Events
Guided Play - AR Workshop St. Petersburg | Oct 12
After class, the group chat lights up with "game Thursday?" Then everyone sits down, and nobody can remember which way the Charleston goes.
Guided Play is the in-between. For the first hour, I float between tables and help when you get stuck. For the second hour, you play on your own and put it to work.
Not sure whether to call that tile? Raise a hand. You get the why, then you make the call.
WHAT THIS IS (AND ISN'T)
This is play time, not a lesson. I don't teach from the front, and I don't sit one-on-one. During the first, guided hour, I move from table to table, answering questions and untangling tricky moments as they come up. After the first hour, the hands are yours. I'll still be in the room, but the second hour is for playing on your own.
Because I'm there for the whole room, you'll need the basics before you sit down: the tiles, the Charleston, and how to read the card. New to mahjong? Start with Mahjong 101. Want focused time on your own game? A private lesson is the better fit.
GUIDED PLAY OR OPEN PLAY?
At Open Play, you're on your own. At Guided Play, you get an hour of help, then an hour to prove you didn't need it.
YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
More full games under your belt
A calmer, quicker Charleston
The nerve to call a tile
Discards you can explain
THE DETAILS
2 hours of play: 1 hour guided, 1 hour on your own
$30
For players who have taken Mahjong 101 or already know the basics
Everyone plays. Nobody watches from the side.
AR Workshop St. Petersburg. Free parking.
This class is organized & managed by AR Workshop St Pete. The registration link will take you to their sign-up system. If the option to register isn’t available, it means the class is full.
A Taste of Mahjong - Perry’s Porch | Oct 15
Most people who stop me to ask about mahjong say the same thing. They've always wanted to learn, and they just never started. This is the easiest place to start.
A Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute morning introduction on the porch at Perry's, with a matcha or coffee in your hand. You'll have tiles in front of you in the first ten minutes, not a lecture.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and want to see what the fuss is about
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and wondered if it's for you
You'd like to try mahjong before committing to a full class
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, so I leave out everything you don't need on your first morning. We keep it light, we keep it moving, and nobody is expected to know anything.
What we'll cover:
The tiles, the suits, and what all those little pictures mean
How to read a simplified mahjong card
How the Charleston starts, the famous tile swap at the beginning of every game
A practice hand played together, with me guiding every move
This is a first taste, so you won't leave with mastery of the game. You'll leave knowing whether you love it and exactly what to do next. When you're ready for more, my full Mahjong 101 class takes you the rest of the way to playing a real game - or you can come back and attend the taste introduction again.
$28 per person. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else.
Please arrive at 8:45 to settle in and pick up your drink, so we can start right at 9:00. Class ends at 10:30, and you're welcome to stay afterward and enjoy Perry's Porch. You can make a reservation for their delicious lunch or brunch.
Bring a friend, sign up together. Coming on your own? Come on your own. I will seat you, and you'll meet people who are just as new as you are.
Already play? Open play runs on the porch at the same time. It's free, there's no need to register, and you can come as you are. Just BYOT (bring your own tiles).
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another on the calendar.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 4 people in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I'll move your spot to another date.
Mahjong + Matcha Open Play - Perry’s Porch
Already know how to play? Pull up a chair on the porch. Mahjong + Matcha open play is a relaxed Thursday morning game in downtown St. Pete, with no cost and no registration.
Bring your own tiles, your card, and a friend or two. Tables fill as people arrive, so come with a group of four or join a table that needs another player.
Open play is for people who already know the game. It isn't taught or guided, so everyone plays at their own pace and by the usual rules. If you're brand new, book A Taste of Mahjong with Gaia, which runs at the same time on the porch.
Perry's has a full coffee and matcha bar, plus breakfast pastries and morning bites. Order at the counter before you settle in, and you're welcome to stay for brunch after we wrap up at 10:30.
Cost: Free
Bring: Your own tiles and card (BYOT)
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with quarters, cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Mahjong & Mimosas Open Play - Paloma House | Oct 16
Late morning mahjong at Paloma House. Two hours, mimosas optional, no lesson.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so I know how many tables to set, and cancel from the same button if something comes up.
Paloma House hosts us and offers $5 mimosas while we’re there.
