FAQ

Do I Need To Know Anything Before My First Lesson?

No. My beginner lessons are designed for people who are brand new to American Mahjong. You don't need to know the tiles, the card, or even how the game is played. We start from the ground up and build from there.

Do I Need My Own Mahjong Set?

No. I provide everything needed for the lesson, including Mahjong tiles, racks, mats, cards, and teaching materials.

If you're taking a mobile lesson, I can even bring tables and chairs if your location needs them.

The goal is to learn the game first. You can worry about building your own Mahjong collection later!

Do You Teach American Mahjong?

Yes! I teach American Mahjong exclusively using the rules of the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL).

I don't teach house rules as part of my beginner lessons. I want my students to be able to sit down at a Mahjong table anywhere and understand the official League rules, while also recognizing when a group is using a house rule.

Can I Book A Private Group?

Absolutely!

If you have a group of friends, neighbors, family members, or club members who want to learn together, I offer private mobile lessons. I teach in full tables of four because American Mahjong is a four-player game. Private groups are typically 4 or 8 players.

You choose the location, and I bring the Mahjong.

Where Are Lessons Held?

Beginner lessons are taught in my home in Valley Center, California, or as private mobile lessons at a location of your choice.

I’m also working on adding a few local venues in San Marcos and Vista where I’ll be offering scheduled beginner classes. Those locations will be announced as they become available.

For private mobile lessons, I come to you and bring everything needed for the class.

How Many People Can Join?

I teach in full tables of four because I believe the best way to learn Mahjong is by actually playing it.

My classes are generally structured for 4 or 8 students. If you have a larger group, contact me and we can discuss options.

If you're joining one of my public classes, you don't need to bring a group of four. Individuals and pairs are welcome to join an existing class when spots are available.

What Should I Bring?

Nothing!

I provide the equipment needed for the lesson, including:

Mahjong tiles Racks Mats NMJL cards Teaching materials Take-home handout

For mobile lessons, I can also bring tables and chairs if needed.

Just bring yourself, a willingness to learn, and maybe a sense of humor. Mahjong has a learning curve. 😂

What Do I Need To Buy After Taking A Class?

You don't need to go out and buy an entire Mahjong room the day you finish your lesson. 😂

I recommend starting with your own NMJL card and then building your supplies as you start playing regularly.

You don't immediately need your own tiles, racks, table, or every Mahjong accessory known to humanity.

Start playing first. Figure out what you actually like and need as you go. And if you want to practice before investing in your own equipment, that's exactly what my Guided Play events are for.

What Is "Pie" In Mahjong?

“Pie” is a fun informal house rule and stands for “Purse Is Empty.” It simply means you bring a set amount of cash to the game, usually in quarters, nickels, dimes, or other small change.

For example, if your group sets a $5 pie, you bring $5 to the table. That is the most you can lose during that event. Once your purse is empty, you don't pay out on additional winning hands until you start winning again and put money back in your purse.

The nice thing about pie is that you know exactly how much you're willing to lose before you even sit down to play.

Pie is not an official NMJL rule. It's a house rule that some groups use, so always ask how a particular group handles it before playing.

Do You Offer Private Lessons?

Yes, If none of my scheduled beginner classes work with your schedule, we can discuss setting up a private lesson.

Because Mahjong is a four-person game, I prefer to teach in groups of four whenever possible. Learning at a full table allows you to experience the natural flow of the game from the very beginning—not just learn the rules in isolation.

If you already have four friends who want to learn, a private mobile lesson is a great option. I come to your location and bring everything needed for the lesson.

What's The Difference Between Guided Play And Private Guided Play?

Both are Guided Play—they simply happen in different settings.

My posted Guided Play events are open to everyone who knows the basics of American Mahjong. I circulate around the room, helping players with hand selection, rules, game play, Charleston decisions, and anything else that comes up while they're playing. The goal is to help you become more comfortable and confident at the table while also meeting other local Mahjong players.

Private Guided Play is the same type of coaching, but I come to your group's location and work exclusively with your table or tables. Because the group is smaller and the session is private, you get more one-on-one time and more personalized guidance.

Private Guided Play can be especially helpful for a new group that has taken lessons together and wants some extra support while they learn to play independently.