Why are mahjong lessons suddenly so expensive? This isn't Grandma's game anymore with basic tiles and boring classes at the community center. Modern mahjong teachers are offering an experience, from teaching with fancy tiles, small group lessons and in-home parties.
Mahjong is exploding in popularity, especially in Nashville and Chicago. Finding a mahjong instructor seems to be on everyone’s mind. How do you find the right mahjong teacher for you that is worth the money?
Learning to play mahjong is an investment
The first thing you need to realize is that mahjong is an expensive hobby to pick up. A good mahjong teacher will bring a set of quality tiles, mat and racks to the lesson along with some cards and learning materials.
The tiles should represent the modern mahjong version that is popular today. These tiles run from $400-$500 a set, plus the mat and racks.
These are no small investment for anyone, including the mahjong instructor. You are essentially renting these during the lesson, so keep this in mind.
A good mahjong teacher will keep the group small
There is not a benefit to have a large party to learn mahjong. The ideal mahjong lesson is for 4-8 players. Beyond that, the instructor should bring in a helper to effectively teach the group.
In one standard two-hour lesson, the group should expect to learn the tiles, the deal and the Charleston and play 1-2 games.
There are always exceptions to this rule, but Missy Mahjong instructors all follow the practice of 4-8 players for an ideal lesson. We need to make sure that the fee makes sense for everyone. If you choose to have a smaller, more intimate lesson, the price will increase.
Mahjong teachers often come to you
A mahjong instructor often comes to your home, office or a restaurant to teach. This requires a lot of transportation and set up.
I insist on clean tiles, racks and mats for all lessons. So beyond the time spent traveling to the lesson, set up, break down and actually teaching, please consider the time teachers spend cleaning the tiles and the racks.
One mahjong lesson is not enough
I often teach only one lesson. I believe one lesson with me will give you all the building blocks to become a mahjong player. But that does not make you qualified to go out and play at the library unassisted yet.
Practice is essential in mahjong. I always suggest that people that are serious about learning to play must invest in one lesson, an online platform, a NMJL card and a set. Again, mahjong is an expensive hobby!
Watch how-to videos, play online and practice in the beginner apps, and practice making hands with your tiles at home. Your in-person lesson is just the beginning of your mahjong journey.
After one lesson, you should plan to shadow another player at an open play at a Missy Mahjong social club. If the table is patient and you have an experienced player at the table, you may be able to play right away while asking questions. The table can agree to give you grace as you make beginner mistakes.
Do not attend a paid open play unless you are ready. Another player that is paying $50pp to play will not find it enjoyable to be playing slow games with beginners.
Ask questions and read the rules
While you are practicing, you will have questions. There are excellent online communities that can answer questions, like Mahjongg, That’s It! on Facebook. The rules are printed on the NMJL card, so always consult the card for the official NMJL rules.
In addition, email me... or your teacher. A good teacher will be a resource for you long after the lesson. And seriously- I love mahjong questions so ask me!
The best mahjong teachers want you to learn... and then teach your friends
Mahjong is difficult to learn at first. Once you have mastered the basic rules and flow of the game, you can play at any table. It is a game of strategy and luck, so you have days that you win and days that you lose. A good player wants to experience all those days!
My favorite students learn from me, practice with the social clubs and go on to teach all of their friends.
Find a mahjong teacher that matches your learning style
Just like in school, a teacher might be great for one student and a dud for another. Teaching style is a thing, even in mahjong.
I learned from a very strict tournament player. She plays with traditional tiles, scores and plays quickly and quietly. She likes to teach in three sessions and teach slowly.She does not like table rules and is a NMJL purist. I adore her still to this day (and I talk to her on the phone almost every day).
My method of teaching is designed for friendly play. I teach the NMJL rules, but I give a lot of grace and “cheat sheets.” I want to get people playing after one lesson, so I teach them everything they need to know to practice online, practice sequences with the tiles and home and enough to understand the online tutorials.
I don’t teach about the history of mahjong or how to play concealed hands in the first lesson. I keep it light and fun and teach the basics. I want to get my students into the mahjong lifestyle!
How to find a mahjong teacher
The best way to find a teacher is through word of mouth. The more experience a teacher has had, the better they are at teaching and they can charge the higher prices.
Be sure a mahjong teacher gives you a path to play after the lesson. An experienced teacher will have that lined up, whether it is the library, social clubs or online.
Ask your friends that play to teach you for free. There is a good chance that your friends want more mahjong players and they have an interest in training you. The patience a friend has will be more than you may ever find with a paid mahjong teacher.
Don't be the last of your friends to learn to play mahjong
The time is now to learn to play mahjong. Sign up for a group lesson, hire a teacher or shadow some experienced players. This is the game everyone is talking about because it really is that fun!
