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Mahjong Lessons and Classes
Quick answer
You can find mahjong classes at senior and recreation centers, Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), libraries and mahjong studios. The American Mah Jongg Association and Mahj Life both keep lists of teachers. A beginner course usually runs about 7.5 to 12 hours over a few sessions. You can also learn online with guides, videos and apps.
At a glance
- Beginner course: about 7.5 to 12 hours in all
- Common formats: 3 classes of 2.5 hours, or 6 classes of 2 hours
- Where to look: rec centers, JCCs, libraries and mahjong studios
- Teacher lists: American Mah Jongg Association and Mahj Life
- Learn online: guides, videos and practice apps
Where can I find mahjong classes near me?
Look for mahjong classes at local centers, libraries and mahjong studios. Try these places.
- Senior and recreation centers. Check their list of classes.
- Jewish Community Centers (JCCs). Check the class calendar.
- Libraries. Ask about game nights and classes.
- Chinese community groups. Ask which style they teach.
- Mahjong studios and clubs. Many offer classes for beginners.
- Meetup, Facebook groups and Nextdoor. Search for mahjong lessons near you.
For American mahjong lessons near you, check the teacher lists from the American Mah Jongg Association and Mahj Life. For more places to look, see how to find mahjong near you.
What does a beginner mahjong class cover?
A beginner class teaches the game one step at a time. In an American mahjong class, expect to learn these parts.
- The tiles. Learn the suits, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers. A joker is a wild tile.
- The setup. Stack the tiles into walls, then deal. East, the dealer, gets 14 tiles, and the others get 13.
- The Charleston. This is a tile swap before play starts. Players pass 3 tiles at a time.
- The card. Learn to read the yearly card of winning hands.
- Taking turns. Take a tile, then discard one. A discard is a tile you throw away.
- Winning. Call "Mah Jongg" when your tiles match a hand on the card.
How many mahjong lessons do you need?
Most beginner courses run about 7.5 to 12 hours in total. The time is split over a few sessions, such as:
- 3 classes of 2.5 hours each
- 4 or 5 classes
- 6 classes of 2 hours each
After the course, keep playing. Practice is what makes the game feel easy. Read more in is mahjong hard to learn.
Can you learn to play mahjong online?
Yes. You can learn the basics online, then practice with an app.
- Read a guide. The American Mah Jongg Association has a beginner's guide on its website.
- Watch videos. Many teachers post free videos online.
- Practice with an app. NMJL Online is the League's official game, and it needs a paid subscription. See our guide to mahjong apps.
- Ask about online classes. Some teachers may teach online, so ask the ones you find.
What should I ask a mahjong teacher?
Ask a few questions before you sign up.
- Which style do you teach?
- How many classes are there, and how long is each one?
- How many students are in each class?
- Do you bring sets and cards, or do I bring my own?
- What does it cost, and what is included?
Want to practice between lessons?
A set at home helps you practice what you learn in class.
Questions people ask
Where can I find National Mah Jongg League lessons?
Classes in American mahjong teach the game played with the National Mah Jongg League card. The League makes the yearly card and answers rules questions. To find a teacher, use the teacher lists above.
Do I need to buy anything before a class?
Ask your teacher first. For American mahjong, you will need the current card. The 2026 card costs about $14, or about $15 in large print, and prices can change.
Should I learn American or Chinese mahjong?
Learn the style your friends play. American mahjong uses jokers and a yearly card. Chinese mahjong has no jokers.
Is a beginner class good if I have never played?
Yes. Beginner classes are made for people who are new to the game. You do not need to know anything first.