Mah Jongg For Beginners

A Complete American Mah Jongg Beginner Course

Ready to learn American Mah Jongg—and learn it well?

Mah Jongg for Beginners is Mahj & More's comprehensive introductory course designed to take you from brand-new beginner to confident player through a structured, step-by-step learning experience.

Over eight hours of instruction, we'll build your skills progressively—beginning with the tiles and language of the game, moving into understanding the NMJL card and mechanics of play, and ultimately helping you begin making decisions and playing with greater independence.

You'll learn in a welcoming, supportive environment with plenty of hands-on practice, opportunities to ask questions, and guidance along the way.

Choose the format that works best for your schedule: a traditional four-class series or an accelerated two-class format. Both provide the same complete eight-hour curriculum.

Your Four-Part Learning Journey

LESSON 1 — BUILDING THE FOUNDATION

Meet the tiles, learn the suits and honor tiles, understand how Mah Jongg hands are constructed, and begin speaking the language of the game.

LESSON 2 — LEARNING TO READ THE CARD

Learn how to navigate the National Mah Jongg League card, understand its symbols and colors, recognize categories and patterns, and begin identifying possible hands.

LESSON 3 — LEARNING TO PLAY THE GAME

Put the pieces together as you learn setup and dealing, complete the Charleston, follow the flow of play, call discards, make exposures, and exchange Jokers.

LESSON 4 — LEARNING TO STAY FLEXIBLE

Begin developing the decision-making skills that come with experience, including introductory Charleston strategy, Pivoting, Dead Hand awareness, and learning how to adjust when the game doesn't go exactly as planned.

YOUR COURSE INCLUDES

✔️ 8 hours of comprehensive American Mah Jongg instruction

✔️ Mahj & More's comprehensive Mah Jongg for Beginners Student Workbook

✔️ Your official 2026 National Mah Jongg League Playing Card

✔️ Hands-on exercises, practice activities and coached game play

✔️ Use of Mah Jongg sets and instructional materials during class

✔️ Access to complimentary Guided Play when you want additional help or practice

✔️ A clear pathway to Mahj 102, Mahj 103, Open Play, leagues and the larger Mahj & More community

Designed for True Beginners

No prior Mah Jongg experience is necessary.

Classes are intentionally kept small so you'll have opportunities to ask questions, work through the material at a comfortable pace, and receive individual guidance.

And you don't need to remember everything at once. Your student workbook becomes a resource you can continue using long after the course is complete.

Course Tuition

$125 per person beginning October 1, 2026

Select your preferred class schedule from the available session dates when registering.

Already have the current NMJL card? Contact Diana before registering.

Your Mahj Journey Doesn't End Here

Completing Mah Jongg for Beginners gives you the foundation to keep learning, playing and growing.

Continue with one complimentary Guided Play as you gain experience at the table. When you're ready for the next step, Mahj 102 — Build Your Confidence strengthens card reading, hand selection, Charleston strategy and Pivoting. Mahj 103 — Strategy & Scoring takes you deeper into strategy, scoring, rules, etiquette and organized play.

You'll also be ready to join Mahj & More Open Play Experiences, Meals, Mingle & Mahj, and league play as you become part of a growing community of players.

Learn • Play • Connect • Belong

More than a lesson. A foundation for a lifetime of play.