How to Find a Mahjong Teacher Near You

While you can learn mahjong from books, videos, and apps, working with a teacher accelerates your learning significantly. A good instructor provides immediate feedback, answers your specific questions, and helps you avoid developing bad habits.

Teachers also connect you with the local mahjong community. Most instructors know where games happen, can introduce you to other players, and help you find a regular group to play with.

For American Mahjong specifically, the NMJL card changes every year. Teachers stay current with the new card and can help you understand which hands are strong that year.

IN-PERSON PRIVATE LESSONS: One-on-one instruction, typically at the teacher's location, your home, or a community center. Best for personalized attention and rapid learning. Usually $50-100 per hour.

IN-PERSON GROUP LESSONS: Classes of 4-12 students, often held at community centers, JCCs, or senior centers. More affordable ($20-40 per session) and lets you practice with other learners.

ONLINE LESSONS: Video calls via Zoom or similar platforms. Convenient for those without local teachers. Teachers can share screens to show the NMJL card and use virtual tiles.

WORKSHOP FORMAT: Single-day or weekend intensives that cover basics quickly. Good for those who want immersion-style learning.

ONGOING COACHING: Some teachers offer continued guidance after initial lessons, joining your games to provide feedback or answering questions via text/email.

EXPERIENCE: How long have they been teaching? How long have they been playing? Teaching skill and playing skill are different - look for someone who does both well.

CREDENTIALS: Neither the NMJL nor any official body certifies mahjong teachers. However, third-party programs like Oh My Mahjong's Mahji Mentor Program, the School of American Mah Jongg, and the Mahj Life Merit Program offer voluntary competency-based credentials that demonstrate professional commitment.

TEACHING STYLE: Some teachers are very structured, others more casual. Ask about their approach. Do they provide written materials? How do they handle different learning paces?

REFERENCES: Ask for testimonials or references from former students. A good teacher should have satisfied students willing to vouch for them.

PATIENCE: Mahjong has many rules and concepts. The best teachers explain things multiple ways without frustration.

ONLINE DIRECTORIES: MahjongCompare maintains a directory of verified teachers at mahjongcompare.com/teachers. You can search by location and filter by teaching style and certification.

COMMUNITY CENTERS: JCCs (Jewish Community Centers), senior centers, and recreation departments often host mahjong classes. Call your local centers to ask.

MAHJONG GROUPS: Facebook groups like 'Mah Jongg, That's It!' have members who teach. Post asking for teacher recommendations in your area.

LOCAL GAME STORES: Some board game cafes and stores host mahjong nights and may know local teachers.

BRAND DIRECTORIES: Premium mahjong brands like Oh My Mahjong and The Mahjong Line maintain directories of teachers who use their products.

WORD OF MOUTH: Ask friends who play mahjong. Personal recommendations often lead to the best matches.

Teaching rates vary by location, experience, and format.

PRIVATE LESSONS: Typically $50-100 per hour. Some teachers offer package deals (e.g., 4 lessons for $300). Expect 3-6 sessions to learn the basics.

GROUP LESSONS: Usually $20-40 per session for 1-2 hours. Series of 4-8 weeks is common. Total investment: $80-320.

COMMUNITY CENTER CLASSES: Often $50-150 for a full 6-8 week course. These are typically the best value.

ONLINE LESSONS: Similar to private lessons ($50-100/hour) but sometimes slightly less due to no travel.

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Ask what's provided. Some teachers include a loaner set, NMJL card, and written materials. Others expect you to bring your own.

1. What variant do you teach? (American, Chinese, Riichi, etc.) Most US teachers focus on American Mahjong with the NMJL card.

2. What's included in the lesson fee? (Materials, NMJL card, practice tiles)

3. How many sessions do you recommend for a complete beginner?

4. Do you teach at your location, my location, or online?

5. What's your cancellation policy?

6. Do you offer ongoing support after lessons end?

7. Can you connect me with a playing group when I'm ready?

IN-PERSON ADVANTAGES: Hands-on practice with real tiles, easier to ask questions and get immediate feedback, social connection with teacher and other students, teacher can physically demonstrate techniques.

IN-PERSON DISADVANTAGES: Limited by geographic location, scheduling can be challenging, may require travel.

ONLINE ADVANTAGES: Access to teachers anywhere in the world, convenient scheduling, can record sessions for review, no travel time.

ONLINE DISADVANTAGES: Can't practice with physical tiles during lessons, potential technical issues, some find it harder to stay engaged.

HYBRID APPROACH: Some students do 1-2 in-person lessons to learn tile handling, then continue online for strategy and card reading.

Learning the rules is just the beginning. To improve, you need to play regularly.

ASK YOUR TEACHER: Most teachers know local games and can introduce you to groups that welcome new players.

PRACTICE ONLINE: Apps like Real Mah Jongg and I Love Mahj let you play anytime. Good for reinforcing rules between live games.

JOIN A GROUP: Look for 'friendly' or 'social' games that welcome beginners. Competitive groups may be frustrating at first.

HOST YOUR OWN: Once you and 3 friends have learned, start a regular game. Consistency is key to improvement.

KEEP LEARNING: Consider periodic refresher lessons, especially when the new NMJL card comes out each spring.