American Mahjong 101

American Mahjong 101 is the perfect introduction to one of the most social, strategic, and joy-filled games played around tables across the country. Whether you have never touched a Mahjong tile before or you have watched others play and wondered how it all works, Mahjong 101 is designed to help beginners feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn the game in a welcoming environment.

In this beginner-friendly class, players are introduced to the fundamentals of American Mahjong using the current National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card. The class focuses on building a strong foundation so new players can understand how the game works without feeling overwhelmed.

Mahjong 101 covers everything needed to begin playing. The goal is not only to teach rules, but to help students develop comfort and familiarity with real gameplay situations.

What makes Mahjong 101 especially enjoyable is the social atmosphere surrounding the game. American Mahjong is more than just a game — it is a community experience built around laughter, connection, conversation, and friendly competition. Beginners quickly discover that Mahjong tables become places where friendships grow and confidence develops with every game played.

At 2 Bam Loaves, Mahjong 101 is designed to be approachable, encouraging, and inclusive for all players. No prior experience is needed. Classes are paced specifically for beginners and provide guided instruction, hands-on learning, and opportunities to ask questions throughout the session. Players leave with a better understanding of the game, practical strategies for future play, and the confidence to join open play groups, leagues, and social Mahjong events.

Whether you are learning for fun, looking for a new hobby, or hoping to connect with others through a shared love of Mahjong, Mahjong 101 offers the perfect seat at the table.


American mahjong game setup on a colorful table with tiles,scorecards, and a blue pouch labeled 'OH MY MAHJONG'.

What You’ll Learn

Close-up of American mahjong tiles on a colorful floral tablecloth. The visible tiles include two bamboo suit tiles, grouped together, and a joker tile with a lotus flower design.

The Tiles

Students learn the basics of the tiles, including Bams, Craks, Dots, Winds, Dragons, Flowers, and Jokers, while also becoming familiar with common Mahjong terminology and gameplay flow

Close-up of a colorful cheat sheet for American Mahjong scoring, showing different hand patterns and their point values, with red, black, green, and blue text.

The Card

Students learn how to read the NMJL card, understand CPR, recognize patterns, and build legal Mahjong hands.

Close-up of stacked American mahjong tiles with floral and solid designs on a patterned surface.

The Preliminaries

Students learn how to deal the tiles, build walls, organize tiles on their rack, and understand the Charleston.

Close-up of American Mahjong tiles on a wooden surface with various numbers and symbols.

The Play

Students are guided through the process of drawing and discarding tiles, calling tiles, using jokers properly, and understanding the rhythm and etiquette of the game.