For those searching for a fun board game to play, there’s an exotic one now offered daily in La Jolla.
Mahj Theory Collective, an American Mah Jongg studio and boutique in La Plaza at 7863 Girard Ave., Suite 109, features open play, lessons, leagues, tournaments, events, and curated Mah Jongg accessories.
The collective is a social club founded by mother-daughter duo Deb and Sam Solomon of La Jolla. The pair have created a welcoming, community‑focused space for players of all levels in a studio blending gameplay, instruction, retail, and social events in a refined atmosphere.
Mah Jongg is much more than a game, pointed out Deb about their new membership-based, walk‑in social club.
“The game is definitely about building community around relationships with the people playing,” she said, noting her grandmother introduced her to the game. “This is now their home away from home.”
Deb added there’s another modern benefit to playing Mah Jongg socially.
“The best thing is you get away from your cell phones and concentrate on being with each other,” she said. “It’s more than sitting around and just playing.”
Terms of membership at Mahj Theory are varied, with one special category created for those who don’t expect to be regulars, but want the opportunity to drop-in and play any time.
“It’s become pretty much an obsession for many people,” joked Deb about how the game is catching on and drawing players, not only from San Diego County and Southern California but also from Arizona, Texas, Las Vegas and even Mexico.
Deb Solomon said Maj Jongg typically takes just 15 to 20 minutes to play, and most people who come in spend a couple of hours playing multiple games. She added Mahj Theory not only provides the venue to play but also offers training needed to understand and master the game.
“We offer 2 1/2-hour lessons multiple times every week where people learn all the basics and the rules as well as the strategies behind the game,” Deb Solomon said, adding there’s another instructional option where new players learn under the watchful eye of a game guide.
Mahj Theory Collective is the first American Mah Jongg social club in San Diego. There are nine Mah Jongg tables in the boutique studio open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. After two months, collective membership is more than 55 and growing.
“Our youngest member is 24 and our oldest member is age 82,” said Deb about players’ age range.
After just two months, Deb and daughter Sam no longer view their mah jongg guests as merely patrons.
“We now consider them our friends, and we’ve been invited to play in their homes,” she noted. “People have become super friends playing together, and they’re now going on vacations together. Some people come in every single day. That’s a huge reward for us.”
For more information call 858-253-6788, email letsplay@mahjtheorycollective.com or visit mahjtheorycollective.com.
