Classes

BAM! Beginners American Mahjong students in San Diego. Three tables of four students,  learning to play American MahjongMahjong.

Beginner Classes in San Diego

Our signature beginner series. BAM offers small group classes for beginners. 

No previous experience needed! 

This is a series of three 2.5-hour lessons that breaks the game down into easy to understand parts to learn American Mahjong from the ground up. Classes are casual, relaxed, and with an emphasis on fun. Small groups allow for tons of personal attention. 

Price is $120 for the series of three classes. We supply everything you need to learn the game, all you have to bring is your curiosity and excitement!

Custom Classes

Do you have a group of eight or more ready to learn together? We’ll bring the beginner classes right to your home, clubhouse, or business at a time that works for your group. You supply the tables, chairs, and enthusiasm, and we'll bring mats, racks, tiles, class materials, instructors, and everything else you need to learn the game.

Pricing is based on a minimum of 8 people at $175 per person and includes a NMJL 2026 card plus class materials for each player.

BAM! Beginner American Mahjong students learning and playing together at a custom class in San Diego
Beginners American Mahjong one-on-one class at Scripps Ranch, San Diego. Woman showing her winning Mahjong hand.

Private Lessons in San Diego

When group classes don’t fit your schedule, private lessons are a great option. And talk about individual attention! One-on-one instruction means total focus at your pace, and learning style. You'll be playing with your peeps in no time. These are currently only offered in the San Diego area and are for 1 or 2 people.

This is a series of 2 classes at your home or business. The price is $475 and includes a 2026 NMJL card and class materials. You supply the tables and chairs and we bring everything else right to you.

Review Classes

Has it been a while since you’ve played? Or maybe you're feeling a little rusty? If it’s been a few months, we’ve got you covered. This is a two-class refresher course that reviews all the basics to get you back to playing with your besties with confidence. 

We offer regularly scheduled review classes, and can also arrange a custom class to suit your personal needs. Watch our Class Schedule page, or Contact Us if you would like a custom review class.

Beginner American Mahjong Scripps Ranch, San Diego students learning to play Mahjong.

Guided Play for Beginners

This is NOT a learn-to-play class. Guided Play is for people who have completed a class and have started playing. You must know the tiles, be able to read the card, and understand the basics of the game. Not there yet? No worries. Register for our Beginners Class. It's fun!

You’ve completed a class, learned the rules, and now it’s time to play. Join us for regularly scheduled Guided Play sessions with other new players. Play in an easy-going non competitive atmosphere with the coaching and assistance you need to build confidence.

2.5 hours for $40 per person.

Or maybe you’ve completed a class and gathered your own group. Invite us to guide your game and we'll answer questions, clarify rules, and offer gentle strategy suggestions. A relaxed way to build confidence and get your Mahj on! Custom Guided Play requires a minimum of eight people for $50 per person.

BAM! Beginners American Mahjong students learning strategy and playing together in San Diego

Strategies for Beginners

This is for players who have completed a class and have been playing consistently for 4-6 months. Players should feel confident with rules and procedures, including the deal, the Charleston, and reading the NMJL card. It's for players who want to level up their game by learning basic strategy, break bad habits (especially the ones you didn't know you had), cultivate new smarter habits… and learn some of the really fun sneaky bits!  This is NOT a learn-to-play class.

Not there yet? No worries. Register for our Beginners Class, or Guided Play. They're great fun, and you'll learn so much.

One 2.5 hour class. Price is $65

Playing the New Card

April is so much more than tax month. Every Spring brings the new National Mah Jongg League card, and a fresh set of hands to learn to play.

This class focuses on understanding the new card, the patterns, and strategies specific for playing the new hands with confidence.

One 2.5 hour class. Price is $65

Team Building

Bring Mahjong to your workplace. BAM teaches your team the basics of American mahjong in a fun, low-pressure environment that encourages connection and collaboration. A refreshing break from the workday and an effective way to build cooperation among co-workers.

We will tailor classes to your company's style and make it fun for your staff to learn something new together. Contact us for more information.

Fundraisers

Looking for a fresh way to bring people together while raising funds for your organization? BAM partners with nonprofits, schools, clubs, and community organizations to create customized Mahjong classes and events that fit your group and your fundraising goals.

Whether your guests are complete beginners or already enjoy playing, we can create an engaging Mahjong experience that gives people a reason to gather, learn, play, and connect with your organization.

We’ll work with you to design the event, provide experienced instructors and all the Mahjong materials needed, to help create an experience that feels right for your organization. You can focus on bringing your community together and raising funds while we take care of the Mahjong.

Ready to explore a Mahjong fundraiser for your organization? Contact us to talk through the possibilities.

Business Promotions

Put the spotlight on your store, restaurant, or business by hosting a BAM event. A Mahjong event is a fun way to bring new customers through your door, introduce them to your business, and give them a reason to stay and connect.

We’ll work with you to create an engaging experience that fits your business and your audience, from beginner classes to social Mahjong events. We’ll provide the instructors, materials, and expertise to make your event easy to host and enjoyable for your guests.

Contact us to explore what a BAM event could look like for your business.

Messy Mahj

Messy Mahj is just that - it's messy! This relaxed, festive introduction to Mahjong is great for parties, celebrations, women's night out, and all sorts of group events. It may even turn those skeptics among you into die-hard players. You never know!

We'll teach you the basics of the game and guide you as you play. Once you see what the fuss is all about, you'll know if Mahjong is your thing. Be careful, you may get hooked! Give it a try, have some fun, and enjoy the experience with your friends.

We’ll bring the instructors and all the materials you need. You just bring your people!

The more the merrier!

Price is $75 per person with a minimum of 8 people.