Beginner Series
Learning Mahjong doesn’t happen all at once—this is a multi-faceted, richly detailed game that you grow to understand more deeply over time. That said, learning shouldn’t feel overwhelming. This is why learning sessions are capped at 2 hours, and why you never learn all the rules in just one sitting. Our Beginner Series is designed to build naturally over time, so that you can start playing right away and grow more confident with each session, picking up more detailed rules and nuance of the game over time. Mahjong is savored, not gulped.
No commitment necessary. No need to sign up for all three sessions. Start with Session A, as a new player. Then, see how you’re feeling. New players often repeat an introductory class (Session A), to solidify foundational concepts. Join Session B once you’ve completed Session A, or otherwise had an introduction to mahjong. Here, you’ll move through additional rules and strategy concepts, working your way through more games an making more independent decisions during gameplay. Session C shifts players to guided play, where you can carry on a game with lighter support from an instructor. Mix and match based on your schedule and your learning experience. Want to repeat a session? Go for it! Ready to move on? Great—come advance your game! Each session stands on its own—while still building toward a full mahjong experience.
Flexible By Design
After completing the Beginner Series (Session A, B, and C)—however you choose to design it—you’ll be able to sit down at a table and play American Mahjong with confidence. There is always more to learn in mahjong, but the Beginner Series will prepare you for your weekly mahjong night, community events, or Rivier Mahj Society Open Play sessions. It’s in this continued play, where strategy will deepen and you’ll develop a Mahjong style of your own.
The Goal
How the Beginner Series Works
Beginners—start here.
In this first session, you’ll jump straight into the game. You’ll meet the tiles, explore game setup, practice a beginner-friendly take on the Charleston, and play your first rounds of gameplay with close instructor guidance. The goal isn’t perfection, it isn’t winning, it isn’t even retaining all of the information you take in during the session (it’s a lot!)—it’s getting comfortable sitting at the table, recognizing tiles, and understanding the flow of the game.
Session A — Basics: Start by Playing
Already know the tiles? Or, you’ve completed Session A? Session B is for you.
This session covers a quick review of tiles and game setup, but dives into the full Charleston, strategic decision-making when passing tiles, and deciphering the National Mah Jongg League card. You’ll pick up additional rules and start recognizing important patterns. Independent decision-making begins and you start moving through guided games a little more naturally and with less instruction.
Session B— Build the Flow
This is where it a begins to click.
This session is focused on playing. You already know the tiles, the setup, the Charleston, the flow, and how to navigate the NMJL card. But putting it all together—the rhythm—is something you develop with practice. This is it. Practice—of movements, of flow, of strategic decision-making. This session is spent playing complete games, gaining confidence, picking up light strategy, and getting comfortable with the pace of Mahjong in a social play setting.