A’s for your possible Q’s
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you've been wondering about Mahjong, lessons, and how to get started - answered honestly and without the jargon.
About the game
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Not at all - it just looks that way at first! American Mahjong has a few moving parts, but once you understand the basics, the game becomes surprisingly intuitive. Most beginners go from “This looks complicated” to “Wait… I think I’ve got it!” very quickly.
With the Mahjong Made Simple method, you’ll learn the game step by step in a relaxed, supportive environment. The goal isn’t perfection - it’s getting comfortable enough to sit down at the table and start playing with confidence.
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No Chinese language skills are required.
American Mahjong, the version most commonly played in the United States, uses tiles with English letters and numbers. Players follow a yearly card published by the National Mah Jongg League that shows the possible winning hands.
Everything you need to know - tiles, patterns, and game flow - is taught clearly during your lessons.
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Mahjong has several variations played around the world, but the two most commonly discussed are American Mahjong and Chinese Mahjong.
American Mahjong is the version most widely played in the United States. It uses a yearly card published by the National Mah Jongg League that lists the possible winning hands for that year. The game also includes special elements like jokers and the Charleston, which make the gameplay especially dynamic and social.
Chinese Mahjong follows a different scoring system and does not use the yearly card. The rules and winning hands are determined differently, and there are many regional variations.
At Master Your Mahjong, we teach American Mahjong, which is the version played in most clubs, communities, and social groups throughout St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area.
About lessons & classes
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With my Mahjong Made Simple method, most beginners can start playing after just one lesson. Ongoing practice, social play, and continued learning help deepen your skills and comfort - and that’s where the real magic of the game unfolds.
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Open Group Classes:
Ideal for solo learners
Structured, step-by-step beginner curriculum
Great way to meet new friends and future table mates
Private Lessons:
Customized to your pace
Perfect for friend groups or small gatherings
Flexible timing and location
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I’ve happily - and successfully - taught Mahjong to groups of 1 to 50, so just about anything is possible.
Private lessons are perfect for 4–16 people, with a minimum of 4 attendees required. If your group has fewer than 4, no problem - you’re still welcome to book! You’ll simply cover the minimum lesson fee.
And yes, odd numbers are absolutely fine. Mahjong doesn’t require perfectly matched pairs to learn and play during a lesson.
For groups larger than 16, I recommend a custom event so everyone gets the right level of attention and support.
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Nope! I bring everything you need - tiles, racks, mats, teaching tools, reference sheets, and all the good vibes.
If you already have a set, wonderful - we can absolutely use it. But nothing is required to start learning.
If we’re meeting in your space for a private lesson, your only responsibility is to provide tables (most kitchen or dining tables work well), chairs, and any drinks or snacks you'd like to offer your guests.
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Yes! I love when students bring their own sets - it helps you get comfortable with what you’ll use at home.
If you’re unsure whether your set works for American Mahjong, I’ll guide you through everything. Email me a pic of your set and I’ll help you figure it out!
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You can learn American Mahjong with Master Your Mahjong in several ways throughout the Tampa Bay area.
I offer:
beginner Mahjong classes
private lessons for small groups
strategy workshops
social Mahjong events and open play
Lessons and events take place in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and throughout the Tampa Bay area (so, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties), with options for both in-person and virtual learning.
If you’re curious about Mahjong but not sure where to start, a beginner lesson is the perfect place to begin.
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Yes! I offer private 1:1 Zoom lessons for those who want personal guidance from anywhere in the world. You’ll get a digital recap afterward so everything sticks.
About events & open play
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Yes! If you already know the basics and can play a full game with light guidance, come join us!
If you’re brand-new and have never learned or played, start with a Private Lesson or Group Class - you’ll be ready for socials in no time!
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Yes! I love creating custom Mahjong experiences for private clubs, neighborhoods, corporate wellness events, charities, and private groups.
From relaxed “learn & play” gatherings to full beginner workshops, I can tailor something joyful, stylish, and fun for your group. Pricing is based on size, complexity, and level of involvement. Interested in learning more? Contact me and let’s chat!
Booking & policies
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You’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need: location details, what to expect, and how to prepare.
For private lessons, you’ll also receive an email to capture all players’ contact information so that you and your friends can have the best mahj experience possible.
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Life happens! I kindly ask for 48 hours’ notice to reschedule for another class/lesson within 6 weeks of the original booking date. No refunds are issued.
All bookings are non-refundable. If you can't attend your scheduled lesson, you may reschedule once within 6 weeks of the original date at no additional charge.
And also… I understand life doesn't always fit neatly inside a 6-week window. When extenuating circumstances genuinely prevent rescheduling (extended travel, family emergencies, medical issues, major life events), a partial refund may be granted based on the notice you gave from the original lesson date. To request an exception, email gaia@masteryourmahjong.comwith your original booking date and a short note about your circumstances.
Events, large group classes, and multi-week programs may have unique policies - all details are shared when booking.
“Most women who walk into their first lesson tell me they were nervous. Most leave saying they can't wait to play again.”
— GAIA BANOVICH
Still have questions?
Reach out directly - or just go ahead and book. Everything you need to know will be in your confirmation email.