About this Event
Learn to Play American Mahjong
2-Part Beginner American Mahjong Series · Downtown Boise · Thursday Series
Why is everyone in Boise talking about Mahjong?
Because it's more than a game. It's strategy, laughter, friendship, and a reason to gather around a table week after week.
There are many versions of Mahjong, including Chinese and Hong Kong styles, plus the tile-matching games you see online, and it can feel confusing to know where to start. This series teaches American Mahjong using the official rules and playing card of the National Mah Jongg League.
A calmer way to learn
Most beginners are handed everything at once: tiles, the card, the Charleston, passing, and strategy, often before the tiles even feel familiar. We do it differently.
You'll start by simply getting to know the tiles: seeing them, naming them aloud, noticing how they relate, and building patterns. Only then do those patterns connect to the official card and the flow of the game, so you're never making decisions under pressure before you feel ready.
“She really takes it slow and couldn’t be any kinder.” — student review
Session 1 — Learn the Basics
This is where it begins. You'll get hands-on with the tiles from the very first minute and start recognizing the language and structure of the game. Most people leave Session 1 saying, “Oh, this actually makes sense.”
Session 2 — Game Flow & Strategy
Now that the tiles and card feel familiar, we shift into how a game actually unfolds: the Charleston, game flow, and beginner strategy, including the 6 Strategy Rules.
When
Session 1 — Learn the Basics: Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 · 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Session 2 — Game Flow & Strategy: Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 · 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Tickets
- Full Series (Recommended) — $80 — best for new players
- Session 1 only — Learn the Basics — $50
- Session 2 only — Game Flow & Strategy — $50 — best if you already know the basics
What comes next
This series is a natural pathway into Beginner Mahjong Play, held twice a month on Wednesdays, where you'll practice with other beginners and put what you learned into play. Once you feel confident, you're ready for Thursday Play, our weekly game where familiar faces gather to play hand after hand for the joy of it.
Everything you need for class is provided, no need to buy a set beforehand. See our FAQ for full prep details.
Come see what everyone’s talking about. Your seat at the table is waiting, reserve it above.
Event venue & nearby stays
LOCAL Boise, 250 East Myrtle Street, Boise, United States
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