Mahjong 101 vs. Mahjong 102: Which American Mahjong Class is Right for You
So, you’ve caught the Mahjong bug, or maybe you’re just curious what all the fuss is about and not sure where to start. First things first: welcome to the table! We designed our Mockingbird & Magnolia Mahjong 101 and Mahjong 102 classes to meet you exactly where you are in your journey.
Not sure which class is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What to Expect in Mahjong 101
Who it’s for:
Anyone who’s never touched a Mahjong tile before.
Players who’ve watched friends play but felt too intimidated to jump in.
Beginners who want a fun, structured introduction in a no-pressure setting.
What you’ll learn:
Mahjong Vocabulary Made Simple
Learn the lingo: East, Charleston, Pung, Kong, Quint, and of course, the magical call of “Mahjong!”
All About the Tiles
The three suits (Bams, Craks, Dots) and their dragons.
Flowers, Winds, and the power of Jokers.
When Jokers can and can’t be used—and how to swap them.
How to Read the Card
What the colors mean (same suit vs different suit.
Spotting patterns like runs, odds/evens, and 369s.
In Mahjong 101, you’ll use a simplified card designed at Mockingbird & Magnolia. It introduces you to the structure of the National Mah Jongg League card without overwhelming you with every hand right away. You’ll go deeper into the current year’s NMJL card in Mahjong 102.
How to Build the Wall and Deal
Shuffling and stacking tiles into the “wall.”
Who rolls, who deals, and why East gets 14 tiles.
How to Organize Your Tiles on the Rack
A system for keeping tiles in order so potential hands jump out at you.
Where to place jokers, flowers, suits, and winds.
How to Find a Line for Your Hand
Identifying multiples like pairs, pungs, and kongs.
Looking for patterns on the card.
Tips for avoiding tricky traps, like building too many pairs.
The Charleston - Mahjong’s Signature Shuffle
Right, across, left—the opening ritual.
The optional second Charleston and courtesy pass.
What never to pass (hint: keep your jokers and flowers close).
The Flow of a Full Game
How to start discarding.
Choosing between calling a tile or drawing from the wall.
When and how to claim a discard.
The thrill of calling “Mahjong!” for the very first time!
What you’ll leave with:
The ability to sit down at a table and actually play—not just watch.
Comfort with the rules, tiles, and setup.
A foundation that makes Mahjong fun instead of overwhelming.
Support from two certified Mahjong instructors who are happy to answer questions even once you’re back home practicing.
Our goal is to give you an introduction to the fundamentals of how to play while guiding you through a full hand of American Mahjong.
What to Expect in Mahjong 102
Who it’s for:
Graduates of Mahjong 101 who are ready for more.
Players who’ve sat in on a game or two but still feel shaky on strategy.
Anyone who wants to move from “just playing” to “playing confidently.”
What you’ll learn:
A deeper dive into the current year’s National Mah Jongg League card.
Charleston strategy: how to decide what to pass, what to keep, and how to set yourself up early for success.
How to read the card faster: spotting patterns and potential hands at a glance.
How to choose the right hand—and when to pivot if it’s not working.
Using jokers effectively to strengthen your chances of winning.
Defensive play: protecting yourself while slowing down your opponents.
What you’ll leave with:
Confidence to play without guidance.
The ability to think strategically instead of just “getting through the turn.”
Readiness to join open-play sessions, private groups, or home games—and truly hold your own.
Still Not Sure Which One Fits?
Here’s a quick test:
Never played before? → Start with Mahjong 101.
Know how to build the wall and do the Charleston, but struggle with strategy? → Jump into Mahjong 102.
Somewhere in the middle? → Don’t worry! Just reach out to us at hello@mockingbirdmagnolia.com and we’ll be happy to help you find the best fit.
No matter where you begin, our goal is for you to leave feeling empowered, connected, and ready to Mahj with confidence.
Ready to Play?
Whether you’re brand-new or leveling up, there’s a seat waiting for you at our table. Browse our upcoming classes and grab your spot; your Mahjong sisterhood is ready to cheer you on!
