Choose your beginner path

Beginner American Mahjong Training Options

A side-by-side guide to choosing the right beginner learning experience.

Both programs introduce the essential skills needed to begin playing American Mahjong. The primary differences are the depth of instruction, amount of hands-on practice, take-away materials, and guided-play experience.

At a glance

Program detail	American Mahjong Fundamentals Bootcamp	American Mahjong Essentials
Best for	Beginners who want a comprehensive, structured learning experience and a strong foundation for continued play	Beginners primarily interested in learning the basics so they can begin playing socially
Program length	Four hours of instruction, plus a separate two-hour guided play session (6 hours total instruction time)	Three hours of instruction
Format options	One four-hour instructional session or two two-hour instructional sessions, followed by a two-hour guided play session on another day	One three-hour instructional session
Topics covered	Tile identification, the NMJL card, rack organization, hand-building, the Charleston, game rules, etiquette, and guided play	Tile identification, the NMJL card, rack organization, hand-building, the Charleston, and essential rules and etiquette
Depth of instruction	More in-depth explanations, strategy-building activities, and opportunities for hands-on practice	A streamlined introduction focused on the basic information needed to begin playing
Guided play	A separate two-hour guided play session on another day is included.	Not included; a separate two-hour guided play session may be scheduled on another day
Participant materials	Comprehensive 60-page Participant Guide & Workbook, plus a portfolio of game aids, reference materials, and additional related information	A small collection of key game aids for use during game play
Learning approach	Formal, goal-focused, step-by-step training designed to build knowledge, skills, and confidence	Relaxed, socially focused instruction designed to help participants understand the basic flow of the game
Recommended next steps	Schedule your included Guided Play session. Continue building your skills through open play or other organized playing opportunities. Find an online game platform that is right for you — and practice, practice, practice!	Schedule a two-hour guided play session for your group's first game-day gathering. Find an online game platform that is right for you — and practice, practice, practice!

American Mahjong Fundamentals Bootcamp

The American Mahjong Fundamentals Bootcamp is designed for beginners who want a deeper understanding of the game and a comprehensive foundation they can continue building upon.

The program includes four hours of structured instruction, which may be presented as one four-hour session or divided into two two-hour sessions. Participants then return on another day for a separate two-hour guided play session.

Guided play is included with the Bootcamp, regardless of which instructional format is selected.

The Bootcamp combines focused instruction, hands-on activities, guided practice, and extensive take-away resources. Participants receive a comprehensive 60-page Participant Guide & Workbook, along with a portfolio of game aids and additional reference materials.

Throughout the Fundamentals Bootcamp, participants learn to:

Identify every Mahjong tile
Read and understand the NMJL card
Organize their racks
Build legal hands
Complete the Charleston
Apply essential game rules and etiquette
Play their first guided game
Call Mahjong with confidence

American Mahjong Essentials

The three-hour American Mahjong Essentials program provides a more relaxed introduction for beginners who are primarily interested in learning the game for social play.

Participants cover nearly all the same foundational topics as the Fundamentals Bootcamp, but in a more streamlined format with less time devoted to in-depth explanations and hands-on activities.

Each participant receives a small collection of key game aids rather than the comprehensive Bootcamp workbook and resource portfolio.

Throughout the Essentials program, participants learn to:

Identify the Mahjong tiles
Read and understand the NMJL card
Organize their racks
Build legal hands
Complete the Charleston
Understand the basic flow, rules, and etiquette of the game

Two-Hour Guided Play Session

The two-hour guided play session is scheduled on another day, ideally for the group's first playing get-together. During the session, an instructor will guide participants through the flow of the game, provide coaching as situations arise, reinforce correct procedures, and introduce additional rules and etiquette in context.

This supportive, hands-on session gives everyone an opportunity to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and build confidence at the table.

This session is included for Fundamentals Bootcamp participants.

After completing either program, participants are encouraged to continue playing regularly, find an online game platform that is right for them, and practice, practice, practice!

Ready to choose your program?

Let’s find the beginner American Mahjong experience that fits your goals.

Contact On Mahj Time View Upcoming Events