New toMahjong

We will not begin in the middle.

You will first see the objects and understand one ordinary turn. Only then will we add the annual card, passing, jokers, calls, and table language.

Begin with what is on the table

The learning order matters.

  1. See it

    Learn what each object is and why it is there.

  2. Understand it

    Follow one action in everyday language.

  3. Hear the term

    Attach the official word to something you already understand.

  4. Try it

    Rehearse one small physical or verbal action.

1

See what is on the table

Tiles, racks, the annual card, the goal, and one ordinary turn.

  1. 8 minute lessonHow American Mah Jongg Works—from Absolute ZeroDescribe the goal and an ordinary turn using everyday words.Open lesson →
  2. 7 minute lessonMeet the Tiles Without Memorizing ThemPlace an unfamiliar tile into its broad family and ask what it is called.Open lesson →

Before moving on: You can describe the game without specialized words.

2

Follow what the table is doing

Setup, passing tiles, reading the card, jokers, and the moments that interrupt a normal turn.

  1. 8 minute lessonHow to Read the American Mah Jongg Card Without Feeling LostRead the structure of one printed hand and explain what each part tells you.Open lesson →
  2. 7 minute lessonAmerican Mah Jongg Setup, Step by StepRecognize the wall, starting hand sizes, and the point at which the Charleston begins.Open lesson →
  3. 8 minute lessonThe Charleston Explained for Your First GameFollow the first Charleston directions and choose legal passes without freezing.Open lesson →
  4. 7 minute lessonAmerican Mah Jongg Joker Rules for BeginnersDecide whether a joker is legal in the most common beginner situations.Open lesson →
  5. 7 minute lessonCalling Tiles and Making ExposuresExplain the difference between drawing, calling a discard, and exposing a completed group.Open lesson →

Before moving on: Fast table actions begin to have recognizable reasons.

3

Try one small action at a time

Short rehearsals for sorting, saying tile names, and taking a turn.

  1. 8 minute lessonNine American Mah Jongg Beginner Mistakes—and Their FixesCatch common mistakes early and recover without losing confidence.Open lesson →

Before moving on: Your hands have practiced what the words described.

Open the slow practice room →
4

Sit down with other players

Prepare for a first game, find a teacher, and ask for the help you need.

  1. 4 minute lessonWhat to Expect at Your First Mahjong GameArrive at a beginner-friendly table knowing what to bring, say, and expect.Open lesson →
  2. 6 minute lessonHow to Find an American Mah Jongg Teacher, Class, or ClubEvaluate whether a local class, teacher, or table is genuinely beginner-friendly.Open lesson →

Before moving on: You can be new without being silent.

You are allowed to play before the whole game fits in your head.

A first game is not the exam at the end of learning. It is one of the ways people learn.

See what a first game feels like