Classes & Lessons
Lessons where you’re most comfortable.
From your first game (101) to tournament play (401), plus Siamese Mah Jongg®. Join a scheduled class at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, or bring your own group together for a private lesson.
The course sequence
From your first tile to tournament play.
Start at 101 and build from there. Each step adds a new layer of strategy; 151 is an optional side trip into the two-player game. Tap any course to see details and dates.
Scheduled classes
At the JCC of the Lehigh Valley
New to American Mah Jongg? Start with Learn to Play — no experience needed. Already playing? Siamese Mah Jongg (151) and the 201–401 series will take your game further.
Learn to Play Mah Jongg
A two-session beginner course. Includes the current NMJL card of hands.
What you’ll learn
- The tiles — suits, dragons, winds, flowers, and jokers — and what to call them
- How to read the NMJL card: colors, sections, and exposed vs. concealed hands
- The Charleston, and how to pass with a plan
- Calling, exposing, and when jokers can (and can’t) be used
- Declaring Mah Jongg, scoring, and table etiquette
- Your first taste of the RECoRD Method for thinking through each turn
Thinking about buying your own set? See my Student Gear Guide for the card, tiles and racks I recommend.
Next session
Want to hear as soon as 2027 dates are set?
Get NotifiedSiamese Mah Jongg
Learn to play Siamese Mah Jongg: two players, two racks, each going for two Mah Jonggs. Includes the current Siamese card of hands.
What you’ll learn
- How Siamese Mah Jongg is set up and played
- Managing two racks at once
- Building toward two Mah Jonggs at the same time
- How the two-player game changes your strategy
Want your own Siamese setup? See my Siamese Gear Guide for the rulebook, card, Black Dragon stickers and racks I recommend.
Next session
A single-evening class at the JCC. Best for players who already know the basics of American Mah Jongg. Want to hear as soon as 2027 dates are set?
Get NotifiedIntermediate Mah Jongg Strategy
For players who know the rules and want to build hands well. A one-session intermediate course: guided instruction followed by open play with in-the-moment Q&A.
Topics include
- Choosing a hand from the deal
- Charleston strategy: what to pass and what to keep
- Keeping your rack flexible
- Using jokers well
- Spotting backup hands that share your tiles
Upcoming session
A single-evening class at the JCC. Best for players who already know the basics of American Mah Jongg.
Register for Building Winning HandsAdvanced Mah Jongg Strategy
For players who build hands confidently and are ready to play the whole table. A one-session advanced course: guided instruction followed by open play with in-the-moment Q&A.
Topics include
- Reading other players’ exposures and discards
- Judging what your opponents are collecting
- When to pivot, and when to give up and play defense
- Weighing the risk of every discard
- The full RECoRD Method under pressure
Next session
Want to hear as soon as 2027 dates are set?
Get NotifiedMah Jongg Tournament Ready
For experienced players ready to compete: advanced strategy, and getting comfortable with the pace of tournament play, four games in 50 minutes.
What you’ll learn
- Advanced strategy for stronger, faster decisions
- Playing comfortably at tournament pace
- What to expect from four games in 50 minutes
- Using the RECoRD Method when the clock is running
Upcoming session
A single-evening class at the JCC. Best for experienced players who want to play competitively.
Register for Mah Jongg Tournament ReadyStay in the loop
More classes on the way
New classes are added throughout the year, from beginner sessions to deeper strategy.
Want to hear first when new dates are scheduled? Get in touch to be notified.
Keep playing
Open play at the JCC
The best way to lock in what you’ve learned is to play. The JCC hosts weekly open play sessions:
| Monday | 1:30–3:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 1:00–3:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
Registration required. Free for JCC members; $5 for guests. Bring your card. Details at LVJCC.org.
Private & small-group lessons
Bring your group. We’ll bring the instruction.
Private lessons are available for individuals and small groups at every level — from your very first game through advanced strategy. Each session is shaped around who’s at the table and what you want to get better at.
Your home
Host a lesson for yourself or a few friends at your own table.
Your group
Already have a regular game? Level up together.
A public spot
Meet at a convenient, mutually agreed-upon location.
Your community
Clubs, libraries, and community spaces are welcome, too.
Choose your focus
Any level, taught with the same care.
Private and small-group lessons can follow any step of the course sequence, or mix topics to fit your group.
- 101Foundations of American Mah Jongg
For brand-new players: the tiles and what to call them, reading the NMJL card, the Charleston, calling and jokers, and scoring and etiquette. Course details - 201Building Winning Hands
For players who know the rules: choosing a hand from the deal, Charleston strategy, keeping your rack flexible, using jokers well, and spotting backup hands. Course details - 301Strategic Decision Making
For players ready to play the whole table: reading exposures and discards, judging what opponents are collecting, when to pivot or play defense, and weighing the risk of every discard. Course details - 401Mastering Competitive Play
For players ready to compete: advanced strategy, tournament pace (four games in 50 minutes), and the RECoRD Method when the clock is running. Course details
How it works
Three simple steps.
- Send an email. Tell me who’s playing, everyone’s experience level, and where you’d like to meet.
- We plan the session. We’ll pick a date and a focus that fits your group.
- Play and learn. Bring your questions — the “why” is the best part.
Questions
Good to know
I’ve never played. Is that okay?
Absolutely. The JCC Learn to Play course assumes no prior experience, and private lessons can start from the very first tile.
Do I need to buy an NMJL card?
The JCC Learn to Play course includes the current National Mah Jongg League card. For private lessons and open play, every player should have their own current NMJL card — the League releases a new one each spring.
Do I need my own Mah Jongg set for a private lesson?
If you have one, great — let me know when you reach out and we’ll plan around it. If not, mention that too.
Which rules do you teach?
American Mah Jongg, according to National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules.
How do I ask a question that isn’t here?
Email [email protected]. Questions are always welcome.
Already play? Let’s sharpen your strategy.
Private and small-group lessons are available at every level.
[email protected]