To start a mahjong club, find three other players, choose one style, and set a regular time and place. A library room or a friend’s home works fine. Decide how you will welcome beginners, and keep things simple at first. Once you have met a few times, add a notice at your library or online, and let the group grow at its own pace.
Step 1: Find your first three
Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You do not need experts. If nobody knows the game, learn together using our lessons.
Step 2: Choose a style
Pick one and say so in every notice. It saves a lot of confusion later. Our variant guide can help you decide.
Step 3: Pick a time and place
Choose a time that is easy to remember, such as the first Tuesday of each month. Places to consider:
- Your home, for a small group.
- A library or community room. Many have free or low-cost rooms.
- A cafe or game shop, with their permission. Ask at a quiet time.
Step 4: Get the gear
You need a set for each table, with racks if you play American style. Ask members to bring what they have. Our set guide helps if you need to buy one. American players each need their own League card.
Step 5: Set a few ground rules
Write these down, and share them:
- Which style and which rules you use.
- Whether you keep score, and how.
- That beginners are welcome, and how you help them.
- How to let the group know if you cannot come.
- That the club is for friendly play.
Step 6: Welcome beginners
Beginners keep a club alive. A few ideas:
- Have one table for learning.
- Pair each new player with a patient one for their first night.
- Keep printed cheat sheets on hand.
- Point new players to our trainers between meetings.
Step 7: Spread the word
Here is a sample notice:
Mahjong club, all levels welcome. We play American mahjong on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Main Street Library. Beginners are welcome. Bring your card if you have one. Questions? Email us at (your address).
Change the details to fit your group. Post it at your library, community center, and local social groups. Then send it to us for our directory. We will check it, and listing is free.
Keeping it going
- Meet regularly. Consistency matters more than size.
- Share the work. Rotate hosting and reminders.
- Keep the tone friendly. New players notice how people treat mistakes.
- Mark the new card. American groups can make a night of learning it each year.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for enough people. Four is enough.
- Trying to be everything. It is fine to focus on one style.
- Skipping the beginners. They become next year’s regulars.