Ways to Play

Whether you're brand new to American Mahjong, looking to build confidence, or searching for people to play with, there's a seat for you at Midnight Orchid Mahjong.

Learn the game. Build your confidence. Find your people.

Learn Mahjong

New to American Mahjong? My beginner classes are designed to take the mystery out of the tiles, the card, and all the rules that can feel overwhelming at first.

In a beginner class, we'll cover:

  • How the tiles work and how to set up the game

  • The basics of the National Mahjong League card

  • How to build a hand

  • Charleston and passing

  • Picking, discarding, and calling tiles

  • Jokers, exposures, and table etiquette

  • Plenty of hands-on practice

No experience needed. I provide the tiles, racks, and everything you need to get started — just bring yourself and a willingness to learn something new.

Scheduled beginner classes are open to individuals and pairs, so you don't need to put together a full group to learn Mahjong. Check the calendar for upcoming classes and join a table.

Have your own group? I also offer mobile private lessons for groups of 4–8 players. I bring the Mahjong tables, tiles, racks, and everything needed to learn and play to your home or another location.

Guided Play

Already know the basics but still not quite ready to play on your own? Guided Play is the bridge between learning Mahjong and confidently sitting down at the table.

During Guided Play, you'll:

  • Play full hands with support nearby

  • Ask questions as they come up

  • Practice reading and using the National Mahjong League card

  • Get help recognizing when to pivot to a different hand

  • Build confidence with Charleston, passing, exposures, and game play

  • Learn by actually playing — because eventually you have to let go of the training wheels

Guided Play is designed to help everything start clicking so you can move from "Wait... what am I supposed to do?" to actually playing Mahjong with confidence.

Want more focused practice with your own group? Private Guided Play is available for groups of 4–8 players in your home or another location. I bring the Mahjong setup; you bring your group and keep playing while getting help when you need it.

Open Play

Ready to play? Open Play is casual, social Mahjong for players of all experience levels who know the basics and are ready to sit down at the table. Whether you're building confidence or you've been playing for years, you're welcome here.

At Open Play, you'll:

  • Play full games with other Mahjong players

  • Meet new people and find potential regular playing partners

  • Practice your skills in a relaxed, social setting

  • Play alongside both newer and more experienced players

  • Enjoy Mahjong without the structure of a formal lesson

Open Play is about putting your skills to use, enjoying the game, and bringing players together — from those still building confidence to experienced players looking for a good table.

Ready to Find Your Seat at the Table?

Whether you're picking up a tile for the first time, looking for a little more practice, or ready to find your next game, check out what's coming up at Midnight Orchid Mahjong.

See What's Coming Up