To host your first mahj night, invite four people for each table, choose one style, and set up a square table with one full set. Plan on a slower first evening: start with the tiles, play a hand with everything face up, and only then play for real. If nobody knows the game, watch a lesson together and treat the night as a shared experiment. Keep snacks away from the tiles.
Before the night
Choose your style
Choose one style, and put it in the invitation. In the US, many new groups choose American mahjong. Each player then needs a current card, which you buy from the National Mah Jongg League. Order early, so that it arrives in time.
Invite in fours
Mahjong needs four players per table. A fifth player can sit out and rotate in, which also gives them time to watch and learn. If you have someone experienced, seat them where they can help the most.
Gather your gear
- A full set per table. Our set guide can help.
- Racks and pushers, if you are playing American style.
- Two dice.
- Copies of our cheat sheet.
- Small dishes or a side table for snacks.
Set the table
A square table works best. A square card table is ideal, and you can cover a slippery surface with a mat or cloth to keep tiles quiet. Good light helps a lot, since people need to read small tile faces.
An evening plan
Times are only a guide, so adjust as needed.
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| First 15 minutes | Welcome people, get drinks, and find seats |
| Next 15 minutes | Look at the tiles together, and name each group |
| Next 20 minutes | Play one hand with all tiles face up, talking through each choice |
| Next 60 minutes | Play real hands, with help available |
| A short break | Snacks, questions, and a chance to stretch |
| Final 45 minutes | A few more hands, a bit quicker |
Teaching beginners
- Teach only what they need now. Sets, turns, and the goal. Scoring can wait.
- Say what you are doing out loud. Explain why you kept or discarded a tile.
- Let people make mistakes. Tell them how to fix it, then carry on.
- Take the pressure away. Offer a do-over in the first few hands.
The Charleston takes practice, so consider letting new players try the trainer before they come.
Food and drink
Finger food leaves grease on tiles, so go for things you can eat with a fork or toothpick. Keep drinks on a side table, or use cups with lids. Tiles and spills do not mix, especially on older sets.
Scoring
For a first night, you do not need to keep score at all. If people enjoy that, keep a simple tally of points on paper. This site does not cover playing for money.
After the night
- Ask who wants to play again, and set a date before people leave.
- Share links for the lessons and trainers.
- Keep the group the same size, so it stays easy to plan.
If you need more players
Our guide to finding a group has ideas, and starting a club can grow from just a few regular nights.
Common mistakes
- Trying to teach everything at once. Teach in layers.
- Mixing styles. Decide on one and stick with it.
- Forgetting cards. American players each need their own.
- Crowding the table. Give each player room for a rack.