(Updated) We’ve got a red alert for the growing numbers of mahjong players in the region. A new mahjong venue called East Goes First is coming to Loudoun County.
“East Goes First will be Loudoun County’s first dedicated mahjong house, a thoughtfully curated space, where friendships are built, confidence grows, and every game is an invitation to pull up a chair,” reads a post on social media.
“We’ll offer lessons for all skill levels, open play, guided play, memberships (with pay-as-you-play options, too!), special events, and so much more,” the post continues.
East Goes First will be taking a space in the retail section of the Crescent Place community off Harrison Street SE. The specific address is 412-416 Madison Trade Plaza SE.
The arrival of East Goes First coincides with the rapid growth in people who play the traditional Chinese tile game.
According to Eventbrite, the number of mahjong events listed on its site increased by 179 percent between 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, Yelp said the number of mahjong clubs listed in its data increased by 4500 percent last year.
The owners of East Goes First tell us they don’t have an opening date set yet, but they are aiming for December if all goes smoothly.
One more note – if you’re wondering about the name East Goes First – that’s a reference to the rule that the player sitting in the “east” position plays the first tile.
(Image at top: Stock photo)