Cheers to the Bird Bam

Love this tile. The 1‑Bamboo — aka the Bird Bam — is basically the table’s bartender, and at Woodlands we take a sip every time someone tosses one out. It’s our tiny ritual: low-key, goofy, and an instant way to bond.

Why we clink for the Bird Bam

• It’s iconic: That bird pops on any set — you see it and the table perks up.
• It’s got history: Mahjong’s Chinese name, máquè, means “sparrow,” so the bird is basically the game’s mascot.
• It brings people together: One discard = everyone raises their drink. No drama, just a quick shared moment.
• It’s casual tradition: No rulebook says to do it. We do it because it’s fun and gets everyone involved.

How we do it (Woodlands style)

• Someone discards the 1‑Bam → quick cheers around the table. Could be a clink of glasses, a sip, or a playful “to the bird!”
• New players get pulled in — you’ll be doing the toast by your second game.
• It’s always friendly. No pressure, no shame—just a shared laugh and a taste of community.

Tiny flex: why the tile matters

• The 1‑Bam wasn’t always a bird — older sets showed cash strings or knots. Artists gradually made it a bird, and when mahjong hit the West in the 1920s, that tile became a classic showpiece. So yeah: it’s stylish, historical, and drinks-worthy.

Come play with us- raise your cup, take a sip, and join the club. Cheers to the Bam!

The Woodlands Mahjong Society

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