You don't need to bring a group; you’ll fit right in without one.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next open play social.
Mahjong 102 - AR Workshop St. Pete | Oct 19
The most common thing I hear in 102 is "I know the rules, I just don’t know what to do next."
Usually it happens at the Charleston, or the moment someone has to call a tile.
This class is for you if:
The Charleston still throws you
You hesitate to call a tile because you're not sure you should
You second-guess almost every discard
You took an intro class and haven't played much since
We slow down the parts that trip people up and play through them until they stop being decisions and start being habits. I'll answer the questions you didn't want to ask in a beginner class.
Bring your 2026 NMJL card if you have one. I'll have loaners.
You'll need an intro class and some basic game knowledge to get the most out of this one. If you're starting from zero, Mahjong 101 is your class.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 8 students in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I’ll reschedule your spot for another date.
This class is organized & managed by AR Workshop St Pete. The registration link will take you to their sign-up system. If the option to register isn’t available, it means the class is full.
Mahjong & Mimosas Open Play - Paloma House | Oct 23
Late morning mahjong at Paloma House. Two hours, mimosas optional, no lesson.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so I know how many tables to set, and cancel from the same button if something comes up.
Paloma House hosts us and offers $5 mimosas while we’re there.
You don't need to bring a group; you’ll fit right in without one.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next open play social.
Mahjong & Martinis Open Play - The Blu Halo | Nov 1
REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE BLU HALO RESTAURANT BY CALLING 727-202-7620
Sunday evening mahjong at The Blu Halo in Carillon. Two hours, a drink if you want one, and a good way to end the weekend.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so the restaurant knows how many tables to set.
The Blu Halo hosts us, so please order a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101, then come to the next one.
Mahjong 101 - AR Workshop St Pete | Nov 2
The question I get most before a class is whether mahjong is too complicated. It isn't. If you can count to nine, you can play American Mahjong.
This class runs two and a half hours, and you'll play a real game before you leave.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and you're starting from zero
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and quietly decided you'd never catch up
You own a set that's still sitting in its box
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, which means I leave out everything you don't need on day one. You'll have tiles in your hands in the first fifteen minutes, not a lecture.
What you'll learn:
The basic rules and rhythm of American Mahjong
How to read the National Mah Jongg League card
Tile names, suits, and the strategies that help when you're new
How to set up, deal, and start playing on your own
$75 per person for the full class. Everyone plays, nobody watches from the side. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else. You don’t need a group, but tell a friend, and you can learn together.
This class is organized & managed by AR Workshop St Pete. The registration link will take you to their sign-up system. If the option to register isn’t available, it means the class is full.
The Mahjong Social Open Play - The Library Restaurant | Nov 3
Three hours of open play at The Library Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg. No lesson, no structure, just tables and games.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Seats are $10 each, reserved ahead, and non-refundable.
Please support The Library by ordering a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
You don't need to bring a group. I'll seat you.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next one.
Mahjong 102 - Paloma House | Nov 5
Already taken an intro class or know the very basics? This is your next step.
Guided Play - Dillard’s Tyone Square | Nov 7
After class, the group chat lights up with "game Thursday?" Then everyone sits down, and nobody can remember which way the Charleston goes.
Guided Play is the in-between. For the first hour, I float between tables and help when you get stuck. For the second hour, you play on your own and put it to work.
Not sure whether to call that tile? Raise a hand. You get the why, then you make the call.
WHAT THIS IS (AND ISN'T)
This is play time, not a lesson. I don't teach from the front, and I don't sit one-on-one. During the first, guided hour, I move from table to table, answering questions and untangling tricky moments as they come up. After the first hour, the hands are yours. I'll still be in the room, but the second hour is for playing on your own.
Because I'm there for the whole room, you'll need the basics before you sit down: the tiles, the Charleston, and how to read the card. New to mahjong? Start with Mahjong 101. Want focused time on your own game? A private lesson is the better fit.
GUIDED PLAY OR OPEN PLAY?
At Open Play, you're on your own. At Guided Play, you get an hour of help, then an hour to prove you didn't need it.
YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
More full games under your belt
A calmer, quicker Charleston
The nerve to call a tile
Discards you can explain
THE DETAILS
2 hours of play: 1 hour guided, 1 hour on your own
$20
For players who have taken Mahjong 101 or already know the basics
Everyone plays. Nobody watches from the side.
