Frequently asked questions

For open play, yes. If you’re new, start with a group lesson or a private lesson, then try one of our beginner-friendly afternoons. See our lessons.

Your seat at a table of four for the afternoon, the tiles and racks, and a drink or small plate at the host restaurant. What’s on the plate varies by venue; each afternoon on the schedule says what’s included.

This year’s National Mah Jongg League card if you have one. If you don’t, we’ll share. If you have a favorite set, you’re welcome to bring it, but it’s never required.

Of course. We’ll seat you at a table with other players, so you won’t be on your own for long.

About two and a half hours, which is enough for a few full games and something to eat. Each event’s start time is on the schedule. Some are on weekdays and some are on weekends.

American Mahjong, using the current National Mah Jongg League card. If you learned another style, such as Chinese, Wright-Patterson or Riichi, we’re happy to explain the differences.

Yes. You can save up to four seats at once, so a table of friends can sit together.

No. There’s no money on the table at Midday Mahj, not even quarters. We play for fun and keep score in points if a table likes to. It keeps things friendly, and it’s also a rule our restaurant hosts need us to follow.

The price is listed on each afternoon on the schedule, and it covers your seat plus a drink or small plate at the venue.

Pick an afternoon on the schedule and tap Save my seat. Online payment is coming soon. Until then, we’ll let you know how to pay before the game.

Cancel 48 hours or more ahead and you’ll get a credit toward another afternoon. Inside 48 hours, seats are limited, so we can’t offer a credit, but if you’re sick or something comes up, email us and we’ll do what we can. You can also send someone in your place. The details are on our cancellations page.

If we have to cancel an afternoon, you’ll get a full refund and an email with other dates nearby.

We offer group lessons and private lessons. Group lessons are listed on the schedule, with the place for each one. Some are at a restaurant and some are at the instructor’s home. For a private lesson, you book an instructor for yourself and your friends. See lessons.

At your home or at one of our partner restaurants, in or near our towns. Tell us where you are and we’ll work it out.

Yes. Open play is for people who already know the game, so everyone new starts with a lesson. After a lesson or two, our beginner-friendly afternoons are a good next step.

Visit Host a table and send a quick note about your space. We’ll be in touch to talk it through.

Often, yes. A closed day or closed hours can make a lovely private room for an afternoon game. Tell us what you have in mind.

Apply on our Teach with us page. Then it’s a coffee with us, shadowing an afternoon, and teaching a table of your own.

Yes. Instructors are paid per session, straight to their bank through Stripe. We’ll talk specifics over coffee.

Yes. You should play regularly with this year’s National Mah Jongg League card and be comfortable explaining it to someone who has never seen one.