American Mahjong 101: Learn the Basics

Join us for a beginner-friendly introduction to American Mahjong, the strategic tile game that's been a social staple for generations. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn.

What You'll Learn

• The anatomy of a Mahjong set: suits, honors, jokers, and how to tell them apart

• Reading the National Mah Jongg League card and understanding hand patterns

• Game flow from the Charleston to calling "Mahjong!"

• Basic strategy for building your hand and watching the table

• Etiquette and terminology so you'll feel confident at any game

What to Expect

We'll spend the first portion examining tiles and walking through a few sample hands together, then move into guided play where you'll practice with support. By the end, you'll have the foundation to join a casual game or practice group.

Details

• Duration: 2.5-3 hours

• Materials provided (tiles, cards, racks)

• 2026 NMJL Cards will be loaned for the duration of the lesson

• Limited to 8 participants for personalized attention

American Mahjong differs meaningfully from Chinese, Japanese, and other regional variants—if you've played another style, this session covers what makes the American version distinct, particularly the annual card and the role of jokers.