Dillard's Tyrone Square, upstairs in the home goods department. Free parking.
BRING A FRIEND
Sign up together, and there's a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Perfect. I'll seat you, and you'll leave with people to play with.
A NOTE ON NUMBERS
Guided Play needs at least 6 players to run. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't reach 6, I'll move your spot to another date.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another one on the calendar.
A Taste of Mahjong - Perry’s Porch | Nov 12
Most people who stop me to ask about mahjong say the same thing. They've always wanted to learn, and they just never started. This is the easiest place to start.
A Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute morning introduction on the porch at Perry's, with a matcha or coffee in your hand. You'll have tiles in front of you in the first ten minutes, not a lecture.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and want to see what the fuss is about
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and wondered if it's for you
You'd like to try mahjong before committing to a full class
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, so I leave out everything you don't need on your first morning. We keep it light, we keep it moving, and nobody is expected to know anything.
What we'll cover:
The tiles, the suits, and what all those little pictures mean
How to read a simplified mahjong card
How the Charleston starts, the famous tile swap at the beginning of every game
A practice hand played together, with me guiding every move
This is a first taste, so you won't leave with mastery of the game. You'll leave knowing whether you love it and exactly what to do next. When you're ready for more, my full Mahjong 101 class takes you the rest of the way to playing a real game - or you can come back and attend the taste introduction again.
$28 per person. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else.
Please arrive at 8:45 to settle in and pick up your drink, so we can start right at 9:00. Class ends at 10:30, and you're welcome to stay afterward and enjoy Perry's Porch. You can make a reservation for their delicious lunch or brunch.
Bring a friend. Sign up together, and there is a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Come on your own. I will seat you, and you'll meet people who are just as new as you are.
Already play? Open play runs on the porch at the same time. It's free, there's no need to register, and you can come as you are. Just BYOT (bring your own tiles).
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another on the calendar.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 4 people in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I'll move your spot to another date.
Mahjong + Matcha Open Play - Perry’s Porch | Nov 12
Already know how to play? Pull up a chair on the porch. Mahjong + Matcha open play is a relaxed Thursday morning game in downtown St. Pete, with no cost and no registration.
Bring your own tiles, your card, and a friend or two. Tables fill as people arrive, so come with a group of four or join a table that needs another player.
Open play is for people who already know the game. It isn't taught or guided, so everyone plays at their own pace and by the usual rules. If you're brand new, book A Taste of Mahjong with Gaia, which runs at the same time on the porch.
Perry's has a full coffee and matcha bar, plus breakfast pastries and morning bites. Order at the counter before you settle in, and you're welcome to stay for brunch after we wrap up at 10:30.
Cost: Free
Bring: Your own tiles and card (BYOT)
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with quarters, cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
A Taste of Mahjong - Perry’s Porch | Nov 19
Most people who stop me to ask about mahjong say the same thing. They've always wanted to learn, and they just never started. This is the easiest place to start.
A Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute morning introduction on the porch at Perry's, with a matcha or coffee in your hand. You'll have tiles in front of you in the first ten minutes, not a lecture.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and want to see what the fuss is about
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and wondered if it's for you
You'd like to try mahjong before committing to a full class
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, so I leave out everything you don't need on your first morning. We keep it light, we keep it moving, and nobody is expected to know anything.
What we'll cover:
The tiles, the suits, and what all those little pictures mean
How to read a simplified mahjong card
How the Charleston starts, the famous tile swap at the beginning of every game
A practice hand played together, with me guiding every move
This is a first taste, so you won't leave with mastery of the game. You'll leave knowing whether you love it and exactly what to do next. When you're ready for more, my full Mahjong 101 class takes you the rest of the way to playing a real game - or you can come back and attend the taste introduction again.
$28 per person. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else.
Please arrive at 8:45 to settle in and pick up your drink, so we can start right at 9:00. Class ends at 10:30, and you're welcome to stay afterward and enjoy Perry's Porch. You can make a reservation for their delicious lunch or brunch.
Bring a friend. Sign up together, and there is a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Come on your own. I will seat you, and you'll meet people who are just as new as you are.
