About Mahjong Mates

Who is Naila?

I am an epidemiologist by profession, a board-game addict by choice, and a mahjong lover by discovery.

What began as a simple mental challenge has quickly turned into an obsession. I’m hooked!  Nearly a year has passed since my first game, and I can’t imagine a week without playing Mahjong.

Mahjong Mates began as a small WhatsApp group for friends to coordinate play sessions. The idea for this blog grew from a simple wish that something clear and comprehensive had existed when I first started learning.

Here, you’ll find everything I wish I had known at the start: explanations that make sense, strategies that help, and information that gives you an “aha” moment. My hope is that Mahjong Mates helps new players skip the confusion, embrace the fun and simply be able to dive straight into clear waters (I’m a scuba diver too, so that parts literal :).

What is Mahjong Mates?

Mahjong Mates is a friendly space for anyone who has ever stared at a wall of Mahjong tiles and thought, “Where do I even start?” It’s a place to learn the game step by step without chaos, confusion and jargon. Whether you’re figuring out which set to buy, learning how to build your first winning hand, or curious about how Mahjong is played in different parts of the world (including Karachi’s Monty’s style), you’ll find clarity, stories, and hopefully a quiet companion to help you along.


From confusion to confidence, one tile at a time.