About
A complimentary introduction to American Mahjong, designed to make your first seat at the table feel a little more familiar. Before the Table is our complimentary online introduction to the game, thoughtfully created for those who are entirely new to mahjong or simply want to understand the essentials before joining us at Mahj Studios. Move through the course at your own pace as we introduce you to the language, rhythm, and foundational elements of American Mahjong. You’ll become familiar with the tiles and suits, learn how a traditional hand is structured, explore the role of the National Mah Jongg League card, and begin to understand the basic flow of play. Consider Before the Table your first glimpse into the game. It is designed to take away some of the mystery, give you a shared vocabulary, and help you arrive at your first in-person class feeling comfortable, curious, and ready to learn. What You’ll Explore: - The tiles, suits, and symbols of American Mahjong - Essential terminology and table language - The anatomy of a mahjong hand - An introduction to the National Mah Jongg League card - The basic objective and flow of the game - What to expect when you take your first seat at the table - The next steps in your Mahj Studios learning experience No prior experience is necessary, and there is no need to own a mahjong set before beginning. The course is entirely online, complimentary, and yours to explore on your own time. Before the Table is an introduction rather than a replacement for hands-on instruction. For guests who are new to American Mahjong, we recommend completing our in-studio Mahj Foundations class before reserving a table for independent play in the Studio. Together, these experiences are designed to build the understanding, confidence, and table etiquette that make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Begin here. Meet us at the table when you’re ready.