Already play? Open play runs on the porch at the same time. It's free, there's no need to register, and you can come as you are. Just BYOT (bring your own tiles).
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another on the calendar.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 4 people in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I'll move your spot to another date.
Mahjong + Matcha Open Play - Perry’s Porch | Nov 19
Already know how to play? Pull up a chair on the porch. Mahjong + Matcha open play is a relaxed Thursday morning game in downtown St. Pete, with no cost and no registration.
Bring your own tiles, your card, and a friend or two. Tables fill as people arrive, so come with a group of four or join a table that needs another player.
Open play is for people who already know the game. It isn't taught or guided, so everyone plays at their own pace and by the usual rules. If you're brand new, book A Taste of Mahjong with Gaia, which runs at the same time on the porch.
Perry's has a full coffee and matcha bar, plus breakfast pastries and morning bites. Order at the counter before you settle in, and you're welcome to stay for brunch after we wrap up at 10:30.
Cost: Free
Bring: Your own tiles and card (BYOT)
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with quarters, cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
The Mahjong Social Open Play - The Library Restaurant | Dec 1
Three hours of open play at The Library Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg. No lesson, no structure, just tables and games.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Seats are $10 each, reserved ahead, and non-refundable.
Please support The Library by ordering a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
You don't need to bring a group. I'll seat you.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next one.
Guided Play - Dillard’s Tyrone Square | Dec 5
After class, the group chat lights up with "game Thursday?" Then everyone sits down, and nobody can remember which way the Charleston goes.
Guided Play is the in-between. For the first hour, I float between tables and help when you get stuck. For the second hour, you play on your own and put it to work.
Not sure whether to call that tile? Raise a hand. You get the why, then you make the call.
WHAT THIS IS (AND ISN'T)
This is play time, not a lesson. I don't teach from the front, and I don't sit one-on-one. During the first, guided hour, I move from table to table, answering questions and untangling tricky moments as they come up. After the first hour, the hands are yours. I'll still be in the room, but the second hour is for playing on your own.
Because I'm there for the whole room, you'll need the basics before you sit down: the tiles, the Charleston, and how to read the card. New to mahjong? Start with Mahjong 101. Want focused time on your own game? A private lesson is the better fit.
GUIDED PLAY OR OPEN PLAY?
At Open Play, you're on your own. At Guided Play, you get an hour of help, then an hour to prove you didn't need it.
YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
More full games under your belt
A calmer, quicker Charleston
The nerve to call a tile
Discards you can explain
THE DETAILS
2 hours of play: 1 hour guided, 1 hour on your own
$20
For players who have taken Mahjong 101 or already know the basics
Everyone plays. Nobody watches from the side.
Dillard's Tyrone Square, upstairs in the home goods department. Free parking.
BRING A FRIEND
Sign up together, and there's a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Perfect. I'll seat you, and you'll leave with people to play with.
A NOTE ON NUMBERS
Guided Play needs at least 6 players to run. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't reach 6, I'll move your spot to another date.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another one on the calendar.
Mahjong & Martinis Open Play - The Blu Halo | Dec 6
REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE BLU HALO RESTAURANT BY CALLING 727-202-7620
Sunday evening mahjong at The Blu Halo in Carillon. Two hours, a drink if you want one, and a good way to end the weekend.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so the restaurant knows how many tables to set.
The Blu Halo hosts us, so please order a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101, then come to the next one.
A Taste of Mahjong - Perry’s Porch | Dec 10
Most people who stop me to ask about mahjong say the same thing. They've always wanted to learn, and they just never started. This is the easiest place to start.
A Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute morning introduction on the porch at Perry's, with a matcha or coffee in your hand. You'll have tiles in front of you in the first ten minutes, not a lecture.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and want to see what the fuss is about
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and wondered if it's for you
You'd like to try mahjong before committing to a full class
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, so I leave out everything you don't need on your first morning. We keep it light, we keep it moving, and nobody is expected to know anything.
What we'll cover:
The tiles, the suits, and what all those little pictures mean
How to read a simplified mahjong card
How the Charleston starts, the famous tile swap at the beginning of every game
A practice hand played together, with me guiding every move
This is a first taste, so you won't leave with mastery of the game. You'll leave knowing whether you love it and exactly what to do next. When you're ready for more, my full Mahjong 101 class takes you the rest of the way to playing a real game - or you can come back and attend the taste introduction again.
