Which Mahjong Event
is Right For Me?

We offer a variety of lessons and events designed to guide players through their mahjong journey, starting at the beginning.

Mahjong
101

Mahjong
102

Open Play &
The Lucky League

Mahjong 101: Learn the game from scratch.

Mahjong 101 is our flagship class and the first step to learning the game. Whether you come to an event or schedule a private lesson with friends, this 2.5-hour lesson lays out the foundation of the game, introduces the concepts, and ends with playing a full game.

    • Complete beginners

    • Anyone who has never played American Mahjong

    • Players who have watched videos or read about the game but have never played

    • Players who learned a little bit about the game years ago but don’t remember everything

    • Players switching from another version of mahjong (Chinese, Singaporean, Filipino, etc.) who want to learn American mahjong in accordance with National Mah Jongg League rules

    • Learn the tiles and basic vocabulary

    • Understand how the NMJL card works

    • Learn the deal and Charleston

    • Play your first game with hands-on guidance from an instructor

    • Sit with a partner so you can learn and strategize together

    • Understand the cadence and structure of the game

    • Know the names of the tiles and the groupings

    • Be able to identify winning hands on the NMJL card

    • Know how to set up and play a game

    • Be ready for Mahjong 102!

Mahjong 102: Build confidence through guided gameplay.

After you've taken Mahjong 101, Mahjong 102 is the natural next step. This class reinforces the fundamentals through guided gameplay. You'll play full games while instructors circulate to answer questions, reinforce the rules, and introduce strategy.

    • Players who have completed Mahjong 101

    • Players who know the basics but still have some questions about the nuances of the game

    • Anyone who wants additional instructor support before jumping into Open Play

    • Jump right into gameplay – instructors are circulating throughout the room to help!

    • Ask questions as they come up throughout the game

    • Receive personalized coaching from instructors

    • Reinforce game rules and mechanics

    • Begin learning strategy naturally through gameplay

    • Feel more comfortable running your own game

    • Need less instructor assistance

    • Be ready to play independently at Open Play events

Open Play Events: Come play with us!

Designed for players who can play independently, these social, no-instruction games are all about enjoying mahjong in a welcoming community. Meet new players, reconnect with familiar faces, and play full games while we provide the tiles, tables, and a great place to gather.

    • Players who can play independently

    • Anyone looking for regular practice

    • Anyone who wants to meet other mahjong players

    • Play socially with other players

    • Meet new people

    • Practice your skills

    • Enjoy a social game at a fun venue with all materials provided!

    • This is not a learning event – no instruction will be given

    • Beginners are welcome, but all players should be comfortable setting up, dealing, completing the Charleston, and playing without assistance

The Lucky League: Enjoy some friendly competition.

Join us for a season of scored games, weekly prizes, and friendly competition. We'll keep track of the standings so you can focus on playing your best mahjong. Chase the top of the leaderboard or just enjoy regular games!

    • Players who can play independently

    • Anyone looking for regular games with the same community

    • Players who enjoy friendly competition

    • Anyone who wants to improve through consistent play

    • Play scored games using tournament-style scoring

    • Earn points toward season standings and prizes

    • Challenge yourself against a variety of opponents

    • Build friendships with a community of regular players

    • Improve your skills through consistent gameplay

    • This is a scored league, but the atmosphere is social and welcoming

    • No instruction will be provided during league play

    • Players should be comfortable setting up, dealing, completing the Charleston, and playing independently

    • Weekly prizes and season standings add a fun competitive element, but the focus is on enjoying the game together

Still not sure?

Choose Mahjong 101 if…

You’ve never played American Mahjong before and want to start from the beginning.

Choose Mahjong 102 if…

You’ve taken a lesson recently and know the basics, but you’d feel more comfortable having instructors nearby to answer questions.

Choose Open Play if…

You’re ready to play independently without instructor guidance & want to meet new friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, we recommend starting with Mahjong 101 even if you’re experienced in other versions of the game. American Mahjong differs significantly from other versions of the game and is best learned during a formal lesson.

  • It depends!  Out of respect for the other players at the table, we always recommend Mahjong 101 as a starting point. However, if you feel comfortable with the suits, tile groupings, NMJL card, and the rules for Jokers then you might be ready for Mahjong 102.

  • If you’ve played some games, either online or in person, and still remember some of the fundamentals, then you might be ready for Mahjong 102. If the words pung, kong, Charleston, bam, & crak don’t ring a bell, come back for Mahjong 101 again.

  • Yes! You are welcome to take Mahjong 102 as many times as you’d like.

  • Yes! We'd love for you to bring a friend. Just be sure everyone registers and purchases a ticket in advance so we can reserve their seat. Our events are usually sold out, so we’re unable to accommodate unregistered players.

  • If you remember the deal, the order of the Charleston passes, & the rules for using Jokers, you are ready for Open Play. You don’t have to be an experienced player to join an Open Play event – the tables are organized into different levels so you can sit where you’re most comfortable.

  • No. Instructors will be present and can offer rule clarifications but they will not be helping with strategy or guided play.

  • An NMJL card is included in the cost of all Mahjong 101 lessons. For Mahjong 102 or Open Play events, please bring your card! We will have extras on hand for players to borrow if needed, as well as cards available for purchase.

  • Out of respect for the other players at the table, we ask that you only sign up for Open Play events if you know how to play American Mahjong. Beginner players are welcome, but you must know the rules and be able to play independently.