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Meet the Flock:

The ladies behind mahjong birdie

Our Story

Mahjong Birdie is North Georgia’s go-to for all things American Mahjong—lessons, game nights, and a growing community of women who love a good game and a great table. Based in Gainesville, GA (yes, the chicken capital of the world 🐔), Mahjong Birdie is built on the idea that Mahjong is more than a game—it’s a way to gather, connect, and keep coming back for “just one more.”

Founded in 2025 by Haley Bower, Mahjong Birdie started with a simple goal: bring people to the table and make Mahjong feel approachable, fun, and a little bit addictive. In 2026, the Birdies joined forces—turning a shared love of the game into something bigger.

Today, Mahjong Birdie is known for creating tables that are welcoming, a little competitive, and never boring. Whether you’re learning your first line or playing to win, there’s always a seat for you.

What is mahjong?

Mahjong started in China in the mid-1800s and has made its way around the world, evolving into dozens of different styles along the way. No matter the version, the heart of the game stays the same: strategy, skill, a little bit of luck—and a lot of personality at the table.

At Mahjong Birdie, we teach American Mahjong—a fast-paced, social version of the game that keeps you thinking (and talking). What makes it unique? The yearly hands card from the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). It’s basically the “Terms & Conditions” of the game—telling you exactly what hands you can play and keeping things fresh every single year.

Played with 152 tiles, it’s often compared to rummy: you’re drawing, discarding, and building your way to a winning hand. Easy enough to learn, challenging enough to keep you hooked—and best played with a full table, a little competition, and a lot of laughs.

Why We Teach

We love Mahjong because it gives people a reason to gather—again and again. In a world that’s always busy, it creates space for connection, conversation, and a standing date you actually look forward to.

Around our tables, Mahjong becomes more than a game—it turns into a ritual. A rhythm. A reason to show up for each other.

At Mahjong Birdie, our goal is simple: make learning feel easy, approachable, and fun (with just the right amount of style). Because once you learn, you’re not just picking up a game—you’re joining a table you’ll keep coming back to.

Meet the Team

  • Haley Bower

    Founder & Instructor

  • Erin Master

    Instructor

  • Katie Kanaday

    Instructor

  • Dawn Marie Bernhard

    Instructo