$28 per person. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else.
Please arrive at 8:45 to settle in and pick up your drink, so we can start right at 9:00. Class ends at 10:30, and you're welcome to stay afterward and enjoy Perry's Porch. You can make a reservation for their delicious lunch or brunch.
Bring a friend. Sign up together, and there is a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Come on your own. I will seat you, and you'll meet people who are just as new as you are.
Already play? Open play runs on the porch at the same time. It's free, there's no need to register, and you can come as you are. Just BYOT (bring your own tiles).
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another on the calendar.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 4 people in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I'll move your spot to another date.
Mahjong + Matcha Open Play - Perry’s Porch | Dec 10
Already know how to play? Pull up a chair on the porch. Mahjong + Matcha open play is a relaxed Thursday morning game in downtown St. Pete, with no cost and no registration.
Bring your own tiles, your card, and a friend or two. Tables fill as people arrive, so come with a group of four or join a table that needs another player.
Open play is for people who already know the game. It isn't taught or guided, so everyone plays at their own pace and by the usual rules. If you're brand new, book A Taste of Mahjong with Gaia, which runs at the same time on the porch.
Perry's has a full coffee and matcha bar, plus breakfast pastries and morning bites. Order at the counter before you settle in, and you're welcome to stay for brunch after we wrap up at 10:30.
Cost: Free
Bring: Your own tiles and card (BYOT)
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with quarters, cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
A Taste of Mahjong - Perry’s Porch | Dec 17
Most people who stop me to ask about mahjong say the same thing. They've always wanted to learn, and they just never started. This is the easiest place to start.
A Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute morning introduction on the porch at Perry's, with a matcha or coffee in your hand. You'll have tiles in front of you in the first ten minutes, not a lecture.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and want to see what the fuss is about
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and wondered if it's for you
You'd like to try mahjong before committing to a full class
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, so I leave out everything you don't need on your first morning. We keep it light, we keep it moving, and nobody is expected to know anything.
What we'll cover:
The tiles, the suits, and what all those little pictures mean
How to read a simplified mahjong card
How the Charleston starts, the famous tile swap at the beginning of every game
A practice hand played together, with me guiding every move
This is a first taste, so you won't leave with mastery of the game. You'll leave knowing whether you love it and exactly what to do next. When you're ready for more, my full Mahjong 101 class takes you the rest of the way to playing a real game - or you can come back and attend the taste introduction again.
$28 per person. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else.
Please arrive at 8:45 to settle in and pick up your drink, so we can start right at 9:00. Class ends at 10:30, and you're welcome to stay afterward and enjoy Perry's Porch. You can make a reservation for their delicious lunch or brunch.
Bring a friend. Sign up together, and there is a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Come on your own. I will seat you, and you'll meet people who are just as new as you are.
Already play? Open play runs on the porch at the same time. It's free, there's no need to register, and you can come as you are. Just BYOT (bring your own tiles).
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another on the calendar.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 4 people in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I'll move your spot to another date.
Mahjong + Matcha Open Play - Perry’s Porch | Dec 17
Already know how to play? Pull up a chair on the porch. Mahjong + Matcha open play is a relaxed Thursday morning game in downtown St. Pete, with no cost and no registration.
Bring your own tiles, your card, and a friend or two. Tables fill as people arrive, so come with a group of four or join a table that needs another player.
Open play is for people who already know the game. It isn't taught or guided, so everyone plays at their own pace and by the usual rules. If you're brand new, book A Taste of Mahjong with Gaia, which runs at the same time on the porch.
Perry's has a full coffee and matcha bar, plus breakfast pastries and morning bites. Order at the counter before you settle in, and you're welcome to stay for brunch after we wrap up at 10:30.
Cost: Free
Bring: Your own tiles and card (BYOT)
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with quarters, cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
A Taste of Mahjong - Perry’s Porch | Oct 8
Most people who stop me to ask about mahjong say the same thing. They've always wanted to learn, and they just never started. This is the easiest place to start.
A Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute morning introduction on the porch at Perry's, with a matcha or coffee in your hand. You'll have tiles in front of you in the first ten minutes, not a lecture.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and want to see what the fuss is about
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and wondered if it's for you
You'd like to try mahjong before committing to a full class
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, so I leave out everything you don't need on your first morning. We keep it light, we keep it moving, and nobody is expected to know anything.
What we'll cover:
The tiles, the suits, and what all those little pictures mean
How to read a simplified mahjong card
How the Charleston starts, the famous tile swap at the beginning of every game
A practice hand played together, with me guiding every move
This is a first taste, so you won't leave with mastery of the game. You'll leave knowing whether you love it and exactly what to do next. When you're ready for more, my full Mahjong 101 class takes you the rest of the way to playing a real game - or you can come back and attend the taste introduction again.
$28 per person, and a matcha or coffee drink is included. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else.
Please arrive at 8:45 to settle in and pick up your drink, so we can start right at 9:00. Class ends at 10:30, and you're welcome to stay afterward and enjoy Perry's Porch. You can make a reservation for their delicious lunch or brunch.
Bring a friend. Sign up together, and there is a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Come on your own. I will seat you, and you'll meet people who are just as new as you are.
Already play? Open play runs on the porch at the same time. It's free, there's no need to register, and you can come as you are. Just BYOT (bring your own tiles).
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another on the calendar.
For the best experience for all, we need at least 4 people in this class. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't hit the numbers we need, I'll move your spot to another date.
Mahjong + Matcha Open Play - Perry’s Porch | Oct 8
Already know how to play? Pull up a chair on the porch. Mahjong + Matcha open play is a relaxed Thursday morning game in downtown St. Pete, with no cost and no registration.
Bring your own tiles, your card, and a friend or two. Tables fill as people arrive, so come with a group of four or join a table that needs another player.
Open play is for people who already know the game. It isn't taught or guided, so everyone plays at their own pace and by the usual rules. If you're brand new, book A Taste of Mahjong with Gaia, which runs at the same time on the porch.
Perry's has a full coffee and matcha bar, plus breakfast pastries and morning bites. Order at the counter before you settle in, and you're welcome to stay for brunch after we wrap up at 10:30.
Cost: Free
Bring: Your own tiles and card (BYOT)
We meet on the porch at Perry's Porch in downtown St. Pete. We play outside, so dress for the morning and maybe bring a light layer for cooler days. Metered parking is available out front and in the lot beside the restaurant, and you can pay with quarters, cash, a credit card, or the ParkMobile app.
The Mahjong Social Open Play - The Library Restaurant | Oct 6
Three hours of open play at The Library Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg. No lesson, no structure, just tables and games.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
$10 to play. Reserve a seat so I know how many to expect.
The Library hosts us at no charge, so please order a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
You don't need to bring a group. I'll seat you.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next one.
Mahjong 101 - AR Workshop St. Pete | Oct 5
The question I get most before a class is whether mahjong is too complicated. It isn't. If you can count to nine, you can play American Mahjong.
This class runs two and a half hours, and you'll play a real game before you leave.
This class is for you if:
You've never touched a tile and you're starting from zero
You played once years ago and none of it stuck
You've watched friends play and quietly decided you'd never catch up
You own a set that's still sitting in its box
I teach using my Mahjong Made Simple method, which means I leave out everything you don't need on day one. You'll have tiles in your hands in the first fifteen minutes, not a lecture.
What you'll learn:
The basic rules and rhythm of American Mahjong
How to read the National Mah Jongg League card
Tile names, suits, and the strategies that help when you're new
How to set up, deal, and start playing on your own
$75 per person for the full class. Everyone plays, nobody watches from the side. No equipment needed, I bring the tiles and everything else. You don’t need a group, but tell a friend, and you can learn together.
This class is organized & managed by AR Workshop St Pete. The registration link will take you to their sign-up system. If the option to register isn’t available, it means the class is full.
Mahjong & Martinis Open Play - The Blu Halo | Oct 4
REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE BLU HALO RESTAURANT BY CALLING 727-202-7620
Sunday evening mahjong at The Blu Halo in Carillon. Two hours, a drink if you want one, and a good way to end the weekend.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so the restaurant knows how many tables to set.
The Blu Halo hosts us, so please order a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101, then come to the next one.
