What happens if you have learned to play mahjong and now you want to play all day, every day? That is where I am the expert. I have been there before, dear friend! I have ideas to play for the mahjong obsessed.
Play Online
I know online doesn’t seem nearly as exciting as real-life play, but practice is essential. You can challenge yourself to memorize the current playing card and always level up. I am not a fan of video games for my kids, but this is more like the kids practicing IXL and Prodigy for school. We are using online resources to challenge our brains in a fun and exciting way.
I recommend the American Mahjong Practice App 2025 for your phone. It is $15/ year, so it is very affordable. This app has the 2025 card preloaded and doesn’t require WIFI, so you can play anywhere.
This app is the tool that I use to memorize the card when it comes out. The sequences that are most likely given your hand will pop up. The app also keeps track of how many wins you have had with each hand. I stay mostly on the bots screen found at the bottom, which hides the suggested hands to help me memorize on my own. You can find ways to challenge yourself endlessly on this app, so for $15 it is worth the price.
If I have my laptop and my card ready, I play ilovemahj.com. I have tried the Real Mah Jongg, Mahjong 4 Friends and many others, so I have done my research. ILoveMahj.com has an excellent practice area and multiple bot levels. I personally don’t play with other people online, but I know that is an option as well.
Social Clubs
I started Music City Mahjong when I moved to Nashville. It was a great way to meet people in a new city outside of my husband and kids. It started out with a few people and some instruction, but quickly it became so much more than I could have ever dreamed.
Social clubs are great because anyone can join and find a game. You come as you are or with a friend to experience other new players, share tile sets, try new table rules and talk all things mahj. I encourage members to swap numbers and try to get more games in outside of the social club. You may just find someone who wants to play again tomorrow!
My social clubs in Nashville, Chicago and Lake Geneva are free. I do not charge to host open play at Music City Mahjong, Chi City Mahjong or Lake Geneva Summer Mahjong. We just encourage everyone to be generous with the waitstaff and shop the boutique on their own.
Local establishments love hosting us because we are a group of savvy and educated people that they would love to have at their restaurant or boutique. We also collectively raise money for causes and charities that we support. These social clubs are a win for everyone!
Libraries
Local libraries everywhere are starting to offer mahjong open play. These are generally more quiet, serious and fast games. I often recommend the library only if you have had decent lessons and have practiced online.
If the library players intimidate you, ask if you can shadow a player. I know mahjong can be very intimidating, but generally these players are all happy to share their knowledge with new players.
Reach out to your teacher
Once you have learned, many of the teachers will know other players to help find you a regular group. They may have taught other players that live near you, have a similar schedule or same skill level.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the teacher. The best advertising for a mahjong teacher is their referrals, so they want everyone to keep playing and finding more potential players. Often, they may even need extra players to be the fourth in a lesson. This game is about so much more than the tiles and the sequences. Mahjong is about connection.
Buy tiles and order your own card set
The most important thing you need to do is invest in your new hobby. The materials for mahjong are essential.
I always recommend buy a set of NMJL cards and a set of alternative cards. This gives players flexibility and excitement when they come play with you.
The mahjong tiles set is up to you. I have a serious mahjong shopping problem, so I own almost every brand of tile and mat you can imagine. I even own an automatic mahjong table. You can read my reviews of mahjong tiles here.
Welcome to the world of mahjong!
It is a game that is constantly evolving and adding new accessories every day. The addiction to mahjong is real!
And you just though you were learning to play a simple game of Chinese dominoes….
