Beginner TipsMarch 15, 2026

From the Table 🀄

Beginner's Guide: What to Expect at Your First Mahjong Lesson

By Jessica Gitlin — Las Vegas's favorite Mahjong teacher

Your first Mahjong lesson should feel welcoming, not intimidating. Jessica's private lessons are built for absolute beginners, so you can sit down with zero experience and leave understanding how the game actually works.

You Do Not Need to Bring Anything

Jessica brings the Mahjong set, racks, tiles, and the current National Mah Jongg League card. Your group only needs a comfortable table and a little curiosity.

You Start With the Tiles

Before strategy begins, you'll learn the suits, winds, dragons, jokers, flowers, and how the tiles relate to the NMJL card. The goal is to make the pieces feel familiar quickly.

The Card Gets Broken Down Clearly

The annual card can look overwhelming at first, but it becomes manageable when someone shows you how to read sections, patterns, numbers, colors, and hand requirements one step at a time.

You Play a Guided Hand

The lesson moves into real play with coaching along the way. Jessica helps you decide what to keep, what to pass, when to pivot, and how to feel comfortable making choices.

You Leave Ready to Keep Playing

Most beginners are surprised by how much clicks during one private session. You'll leave with a working understanding of the rules and the confidence to sit at a table again.

Ready to learn Mahjong?

Book a private lesson with Jessica at your home, hotel, Airbnb, or venue in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Summerlin.

Book a Private Lesson 🀄