Guided Play - Dillard’s Tyrone Square | Oct 3
After class, the group chat lights up with "game Thursday?" Then everyone sits down, and nobody can remember which way the Charleston goes.
Guided Play is the in-between. For the first hour, I float between tables and help when you get stuck. For the second hour, you play on your own and put it to work.
Not sure whether to call that tile? Raise a hand. You get the why, then you make the call.
WHAT THIS IS (AND ISN'T)
This is play time, not a lesson. I don't teach from the front, and I don't sit one-on-one. During the first, guided hour, I move from table to table, answering questions and untangling tricky moments as they come up. After the first hour, the hands are yours. I'll still be in the room, but the second hour is for playing on your own.
Because I'm there for the whole room, you'll need the basics before you sit down: the tiles, the Charleston, and how to read the card. New to mahjong? Start with Mahjong 101. Want focused time on your own game? A private lesson is the better fit.
GUIDED PLAY OR OPEN PLAY?
At Open Play, you're on your own. At Guided Play, you get an hour of help, then an hour to prove you didn't need it.
YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
More full games under your belt
A calmer, quicker Charleston
The nerve to call a tile
Discards you can explain
THE DETAILS
2 hours of play: 1 hour guided, 1 hour on your own
$28
For players who have taken Mahjong 101 or already know the basics
Everyone plays. Nobody watches from the side.
Dillard's Tyrone Square, upstairs in the home goods department. Free parking.
BRING A FRIEND
Sign up together, and there's a little thank-you waiting at the table for whoever books the seats. Coming on your own? Perfect. I'll seat you, and you'll leave with people to play with.
A NOTE ON NUMBERS
Guided Play needs at least 6 players to run. Life happens, and so does ticket math. If we don't reach 6, I'll move your spot to another date.
Register below. If this date doesn't work, there's another one on the calendar.
Mahjong 102 - Pour & Décor | Sept 25
Already taken an intro class or know the very basics? This is your next step.
Mahjong & Mimosas Open Play - Paloma House | Sept 25
Late morning mahjong at Paloma House. Two hours, mimosas optional, no lesson.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so I know how many tables to set, and cancel from the same button if something comes up.
Paloma House hosts us and offers $5 mimosas while we’re there.
You don't need to bring a group; you’ll fit right in without one.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next open play social.
Open Play - Paloma House | Sept 24
It’s Mahjong time at Paloma House Game Night!
Come for an evening of lively play, clever moves, and great conversation. Beginners are absolutely welcome - if you know the Mahjong basics, get ready to jump in; you’ll feel supported and right at home.
And if you already know how to play? You’ll find your tribe around the table in no time.
$10 per person.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101, then come to the next one.
Mahjong Open Play and Craft Bar
Open play at AR Workshop St. Petersburg, with the craft bar open while you play. Two hours.
$10 per person.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Reserve your seat. Paid spots are not refundable, but you can pass yours to a friend, just let me know so I have the right name.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101, then come to the next one.
Mahjong & Martinis - The Blu Halo
REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE BLU HALO RESTAURANT BY CALLING 727-202-7620
Sunday evening mahjong at The Blu Halo in Carillon. Two hours, a drink if you want one, and a good way to end the weekend.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so the restaurant knows how many tables to set.
The Blu Halo hosts us, so please order a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101, then come to the next one.
Mahjong & Mimosas - Paloma House
Late morning mahjong at Paloma House. Two hours, mimosas optional, no lesson.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so I know how many tables to set, and cancel from the same button if something comes up.
Paloma House hosts us and offers $5 mimosas while we’re there.
You don't need to bring a group; you’ll fit right in without one.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next open play social.
Mahjong 102
Already taken an intro class or know the very basics? This is your next step.
Free Open Play - The Library Restaurant
Three hours of open play at The Library Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg. No lesson, no structure, just tables and games.
This one is for anyone who already plays. Bring your 2026 NMJL card, and your set if you have one, since more sets means more tables.
Free to play. Reserve a seat so I know how many to expect, and cancel from the same button if something comes up.
The Library hosts us at no charge, so please order a drink or a bite to eat while you play.
You don't need to bring a group. I'll seat you.
New to mahjong? Open play is not a class. Start with Mahjong 101 learning, then come to the next one.
Mahjong 102
Already taken an intro class or know the very basics? This is your next step.