Atach Coach (by Ana Atach)

Education Consultant: Inspiring a love for learning, language, and culture at every age!

4. Mahj with Ana – American Mah Jongg Lessons

Recommended Lesson for Beginners:

3-Session Series: Learn to play Mah Jongg in a fun, supportive, and beginner-friendly environment! This three-part series is designed for those new to the game or looking to build a strong foundation.

Over the course of three sessions, participants will learn the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg, including tile recognition, gameplay mechanics, strategy basics, and how to read the card. Each session builds progressively, giving players the confidence to join games and play independently.

Perfect for individuals or friends who want to learn together—no prior experience needed!

The lessons are on AMERICAN Mah Jongg

UPCOMING LESSONS:

  • Date/Time: NOW BOOKING for SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 onwards
  • Location: Washington Square West or at your home (with a minimum of 4 people)
  • Total Instruction: 6 hours (3 sessions)
  • Cost: $180/person for the series (with a minimum of 4 people)

Interested in joining this session or planning your own private session with friends? Fill out the form below:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

RESOURCES

1. Weekly Newsletter:

Have you checked out this fantastic newsletter all about American Mah Jongg? I think you’ll love it! Click HERE to join for FREE.

2. Some helpful reminders

3. American Mah Jongg Beginner Buying Guide (2026)

New to American Mah Jongg and wondering what you actually need to buy?
The good news: you can get started for much less than many people think.

Budget-Friendly Starter Setup: For less than $80!

To begin learning, all you really need is:

✓ A set of tiles (Options B or C below)
✓ A way to stand your tiles (racks – option E)
✓ An official NMJL card

This is the most affordable way to get started.

What Set Should I Buy?

A) Complete Starter Set. Includes tiles, racks, and accessories. $85 https://amzn.to/4uKTAH5

B) Tiles Only – White Backs. Classic white-backed tiles. $39 https://amzn.to/4am0yKs

C) Tiles Only – Pink or Blue Backs. Classic tiles with colorful backs. $39 https://amzn.to/3RLGtXE

D) Exquisite Set w/4 layers Tiles Only: Luxury set at fraction of the price. $100. https://amzn.to/4fM1pGx

E) Premium Tiles Only. Beautiful decorative tile backs. $99 https://amzn.to/4o3Pwz7

F) Racks Only. Set of 4 racks available in multiple colors. $25 https://amzn.to/4vJ1v8f

G) Travel Set. Smaller tiles that are easy to transport and store. $57 https://amzn.  to/4fhWLRX

Where Do I Buy the Official Card?

Option A: National Mah Jongg League (Official Source). Regular Card: $14 / Large Card: $15. My recommendation: spend the extra $1 for the large card. It’s much easier to read. https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#

Option B: Amazon. Sometimes official NMJL cards are available on Amazon. Important: Only purchase the official National Mah Jongg League card to avoid counterfeit versions that may contain errors. https://amzn.to/3PRArUY

Helpful Extras for Beginners

A) Line Finder. Helpful while learning how to identify possible hands.

Tip: Use it temporarily. Once you become more comfortable, try playing without it since it can reveal your intended hand. $6.99 https://amzn.to /4o6pLym

B) 2026 Hand Tracker (Digital Download). A worksheet that helps you narrow down and track potential hands. $2.99 https://www.etsy.com/listing/4492986550/2026-mahjong-hand-tracker-worksheet


C) Mah Jongg Mat. Provides a non-slip playing surface and includes helpful reminders for beginners.

Colorful with info for beginners $26.99  https://amzn.to/45gvqZU

Another mat option $29.99 https://amzn.to/4x36Xnx

2026 Visual Reference Guides (Digital Downloads)

These resources help translate the NMJL card into visual examples, making it easier for newer players to recognize patterns and possible hands.

Option 1: Visual examples of hands and combinations.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4478282399/2026-mahjong-visual-card-reference-guide

Option 2: Printable practice tiles plus visual references for selected hands.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4478818956/2026-mahjong-cheat-sheet-printable-2026

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing through these links does not cost you anything extra and helps support the free resources I create for the Mah Jongg community.

4. Mah Jongg Apps to Practice and Play:

A) The Mahj App – Learn Mahjong. ONLY on APPLE: Phone or tablet. To Review Important Concepts: Tiles, Charleston: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-mahj-app-learn-mahjong/id6756587053

B) Practice the hands for FREE (on the computer): https://mahjong4friends.com/practice/american-mahjong/nmjl/making-a-hand

C) The Winning Hand: Annual Membership to play with tons of resources and other games to play. $39. https://mahjwana–wintheday.thrivecart.com/association/

D) Mah Jongg 4 Friends – To Play Online for Free (Website) https://mahjong4friends.com/

Also available for iPad: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mahjong-4-friends-multiplayer/id1552704332?platform=ipad