FREE MAHJONG 101 · SIX SHORT LESSONS
From curious
to “let’s play.”
A friendly introduction to American mahjong. Meet the tiles, make sense of the card, and learn the rhythm of a game.
Your learning journey
Six lessons, at your own pace.
- Start here: what is American mahjong?
- Meet the tiles: suits, winds, dragons & jokers
- Make friends with the mahjong card
- The Charleston, one pass at a time
- Your first turn: draw, decide, discard
- Jokers, table manners & your next game
Mark lessons complete at the end of each lesson. Progress stays in this browser when local storage is available; no account is needed.
Start here: what is American mahjong?
Get to know the game, the goal, and what makes the American style different.
Open lesson ↗Meet the tiles: suits, winds, dragons & jokers
A gentle introduction to the families in an American mahjong set.
Open lesson ↗Make friends with the mahjong card
Learn how to approach the annual card without memorizing it.
Open lesson ↗The Charleston, one pass at a time
Understand why players pass tiles before normal play begins.
Open lesson ↗Your first turn: draw, decide, discard
Learn the flow of play and the difference between drawing and calling.
Open lesson ↗Jokers, table manners & your next game
Learn a few common boundaries and get ready to practice with people.
Open lesson ↗Make it feel familiar.
Try the tile trainer, flip a few flashcards, or take the beginner quiz.
Independent introductory lessons. Mingos & Mahj is not affiliated with the National Mah Jongg League. Use the current official card and rulebook for complete rules. Our editorial approach.