The fastest way to learn mahjong

The fastest way to learn mahjong is with an informal lesson. I have taught hundreds of people to play mahjong, and I have tried all the teaching methods. If you are looking to learn to play quickly, the informal lessons work best.

The Southeast set from My Fair Mahjong

American mahjong has a lot of rules. A LOT of rules. Especially when it comes to the NMJL (National Mah Jongg League), the American mahjong rules just don’t make sense. An informal lesson will introduce the most important rules, introduce the card, practice the Charleston and get new players playing.

What is an informal mahjong lesson?

The Missy Mahjong informal lesson is one table, with up to eight players. I introduce the tiles. I introduce the card. And then we shuffle, deal, start the Charleston and start playing.

The best way to learn something is by experience. In my experience teaching mahjong, I have found that learning mahjong is no different. A lecture about mahjong with 24 people in the room is less effective than an informal lesson at one table. Trust me, I have have tried it all.

In an informal lesson, players will make mistakes. Did I mention how many rules there are in American mahjong? Right. Nobody can remember all the rules on their own. Trying new hands, asking questions and making mistakes are the best ways to learn. I am there to help guide play and correct and explain mistakes.

Learn to play American mahjong fast

American Mahjong is hard.

Learning American mahjong is hard. It is like learning a new language. What does it mean to have a jokerless consecutive run with a kong of opposite dragons? A new player will have no idea. Once we introduce the basics of the tiles and the card, a beginner will at least be able to identify those terms in the first lesson.

A lot of the rules don’t make any sense. Some of the rules seem silly, but they are necessary. I am there to explain all the rules. You don’t have to raise your hand or stop the group to ask a question in an informal lesson. We are all working our way through the game together.

How long does it take to learn American Mahjong?

The informal lesson is 2 to 3 hours. With an informal lesson, I need the player to assume some responsibility after our time together. Generally, I prefer the players to go home and practice online.

There are many ways to practice, but I always suggest the American Mahjong Practice App or I Love Mahj. Both of these online programs have the 2025 NMJL cards on the site practice.

I also suggest buying a set and making sequences with the physical tiles. I think it is always helpful to lay the tiles out face down and pick. It helps to memorize the card sequences and become familiar with choosing a line.

Mahjong winds in the Windy City!

Continuing to learn

Learning to play American mahjong with an informal lesson may be the fastest way to learn mahjong, but the game is a commitment. You will need to practice, play, watch videos and read articles about how to improve your game. All mahjong players are always learning to become better players.

Music City Mahjong, Chi City Mahjong and Summer Mahjong are all social clubs that are beginner friendly. Once you have learned the basics in a lesson and practiced online, you are ready to dive right into a social club.

The tables all have a guide that will help new players. These are friendly practice games, not tournaments. Every player at a Missy Mahjong social club is there for the face-to-face connection and the love of mahjong, so they are always happy to help new players learn.

Ready for the fastest way to learn mahjong?

I have limited availability for private lessons, but I offer informal lessons at select events. I also now have built a team of instructors in select cities that follow my informal method. To teach the fastest way to learn mahjong. Please email me to schedule a lesson at missymahjong@gmail.com. If I can’t help you, I will connect you with one of my affiliated teachers.

See you at the table!