learn to play mahjong with Us

Mahjong Lessons in London

Mahjong is a classic Chinese tile-based game with a rich history and global appeal. Believed to have originated during the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th century, it involves four players and a set of 144 tiles, comprising dots, bamboo, characters, winds, and dragons. The objective is to form a complete winning hand, typically consisting of four melds (sets of three tiles) and one pair. Players draw and discard tiles, aiming to create winning combinations while disrupting their opponents’ strategies. This dynamic blend of skill, strategy, and luck makes mahjong both challenging and enjoyable. There are various regional variations; Japanese riichi mahjong has unique scoring rules, while American mahjong incorporates card-based scoring. Despite these differences, the game’s core elements remain consistent, fostering social interaction and strategic thinking. Today, mahjong is played and loved worldwide, with clubs, tournaments, and online platforms connecting players from diverse cultures, ensuring the game’s enduring appeal.

The Story Behind Our Mahjong School

When we first started teaching Mahjong, we did it the way we had learned ourselves—sitting around a table, picking things up as our grandparents or friends explained the game. That worked for us, as Asians with the cultural and language background to make sense of it. But when we tried teaching our Western students the same way, we quickly saw them struggling. Many felt embarrassed that, even after hours of playing, they still didn’t fully grasp the rules or the logic behind the game.

To us, this wasn’t a problem with the learners—it was a problem with the way we were teaching.

So we put on our teacher hats and reimagined our approach. We broke the game down into clear, step-by-step instructions and adopted task-based learning methods that actively engage learners through solving real in-game situations. We don’t just teach—we guide, involve, and empower.

That’s how our Mahjong workshops were born. Since then, we’ve taught people of all ages and backgrounds, and we’ve tested and refined our method countless times. The result? We can confidently say: we never fail to teach someone how to play.

From Zero to Hero

We’ve broken down Mahjong learning into two structured steps, each covered in a 2-hour workshop. In New Beginners Level 1, you’ll start playing right away! We’ll introduce you to the tiles, sets, and winning hands while guiding you through the basic rules and game rhythm. By the end of this session, you’ll feel confident and ready to play Mahjong with others.

Since we don’t dive into scoring rules, bonus points, and special winning hands in Level 1, Not-So-Beginners Level 2 is designed to take your skills further. This workshop will deepen your understanding of Mahjong rules, sharpen your strategy, and help you maximize your scores.

🀄 Level 1: Newbie Workshop – Learn the fundamentals and start playing confidently
🀄 Level 2: Improver Workshop – Sharpen your gameplay and master scoring rules
🀄 Just Play – 2 hours of friendly games, good vibes, and great company, we might teach you how to play something else like “goulash”

A Social Game in a Social Space

Mahjong isn’t just about strategy — it’s about connection.
At Dear Asia, we’ve grown a vibrant community of learners and players who come together for our Just Play sessions. We’re not a commercial Mahjong club — we’re a welcoming space where people can enjoy a few games, share some laughs, and connect with others who love the game as much as they do.

What’s Included:

✔ Expert Mahjong Instructor – Learn from experienced teachers
✔ Mahjong Worksheets – Specially designed for all skill levels
✔ Free Tea & Coffee – Enjoy a warm drink while you play ☕
✔ Festive Treats – Occasional Asian delights to match our monthly events 🍡

Ready to play? Look at the event dates below and book for an unforgettable Mahjong experience! 🎉🀄