Mahj 101: Learn American Mahjong Step-by-Step, Video Series
This series is designed to be watched in order. Each video builds on the last, and you can pause, rewatch, or jump ahead at any time. For deeper explanations, printable references, and product links, each lesson also has a companion blog post.
Series Introduction - Learn American Mahjong for Beginners
Welcome to Mahj 101! To get the most out of this series, start here and watch the episodes in order. You will find it useful to have your National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) Card in front of you while you learn.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 1: What is Mahjong? What is American Mahjong? What you need to play.
Learn the objective of the game and what makes it different from other versions of mahjong. We cover what the NMJL Card is, why it changes each year, and what you actually need to play and host a game of mahjong.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 2: Mahjong Tiles Explained
Learn about the tiles in mahjong, what their designs mean, and how they are played during a game. Mahjong has three suits, Dots, Bams, and Craks, along with Dragons, Flowers, Winds, and Jokers.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 3: How to Read and Play the NMJL Card
Each year, the NMJL releases a new NMJL Card with all of the hands played for the year. Learn how to read the card, how to make the hands more flexible, and how exactly to choose a hand that works with the tiles you’ve been dealt.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 4: How to Set Up a Game of Mahjong & How to Deal
Learn how to properly set up your table for a game of mahjong. Dealing tiles can feel tricky at first; we’ve broken it down into an easy-to-remember process.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 5: How to Organize Your Tiles & Choose a Section of the NMJL Card
You've dealt the tiles and placed them on your rack, now what? Learn the best way to organize your tiles after the deal and how to choose a hand to play, starting with choosing a section on the card.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 6: The Charleston & Courtesy Pass
After the deal and before the gameplay begins, there is an opportunity to exchange tiles with the other players. This is your chance to refine your hand by getting rid of tiles you don't want and collecting some you do in this dance of the tiles.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 7: Mahjong Gameplay Basics
You're ready to start playing! Learn how to take turns in mahjong, how to draw & discard tiles, and how to call and expose a discarded tile to claim it for your hand.
→ Read the full guide & notes
Episode 8: How to Win Mahjong & Scoring/Betting
Learn how to declare & verify mahjong for your win. Learn how to score and bet, if you want to be more competitive in your mahjong play.
→ Read the full guide & notes
What You’ll Need to Play
To follow along with Mahj 101 and practice at home, you’ll want a few essentials on hand:
Having the right tools makes learning smoother and far more enjoyable.
→ Shop Mahjong Tile Sets
→ Shop Mahjong Accessories
A Note from Southern Sparrow
Mahj 101 was created to make American mahjong more approachable without sacrificing the beauty, tradition, and rhythm that make the game so special.
Whether you’re learning for the first time, returning after a break, or teaching friends, we hope this series helps you feel confident and excited to sit down and play.
Looking for a deeper dive?
Explore our blog for strategy guides, rule clarifications, and thoughtful resources designed to support players at every stage.