Learn at your own pace.
Follow all ten lessons in order or jump to the question that brought you here. Each guide teaches one useful outcome.
Start with the big picture
01How American Mah Jongg Works—from Absolute ZeroLesson one · Start with the table — Describe the goal and an ordinary turn using everyday words.8min02Meet the Tiles Without Memorizing ThemLesson two · Look at the pieces — Place an unfamiliar tile into its broad family and ask what it is called.7min
Understand the table
03How to Read the American Mah Jongg Card Without Feeling LostLesson three · The annual card — Read the structure of one printed hand and explain what each part tells you.8min04American Mah Jongg Setup, Step by StepLesson four · Table setup — Recognize the wall, starting hand sizes, and the point at which the Charleston begins.7min05The Charleston Explained for Your First GameLesson five · The Charleston — Follow the first Charleston directions and choose legal passes without freezing.8min06American Mah Jongg Joker Rules for BeginnersLesson six · Jokers — Decide whether a joker is legal in the most common beginner situations.7min07Calling Tiles and Making ExposuresLesson seven · Calls and exposures — Explain the difference between drawing, calling a discard, and exposing a completed group.7min
Practice the decisions
Join a real game
09What to Expect at Your First Mahjong GameLesson nine · Your first table — Arrive at a beginner-friendly table knowing what to bring, say, and expect.4min10How to Find an American Mah Jongg Teacher, Class, or ClubLesson ten · Keep learning — Evaluate whether a local class, teacher, or table is genuinely beginner-friendly.6min