For many people, Mahjong can look intimidating at first. Rows of colorful tiles, unfamiliar symbols, and players calling out moves with confidence can make it seem like an impossible puzzle. “I could never learn that,” beginners often think.
But here’s the truth: Mahjong isn’t difficult to learn; it just feels unfamiliar at first. With the right guidance, a structured approach, and a little practice, anyone can progress from a complete novice to a confident player. We know this firsthand, as we had the opportunity to practice teaching our students in school. This experience allowed us to fine-tune our approach and develop a comprehensive teaching plan, resulting in a two-part tutorial series designed to transform Mahjong newcomers from zero to hero.
It’s pretty straight forward. In Level 1 or newbie stage, students learn the fundamentals and by the end of the session, they can play a full game, guaranteed. Level 2 we call it Improvers will take you further, teaching scoring, strategy, and tactics. Afterward, students can join our Just Play Club, where they practice, socialize, and refine their skills.
Here are three real stories of students who transformed their Mahjong skills from zero to hero each in their own way.
Case 1: Andrea — Learning Mahjong Alongside languages
Andrea first came to our school to learn Chinese. As a language student, she was fascinated by both the language and the culture behind it. When she heard about our Mahjong workshops, she decided to join as a fun way to connect with the culture she was studying.
At her first Level 1 workshop, Andrea was a little nervous. She had never played Mahjong before, and the piles of tiles looked very daunting. But her prior exposure to some Chinese vocabulary helped her recognise characters and suits quickly.
By the end of the session, Andrea had successfully formed her first hands and was calling out “Pong” and “Chow” with confidence. Level 2 introduced scoring, strategy, and timing. Andrea learned when to hold tiles, when to discard, and how to anticipate opponents’ moves.
“Mahjong has become the perfect way to reinforce my Chinese learning , it’s fun, interactive, and addictive!” Andrea said.
She quickly signed up and completed the Level 2. Now, she regularly attends our Just Play Club, where she enjoys the social aspect of the game while continuing to refine her mahjong skill. For Andrea, Mahjong isn’t just a game, it’s a bridge to culture, strategy, and fun.
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We know learning Mahjong on your own is hard—and not very fun. Dear Asia is the Mahjong school you’ve been looking for. Based in London, book tickets for our regular Saturday workshops below or hire our private Mahjong instructors.
Case 2: Simon — From Zero to Hero in a Single Day
Simon’s journey is a testament to how engaging and fast-paced our workshops can be. He signed up for Level 1 with no prior experience, just curiosity and a love of games. As a matter of fact, he’s one of those people who loves efficiency, he signed up for both Level 1 and Level 2 on the same day, as our two workshops are on different time slots.
During the first session, Simon learned to recognize all the suits, understand how to form sets, and play his first winning hand. Level 1 is designed so that by the end, every student can confidently play a complete game and Simon’s progress proved it. He then continued to Level 2.
Level 2 taught him scoring, more advanced strategies, and how to read other players’ moves. Simon quickly grasped defensive play, calculating risk, and spotting potential winning hands before anyone else. By the end of the day, he had gone from complete zero to hero, ready to join the Just Play Club and play with others, and practise strategy and confidence in building special hands.
“I never expected to go from total beginner to confident player in one day, but the Dear Asia’s workshops made it so easy!” Simon said.
Simon’s story shows how a well-structured program, clear instruction, and hands-on practice can accelerate learning especially for students who are eager and motivated.
Case 3: Julie — she just loves a good game
Julie, one of our retired students, like many others, initially questioned whether she would be quick enough to learn the game and keep up with others. Rest assured, we’ve successfully trained students ranging from 15 to 75 years old. It’s never about age; it’s more about your appetite to learn.
Our instructors are professionals who know how to slow down the pace and provide ample practice and guidance to ensure concepts stick. We welcome all questions and strive to make students like Julie feel comfortable in their learning journey. After completing Level 1 and Level 2 workshops, she no longer felt like a newbie to Mahjong. However, after a month without practice, she decided to book another Level 2 workshop to reacquaint herself with the rhythmic play.
After a total of three sessions, she continued to attend Just Play sessions for several months. Guess what? Now she’s organizing Mahjong sessions at her local community club! She’s confident enough to sit down and play with anyone and everyone and is eager to introduce the game to more people in her neighborhood. Well done, Julie!
Case 4: Chloe — Finding the flow and making new friends
Chloe already knows how to play Mahjong thanks to her family, but life in London has left her little time to organize games with friends. When she saw our Instagram post, she promptly booked a ticket to join us. Why not? For just £10, she can enjoy two hours of play while meeting new people in a sociable atmosphere on a relaxing Saturday afternoon.
Mahjong is like any enjoyable hobby: once you start, you’ll likely get hooked. Our regular Saturday afternoon Just Play sessions have quickly become a must in Chloe’s calendar. She’s feeling pretty confident that she might be able to beat her grandma the next time they play!
How Our Workshops Make Learning Easy
The success of students like Andrea, Simon, and Chloe comes from our structured, engaging, and supportive approach. Here’s what makes it work:
1. Step-by-Step Learning
We break Mahjong down into simple steps. Level 1 focuses on basics: suits, sets, and winning hands. Level 2 adds scoring, strategy, and tactics. Students never feel overwhelmed, and each class builds on the last.
2. Expert Instructors
All our instructors are professional teachers. They know how to explain complex concepts clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and make lessons engaging. With their guidance, students gain confidence fast and feel supported at every step.
3. Social and Supportive Environment
Mahjong is a social game, and our workshops reflect that. Students play in pairs or small groups, discuss strategies, and cheer each other on. After the workshops, our Just Play Club allows learners to continue practicing in a friendly, community-focused environment.
4. Guaranteed Results
After Level 1, every student can play a full game confidently. By Level 2, students understand scoring, strategy, and tactics. We’ve structured the program to ensure real progress quickly and reliably.
Tips for Beginners
For anyone considering learning Mahjong, here are some tips we share with our students:
- Start simple — Focus on recognizing suits and forming basic sets before worrying about strategy.
- Practice regularly — Even short practice sessions help your memory and pattern recognition.
- Observe others — Watch how experienced players manage their hands, then try to incorporate their strategies.
- Join a community — Playing with others, like in our Just Play Club, helps reinforce learning and makes the game more fun.
- Enjoy the process — Mistakes are part of learning. Celebrate small victories along the way.
Want to hire us?
London Mahjong Instructors
Our Mahjong instructors are professional teachers who know how to teach anyone to play—quickly, practically, and in a fun, social way. Read our reviews to see how well we do. Book us for your event—we’ve worked with celebrities, film sets, and large corporate functions!
Dear Asia Mahjong Workshop for Modern Learners
Mahjong isn’t just a traditional game, it’s a modern brain workout, a social hobby, and a way to connect with culture and strategy. Our students show that no matter your background or age, you can learn quickly, enjoy the process, and gain confidence.
If you’ve ever watched a Mahjong game and thought, “I could never learn that,” our workshops are designed to prove you wrong. With professional instructors, a clear structure, and supportive practice, anyone can become a skilled player and have fun doing it.
Join our next Mahjong Beginner Workshop and see for yourself — by the end of the session, you’ll be playing a full game, guaranteed. Your Mahjong journey could start today.
