Classes & Events / Mahjong 101
Beginner Friendly

Mahjong 101

Never played? Pull up a chair. We’ll teach you from the very beginning, with plenty of guidance along the way.

You’ll get to know the tiles, learn the Charleston, and practice reading a mahjong card as we walk you through the game. We use a beginner card we designed to make those first steps easier, giving you a foundation for learning the full National Mah Jongg League card in Mahjong 102.

You don’t need to remember every rule on day one. Our goal is for you to leave understanding how the game comes together and feeling comfortable practicing what you’ve learned. Confidence comes with playing, and this is where it starts.

Duration 3 Hours
Class Size Up to 16
Experience None needed
What to bring Just yourself

What you’ll learn

We’ll explain the basics, then help you put them into practice as you play.

  • Recognizing the tiles and suits
  • Reading the colors, numbers, and symbols on our beginner card
  • Passing tiles during the Charleston
  • Choosing a hand to work toward
  • Taking turns, drawing tiles, and discarding
  • Knowing how to call a tile
  • Understanding what it takes to win a game of mahjong
  • Understanding game rules and table etiquette

Who this is for

Mahjong 101 is designed for complete beginners. You do not need to know anything going in. We have had students who had never even seen a mahjong tile before class, and they left playing full hands.

It also works well for people who tried to learn from YouTube or a rulebook and still feel lost. We will fill in whatever gaps you have and get you to the table with confidence.

What our students say

Had an amazing experience with the Mahjong 101 class. I went in as a total novice and left with a really strong understanding of how to play. … The instructors were clear and fun and were available the whole class to answer questions.

Karen G.Google review

Such a great time learning how to play Mahjong for the first time with Mockingbird & Magnolia Mahjong! Highly recommend this group if you are curious on how to play the game.

Rachel B.Facebook review

She made learning Mahjong fun and was always happy to answer any questions. I learned so much and can’t wait to play again.

Eileen B.Google review

Really enjoyed MJ 101 class. I learned a lot and plan to take another class. … Great class and super fun!

Jacquie R.Google review

Your group, your class.

Join a public class or tell us what you have in mind for a private lesson. We’ll help you find the right fit.

See Public Class DatesPlan a Private Class

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to bring anything?
Nothing at all. We provide all the tiles, cards, and materials you need. Just bring yourself and something to write notes with if you like, though we provide those too.
What is the class size?
We cap our classes at 16 students, with no more than eight students per instructor. We take your experience seriously. You deserve time to ask questions, work through a hand and understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, and we encourage it. Learning with someone you know makes practice easier after class. Just make sure you both register so we can hold your spots.
What comes after Mahjong 101?
Once you know how the game works, there’s a whole new layer to explore. In Mahjong 102, we dig into the NMJL card and the choices you make around the table. What should you keep? What should you pass? When does it make sense to change hands? We’ll work through those decisions together, with time to practice and ask questions.
What if I miss something in class?
We move at a pace that works for the group, and there is always time for questions. We also send 101 students to our post-class resources page so you can review anything you want to revisit after you leave.