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A new social club dedicated to mahjong is expected to open in Vienna this August, offering lessons, guided play and leagues for newcomers and experienced players.

Vienna resident Jennifer Groves plans to launch The Bamboo Room above Sushi Yoshi at 101 Church Street NW, Unit D. An exact opening date has not been announced.

Groves has taught mahjong locally for the past year and said the joy she found in teaching inspired her to create a permanent venue where she could do more of it.

Beginners will have room to learn the game through lessons and guided sessions. An introductory class covering terminology and the use of mahjong tiles lasts about two and a half hours.

Groves describes mahjong as a blend of strategy and luck, meaning even highly skilled players may not draw the tile they need. She said that uncertainty helps level the playing field, while regular play builds confidence.

Although Groves teaches only American mahjong, players will be welcome to use The Bamboo Room for other versions of the game, which originated in 19th-century China. Experienced players have already contacted her to ask which styles the club will accommodate.

Beyond teaching the game, Groves hopes to create an inviting place where people can meet, have fun and step outside their usual routines. She said the connections formed around a mahjong table could be especially valuable for people who feel lonely or excluded.

Groves learned to play seven or eight years ago from her mother, who has spent more than a decade playing with a group of roughly 15 people spanning a range of ages. Watching those players form close relationships over the years helped shape Groves’ vision for the club.

She hopes The Bamboo Room will foster lasting groups whose members continue playing together, much like the communities that grow around book clubs.