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Beginner mahjong lessons · San Diego
Learn American Mahjong from zero
Never touched a mahjong tile? Perfect. Luli's beginner mahjong classes in San Diego start at the very beginning: the tiles, the card, the Charleston, and then your first full game, one friendly step at a time. Every class is 3 hours, at her table or yours.
The beginner path, step by step
American Mahjong (also spelled Mah Jongg) is played with a 152-tile set and a new card from the National Mah Jongg League each year. It looks complicated at first. Luli breaks it into four simple steps.
The tiles
Get to know the set so the table stops looking like a puzzle.
- The three suits: dots, bams and craks
- Winds, dragons and flowers
- Jokers, and when you can use them
The card
Learn to read the National Mah Jongg League card, the list of winning hands for the year.
- How the card's sections and colors work
- Picking a hand that fits the tiles you're dealt
- Exposed vs. concealed hands and their values
The Charleston
The tile-passing exchange at the start of every game, demystified.
- Passing right, across and left
- The optional second Charleston and the courtesy pass
- Which tiles to keep and which to pass
Your first full game
Put it all together and play a complete game, start to finish, with Luli at your side.
- Picking up, discarding and calling tiles
- Building toward your hand
- Declaring "Mahjong!"
Booking your beginner class
- Pick a day and start timeOpen the class calendar and choose a 3-hour start inside one of Luli's open windows.
- Send your requestAdd your name, email, group size and anything Luli should know. Your time is held, and you get an email when she confirms.
- Luli confirms personallyYou get an email as soon as she confirms your date and time, and she goes over pricing with you. Nothing is final until she confirms.
Choose your format
The beginner class: tiles, card, Charleston and a first full game.
One-on-one attention, at your own pace.
Learn with friends or family, perfect for starting a regular game together.
Luli brings the lesson to your home in San Diego.
Made for first-timers
Complete beginners
No experience needed. You'll learn every tile and rule from the start.
Friends starting a game
Learn together, then keep playing as your own weekly mahjong group.
Returning players
Played years ago? Tell Luli which parts you'd like to revisit, like the card or the Charleston.
Beginner mahjong lessons: FAQ
Do I need any mahjong experience?
No. Beginner mahjong classes start from zero, and Luli explains every tile and rule as you go.
What kind of mahjong will I learn?
American Mahjong (Mah Jongg), the version played with the National Mah Jongg League card and the Charleston. It's different from Chinese and Japanese (Riichi) mahjong.
How long is a beginner mahjong class?
Every class is 3 hours. You choose the start time inside one of Luli's open windows on the class calendar.
Will I be able to play after one class?
The beginner path ends with your first full game, played start to finish with Luli guiding you.
Can I bring friends, or learn at home?
Yes. Groups of 1 to 9 or more are welcome, and Luli can teach at your home in San Diego or at her own table.
How much does a beginner lesson cost?
Request a time on the class calendar, or call or text Luli at 619-208-6972 with your preferred date and group size. She confirms by email and goes over pricing with you before anything is final.
Ready for your first game?
Pick a time on the class calendar, or text Luli and she'll help you find the right beginner class.
Mahjong Land SD · Beginner mahjong lessons, private lessons & mahjong parties in San Diego · mahjonglandsandiego.com · 619-208-6972
Free American Mahjong cheat sheet to take to the table (en español).