Learn the Game. Discover the Joy.
American Mahjong Lessons & Workshops Across the DC Metro Area
Whether you’re brand new or ready to sharpen your skills, Mahj Over Matter offers private lessons, small group instruction, and immersive boot camps — all designed to make learning Mahjong fun, social, and approachable.
Private 1:1 Lessons
Perfect for individual learners who want personal, customized instruction.
$150 for a 2-hour private lesson.
Includes all tiles, mats, racks, and teaching materials.
Typically taught at clients’ homes in the DC Metro Area (or occasionally from Jennifer’s dedicated Mahj Room in Chevy Chase, MD).
Private Group Lessons (2–8 participants)
Ideal for friends, families, or neighbors learning together.
Jennifer brings everything—tiles, racks, mats, and teaching materials—and tailors each session to your group’s pace and goals.
$60 per person
$240 minimum per session
2-hour lesson
Optional add-on:
Add a third hour for deeper practice and strategy — $30 per person
Mahj 101 – Learn the Fundamentals (1 session-2 hours)
Your introduction to American Mahjong.
Learn tile naming (dots, bams, craks, flowers, dragons, winds & jokers), how to decipher and create hands on the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, the basics of "The Charleston," and how to set up for play (building walls, determining East, dealing, etc.). You’ll finish understanding how to play—though not yet how to win.
Focus: the “T Zone” (the most frequently used card sections: 2468, 13579, Consecutive Numbers, Any Like Numbers, and 369).
Mahj 101 & 102 – Fundamentals + Guided Open Play (2 sessions -4 hours total)
Take the next step toward Mahjong Mastery.
Build on your foundation with guided open play and an introduction to basic strategy, calling, and exposures.
Reinforce 101 concepts (tile naming, Charleston review, reading the NMJL card), then layer on real-game decision-making. Learn the difference between exposed and closed hands, when/how to call discarded tiles, and develop timing/tile-management confidence.
As skills grow, we transition from open play (tiles visible for learning) to closed play (the standard real-game format).
Bundle pricing available when sessions are booked together.
Designed for groups who want continuity and steady progress.
Mahj 201 – Real-Game Play & Strategy ( 3 sessions- 6 hours total)
Discover the Joy.
Level up with extended guided play that simulates true Mahjong games.
We’ll refine advanced calling decisions, defensive strategy (when to hold or discard), and situational awareness (recognizing what’s been played and anticipating outcomes). Apply the full NMJL card, adapt to table dynamics, and polish etiquette.
With six focused hours, many students reach intermediate-level play, ready to join community games or host their own Mahjong nights.
Bundle pricing available when sessions are booked together.
Designed for groups who want continuity and steady progress.
Mahj 101 & 102 Boot Camp (1 session-4 hrs)
Tick tock!
Short on time but eager to dive in? This immersive 4-hour Mahj Boot Camp covers everything from the fundamentals to guided play — all in one focused session.
You’ll learn to:
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Identify and name all tiles (dots, bams, craks, winds, dragons, flowers & jokers)
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Understand the structure of the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card
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Master the Charleston, calling rules, and basic game flow
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Practice guided open play and begin transitioning to closed play
This immersive session combines the best of Mahj 101 and 102, letting you move from total beginner to confident player in a single sitting.
Price: $150 per person
Minimum: $480 (4 participants)
Why Learn with Me
Every lesson includes the use of high-quality Oh My Mahjong® tiles and Mahj Life teaching materials, plus clear handouts and quick-reference guides to keep practicing after class.
I’m certified by Oh My Mahjong® and Mahj Life (Michele Frizzell). My approach blends a structured, modern curriculum with a warm, welcoming vibe—demystifying the game and building confidence step by step.
Let’s Plan Your Mahjong Lesson!
Tell me a little about your experience and what you’re looking for — I’ll help you find the right fit, whether it’s a private lesson, group class, or full boot camp.
I’ll reply personally within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own Mahjong set?
No—everything is provided (tiles, racks, mats, teaching materials, and take-home references).
Where are lessons held?
Typically in clients’ homes or community spaces in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, and Upper NW DC; occasional lessons from my dedicated Mahjong space in Chevy Chase.
What should I bring?
Just yourself. If you’re hosting, a table for four and good lighting are ideal. I can bring a card table + four folding chairs for a small additional charge.
What if I don’t have four players?
No problem—lessons adapt for smaller groups or 1:1. I can also help pair you with other learners later.
What if my group has more than four beginners?
I use a “buddy system”—everyone learns together at one table for the first two-hour lesson, then we split into smaller groups for guided play in later sessions.
How big a group can you teach?
Structured for up to eight participants. Larger groups may be accommodated by bringing an assistant instructor or adjusting the format—mention this in your inquiry.
How long does it take to learn?
Most students grasp fundamentals after Mahj 101 (2 hours) and feel confident after 101 & 102 (4 hours). With 201 (6 hours), many reach intermediate-level play.
What’s open vs. closed play?
Open play: tiles visible for learning. Closed play: tiles hidden (normal games). We begin in open play and transition to closed play as you’re ready.
Do I need my own NMJL card?
If you have one, great! If not, I’ll provide one to use during the lesson (to be returned). If you plan to keep playing—you probably will—the small card is $14 and the large is $15 (recommended). Order at www.nationalmahjonggleague.com.
Will we use the current NMJL card?
Sometimes we’ll use a mock card that mirrors the official card’s sections and hand types but isn’t identical to any specific year—so you learn to read and interpret the NMJL card in a way that transfers year to year.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
See my website policy:
• 24+ hours: full refund or reschedule.
• <24 hours: non-refundable; may reschedule once (availability permitting).
• Special events/workshops: non-refundable but transferable.
• No-shows: not eligible for refund/reschedule.
• If I need to cancel/reschedule: you choose a full refund or credit.
What are your credentials?
I’m certified by Oh My Mahjong® and Mahj Life.
Do you have any affiliate discount codes?
Use code MAHJOVERMATTER for 10% off OMM products (except bundles).