Here's a secret! Mah Jongg isn't really about the tiles. Every hand starts with a plan and almost immediately, life (or the player to your left) throws a wrench in it. Someone takes the tile you were counting on. You have to change your strategy on the fly. You're making decisions without all the information you wish you had. Sound familiar? It's a small, joyful rehearsal for everything else we navigate in life.
We teach Mah Jongg (in the Tampa Bay area) because it creates a warm low-pressure, challenging, and fun space to notice your own patterns - how you handle setbacks, stay present, and make peace with not having every answer. And as a bonus, research shows it sharpens executive function skills such as focus and decision-making along the way. So, while we're celebrating a win or laughing over a bad hand, something good is also happening upstairs (in our brains).
OUR SERVICES
Standard American Mah Jongg and Siamese Mah Jongg Classes
Mah Jongg looks simple, until you're staring at 13 tiles on your rack wondering what the heck to do next. A professional instructor takes the guesswork out of learning, so you build real skill and confidence from your very first game.
No "house rules" here! You'll learn proper National Mah Jongg Leaque rules from an accredited Mah Jongg instructor, so you can fit right in with any group who plays American style worldwide. What do you get with our lessons?
- You'll learn:
- How to recognize the playing tiles.
- How to build proper hands.
- How to read the playing card.
- How to do the Charleston.
- How the game is structured, from start to "Mah Jongg"!
- Basic game rules and proper play etiquette.
- You'll get:
- Real-time instruction and correction tailored to how you learn.
- A safe space to ask questions with no pressure and no judgment.
- Guided, hands-on play to help build your confidence.
- Resources to support you long after the class ends.
- A graduation gift.
- A ready-made community, as many students walk away with new friends and a regular game to join.
Classes are held at our storefront at
6142 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668
(Online lessons coming soon!)
We may also be able to accommodate classes at your location. Please contact us for more information by completing the registration form(opens in new tab).
Standard American Mah Jongg
- For beginners or those who need a refresher on game play and rules.
- Group classes are from 2 - 16 players.
- Individual lessons are one-to-one instruction for the fastest learning curve.
Siamese Mah Jongg
- For experienced standard Mah Jongg players wanting a change or more of a challenge.
- Classes are from 1 - 16 players.
- A fun variant of standard Mah Jongg.
eGift Cards Now Available!
eGift Cards may be used for classes and retail items we have for sale, such as tile sets, National Mah Jongg League official playing cards, and Mah Jongg Made Easy instruction book. You may find our eGift Cards here(opens in new tab) or simply use the QR code.
Mah Jongg 101 Group Lessons
2 - 16 Players
Per Person
Three 2-Hour Lessons
- If you have a group of two to 16 people, this class is for you! It's for beginners or for those who are familiar with Mah Jongg, but need a refresher to feel confident to play with others.
Mah Jongg 102 Group Lessons
2 - 16 Players
Per PersonTwo 2-Hour Lessons
- After completing Mah Jongg 101, take your skills to the next level with this course. Through guided play, you'll learn more strategic moves for the Charleston and defensive play, so your whole group can start on equal footing.
Individual Lessons (learn privately)
Three 2-Hour Lessons
- This class is for the individual who prefers one-to-one learning, or for those who want to learn the basics and gain the confidence to play with more experienced players.
Siamese Lessons
1 - 16 Players
Per Person
Two 2-Hour Lessons
- Siamese Mah Jongg is for experienced players who want to take their game to the next (fun) level! It is a game for two, three, or four players, making it more flexible than standard Mah Jongg.
Learning from an Accredited Instructor Makes a Real Difference
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Credentialing means accountability. Accreditation means the instructor has been vetted through an official body (objective third-party professional), so you know they've met a certain standard of knowledge and teaching ability, rather than just being someone who plays a lot.
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Correct fundamentals from the start. Mah Jongg has a lot of nuance - hand patterns, calling rules, scoring, etiquette - and it's easy to pick up bad habits or misconceptions from casual sources like YouTube videos or well-meaning friends. An accredited instructor teaches the game's official rules and structure accurately, so you're not unlearning mistakes later.
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Structured, efficient learning. Instead of piecing together fragments of information, an accredited instructor guides you through concepts in a logical order, starting with the basics and building up to strategy, so you progress faster and with less frustration.
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Understanding the "why," not just the "how." A good instructor doesn't just tell you which tiles to keep; they explain the reasoning behind strategic decisions, which helps you actually improve rather than just memorize moves.
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Confidence at the table. Mah Jongg has real social dynamics, such as etiquette, pacing, and unspoken norms among experienced players. Learning from an instructor helps you walk into a game feeling prepared rather than anxious about making mistakes in front of others.
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A better long-term relationship with the game. Mah Jongg is pattern- and memory-based, so learning it correctly from the start tends to make the game more enjoyable rather than confusing or intimidating, which increases the odds you'll stick with it!
Mah Jongg and Executive Function
When you play Mah Jongg, your brain is quietly thanking you the whole time!
Consistent Mah Jongg play can genuinely strengthen executive function, the same mental muscles behind focus, planning, working memory, organization, and emotional regulation.
The Benefits of Playing Mah Jongg
It's not just your grandmother's game anymore (although we bet she's lots of fun!).
Mahjong is played around the world (many countries have their own version) and American Mah Jongg has been played in the US since 1923. In recent years, it has experienced quite a resurgence. It's loved by children and adults alike, and many stars have helped promote the fun in interviews and videos. Some stars who are particularly excited about their love of the game include Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, Amy Poehler, Savannah Guthrie, Julia Roberts, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Billy Crystal.
The Benefits of Playing Mah Jongg
Cognitive Benefits:
- Sharpens memory and concentration by requiring players to track discarded tiles, opponents' moves, and changing probabilities.
- Boosts strategic thinking and planning, since players must constantly adapt tactics based on the tiles they draw.
- Exercises pattern recognition skills as players work out winning hand combinations.
- May help delay cognitive decline. Studies on similar tile/board games suggest regular play supports brain health, especially in older adults.
The Benefits of Playing Mah Jongg
Social Benefits:
- Encourages face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.
- Builds intergenerational connection as Mah Jongg is often played across age groups, from grandparents to grandchildren.
- Creates a shared cultural experience, since the game carries years of tradition across over 50 countries worldwide.
- Fosters community through regular game nights, clubs, and tournaments.
The Benefits of Playing Mah Jongg
Emotional and Mental Wellness:
- Provides stress relief through focused, absorbing gameplay.
- Builds resilience and patience, since luck plays a role alongside skill.
- Offers a sense of accomplishment from completing winning hands.
- Can be meditative as the rhythmic shuffling and structured turns create a calming routine.
The Benefits of Playing Mah Jongg
Skill Building:
- Improves math skills through scoring and probability calculations.
- Teaches adaptability and flexibility, as players must rethink strategy when the situation shifts (which is often).
- Develops patience and emotional regulation, especially when dealing with losing hands gracefully.
The Benefits of Playing Mah Jongg
Accessibility and Lifestyle:
- Suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels.
- Portable and playable almost anywhere, using physical sets and digital apps.
- Offers both competitive and casual play styles, fitting different moods, levels, and occasions.
Think Your Best Life offers in-person professional Mah Jongg lessons in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, including, but not limited to, Spring Hill, Brooksville, Hudson, Bayonet Point, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Elfers, Trinity, Odessa, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Tampa, New Tampa, South Tampa, Carrollwood, Northdale, Midtown, Keystone, East Lake, Palm Harbor, and Tarpon Springs.
