What You'll Learn
Mahjong 101 is the full beginner course for American Mahjong, taught according to official National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules. Over the course, you'll build real, table-ready skills:
- How to read and use the NMJL card
- The tiles, suits, and honors that make up a hand
- The Charleston (the passing phase that starts every game)
- Turn order, calling tiles, and basic strategy
- Everything you need to sit down at a real table with confidence
This isn't a one-time demo. It's a real course designed to take you from "what's a Mahjong tile" to "I can hold my own at Open Play."
Who This Is For
If you've never played Mahjong before, or you've watched others play and want to actually understand what's happening, this class is built for you. Many students come in knowing nothing about the game and leave a few sessions later ready to join Weekly Open Play.
Not sure you're ready for a full course? Discovery Mahjong is a lower-commitment, single-session intro that covers the basics before you commit to the full class.
Where It's Held
Mahjong 101 meets weekly at PureGreen Portland, right in the Sellwood & Eastmoreland area. Once you've completed the course, you're ready to bring what you've learned to Weekly Open Play and start building your game with other players.