How to Start Playing Mahjong
You’ve seen the gorgeous tiles. You’ve heard the laughter from a nearby table. Maybe you’ve even watched a round and thought, “That looks fun… but also kind of complicated.”
You’re not alone. Every seasoned player started right where you are — staring at the tiles and wondering how on earth anyone remembers what to do with all of them. The good news? You can absolutely learn. You just need a little patience, a good teacher, and maybe a cute tile set to keep you motivated.
1. Start with a Class (or Two)
Mahjong isn’t something you can pick up from YouTube alone. It’s a game of rhythm, strategy, and flow — and those things click best when you’re actually at the table.
Start with a beginner class (we happen to know a few good ones). You’ll learn how to read your National Mahjongg League (NMJL) card, understand the suits, and start seeing the patterns that make the game so addicting.
Then, take the next step, a second class to reinforce what you learned. Repetition really is the secret to confidence at the table.
2. Give Yourself Grace
Here’s the truth: everyone messes up their first few hands. Or their first few dozen.
Be patient with yourself, Mahjong is like learning a language. The more you play, the more fluent you become. Before long, you’ll recognize winning hands at a glance and start making bold, confident calls.
3. Join a Group
Mahjong is meant to be shared. Find an open play group, gather a few friends, or come join us at Salt Lake Mahjong Club.
You’ll learn faster (and have way more fun) surrounded by others at your same level. Plus, every game is a new chance to connect, laugh, and learn.
4. Practice at Home (If You Want to Level Up)
Want to really get good? A little solo practice at home can make a huge difference. You can set up mock hands, sort tiles, and get familiar with the card so that when game night rolls around, you’re ready to play without hesitation.
5. Get Your Own Set (When You’re Ready)
Once you’ve taken a few classes and know you’re hooked, investing in your own set makes it even more fun to practice and host.
Here’s what I recommend:
Beginner-Friendly & Adorable: Peace Love Mahjong has the cutest beginner sets and my favorite pushers/racks — they’re sturdy, smooth, and beautifully made.
Mat Tip: You can grab a reliable mat from Amazon to keep your tiles from sliding (and it makes your setup feel a lot more official).
Final Thoughts
Mahjong isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. The joy of sitting down, mixing the tiles, and realizing you’re slowly but surely getting it.
So take a class, join a group, and most importantly — have fun. The tiles will make sense soon enough.
More than a game, it’s a gathering. Your new favorite hobby is waiting.
