MahjPhD

American Mah Jongg · NMJL Rules

Making Mah Jongg Make Sense.

Learn the why, not just the rules.

Classes, lessons and data-driven insight from a mathematics professor and lifelong educator, for brand-new players and for experienced players who want sharper, more confident decisions.

Classes & Lessons Learn to play, or sharpen your strategy. Classes from your first game to tournament play at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, plus private lessons for you or your group. Explore Classes → MahjPhD CardLab · Opens Feb 1, 2027 The NMJL card, measured. Your real odds with every hand on the card, from millions of simulated games. See CardLab →

Upcoming classes

Find your seat at the table.

New to American Mah Jongg? Start with Learn to Play. Already playing? Take your game further. All classes are at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley.

Beginner · 101

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Returning in 2027

Dates to be announced

No experience needed. Includes the current NMJL card.

Get Notified
Intermediate · 201

Building Winning Hands

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026

5:30–8:30 pm

Choosing a hand, Charleston strategy and using jokers well.

Register
Advanced · 301

Strategic Decision Making

Coming in 2027

Dates to be announced

Reading the table: exposures, discards and when to play defense.

Get Notified
Advanced · 401

Tournament Ready

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027

5:30–8:30 pm

Advanced strategy, and getting comfortable with four games in 50 minutes.

Register
The MahjPhD path 101→201→301→401 plus 151 Siamese any time after 101 See the course sequence →

See all classes, open play and private lessons →

MahjPhD CardLab · Opens February 1, 2027

The card tells you what a hand is worth. CardLab tells you how often it comes together.

Every hand on the 2026 card has been put through 100,000 simulated games: 5.5 million in all. The result is a full report card for every hand: odds, jokers, speed, backup hands, Charleston advice, and when to give up and play defense.

Get Launch Updates Explore CardLab
1 in 7One 25-point hand: games won when you commit to it from the deal
1 in 33Another 25-point hand on the same card, for exactly the same points

Free one-page handout

RECoRD every turn.

The MahjPhD method for thinking through every turn, from your first Charleston to your final discard. Don’t just learn what to do. Learn why.

Taught at every level, 101 through 401 →

Get the Free Handout Learn the Method
  1. R

    Read your rack and the table.

  2. E

    Evaluate the hands still within reach.

  3. CoR

    Commit or Reassess as the evidence changes.

  4. D

    Discard the tile that helps your plan least.

Dr. Christopher Dubbs-Nazario at the Mah Jongg table

Meet your instructor

Dr. Christopher Dubbs-Nazario

A mathematics professor bringing an analytical approach to American Mah Jongg.

Mathematics is the study of patterns, and so, in its way, is the NMJL card. Dr. D-N has spent his career helping people see the structure inside things that first look complicated. MahjPhD brings that to the Mah Jongg table, without taking the fun out of the game.

More About Dr. D-N

Private & small-group lessons

Lessons where you’re most comfortable.

At your home, with your regular group, or at a convenient public spot. Any level, from your first game to competitive strategy.

Book a Lesson Bring Your Group

Learn the game. Understand the decisions. Play with confidence.

Questions about classes, lessons or CardLab? Just ask.

Ask a Question Join a Class