page.
