Auld Riichi Mahjong Club is a Riichi mahjong club based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We aim to have regular sessions of Riichi mahjong where anyone can come play or learn the game. We hope to affiliate with the UK Mahjong Association (UKMA) who facilitate national clubs and tournaments. Whether you are a veteran player, or just someone who is interested in learning the game, you’re welcome to join the ARMC!
Where and When?
We meet on Saturdays from 1pm-5:30pm weekly at the Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End. You’ll find us in the restaurant area past reception on the right as you enter through the revolving doors. No charge/fee to play, but as the space is being provided to us for free, please don’t bring in food/drinks from outside and consider buying from the bar/restaurant instead. No need to sign up or RSVP anything like that, just turn up on the day and play!
Additionally, there are more general mahjong sessions run by the University of Edinburgh Mahjong Society also on Saturdays from 6pm-8pm weekly during semesters at Pleasance Courtyard (Braid Room, Pleasance West.) There is a nominal entry fee, more info can be found on the UoE Mahjong Society instagram page.
What to expect?
People like to tout that Riichi is some big scary demon style of mahjong, but its really not (kinda.) We are very happy to teach, so you’re welcome to come along to one of the sessions if you’re at all interested! No need to worry about bringing your own set or equipment, everything will be provided on-site (sets, junk mats, tenbou, compasses.) Although feel free to bring your own if you’d like!
Ruleset?
We aren’t strict on which ruleset you decide to play currently, this may change in the future if we decide to setup a member ranking system. If you want a suggestion then the EMA ruleset might be a good base although its somewhat sterile, feel free to play with red fives (aka), nagashi, counted and double yakuman, whatever works for you and whoever you’re playing with!
What else?
We’re also active on the JanKenRon Discord server. You can find us by reacting with the Scotland flag in #readme-rules (might have to scroll up to find the role react message,) then you should have access to the #jkr-scotland channel! There are regular discussions about Riichi mahjong in the JKR server, as well as an online league that runs every 4 months or so!
Hope to see you there!