From your first tile to your first win.
Small groups of up to 8. Everything is provided; just bring yourself. All of our American Mahjong classes are taught per NMJL (National Mah Jongg League) guidelines. Group lessons are held at Darla's or Paula's depending on group size, or at your home or clubhouse anywhere within our service areas.
Lessons that thoroughly build knowledge and confidence. After all, a quick $10 class without in-depth instruction leaves players feeling frustrated. Experience a deep learning and understanding of the game. We know our lesson programs are unlike anything on the market. We promise to set you up for success!
Mahjong 101
In-depth Mahjong framework setting you up for success. No experience and no equipment needed.
- All tiles, racks, and mats provided
- Take-home guideline with detailed instructions
- By appointment only
Mahjong 102
One three-hour deep dive session that takes you from your first tiles to understanding the game with confidence.
- Everything in 101
- Strategy for choosing a hand
- Etiquette and table talk
- By appointment only
Master Class
For players who have taken 101 and 102. One three-hour deep dive session that takes you from learning tiles and the card to playing full hands and strategy with confidence.
- Three hours of play and coaching
- Advanced reading of the NMJL card
- Reading opponents
- Speeding up your game
- By appointment only
What students say
From lesson students on Google and this website.
“I highly recommend Paula for anyone wanting to learn mahjong! She is incredibly patient and never made me feel silly for asking questions. We got our hands on the tiles almost immediately, which was perfect for my hands-on learning style. She kept the lessons moving at a good pace and made a complex game feel manageable. Most importantly, she gave me the confidence to believe I could actually learn mahjong! Fantastic teacher!”
Laurie E. · September 2026 · on Google
“Darla was absolutely wonderful! Her kindness, patience, and encouragement made learning Hong Kong Mahjong so much fun. I’m especially grateful for the one-on-one time she spent teaching me how to play Hong Kong Mahjong and helping me understand the American Mah Jongg card. I truly appreciate her and highly recommend her! ❤️”
Michele · September 2026 · Private lesson
“Paula is very patient and helpful, even when I ask the same question more than once (because sometimes it takes me a few times before the answer clicks!). Learning the card for me was the hardest part and Paula was great at explaining what everything means on the card. Pay special attention to what is in parenthesis because that will mean the difference between a Mahjong and a made-up line (me, that's what I did until I understood the card better). I Mahjong-ed on the third lesson when it all started to click! Great teacher.”
Kathy · September 2026 · Group lesson
“Paula was absolutely wonderful! She was clear with instructions and incredibly patient throughout the entire lesson. She explained everything in a way that was easy to understand, and before we knew it, we were playing much faster than we expected! I really appreciated that she provided materials for us to take home so we can continue practicing on our own. Paula made learning Mahjong fun and enjoyable, and she has me genuinely excited to keep playing and improving. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn Mahjong!”
Steffanie · September 2026 · Group lesson
American or Hong Kong. Your call.
Every lesson on the menu is taught in both styles, at the same prices. Tell us which you want when you book. Not sure? Most groups around Lake Conroe play American, and Darla or Paula will help you choose.
American Mahjong
Played with Jokers and a yearly card of hands from the National Mah Jongg League. Fast, social, and easy to find a game for. All of our American Mahjong classes are taught per NMJL guidelines. Most group lessons are taught in this style unless you ask otherwise.
Hong Kong Mahjong
The most widely played style in the world. Simple scoring, quick hands, and a lot of energy at the table. Popular with players who want a faster game than American.
Close to home.
Group lessons are held at Darla's or Paula's, in Conroe or Montgomery, depending on group size. The exact address comes with your booking confirmation.
Darla and/or Paula bring the tiles, racks, and mats to your home or clubhouse, serving Montgomery, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Spring, The Woodlands, Willis.
Advance notice is required for all bookings. Inquire, and Darla or Paula will reach out by email within 24 hours to set a day and time that works for you.
Before your first lesson
I've never played. Is Mahjong 101 really for me?
Yes. Mahjong 101 assumes you have never touched a tile. By the end of the hour you will have played a guided hand.
Do I need my own Mahjong set?
No. Tiles, racks, mats, and the current card are all provided for every lesson. If you fall in love with a set, Darla is a tile and mat distributor and sells non-branded sets and mats at discounted prices.
Can I bring friends?
Please do. Groups are capped at 8 players, so a table of four friends fits perfectly. For a private group at your home or clubhouse, request any lesson and mention the head count.
Which style of Mahjong will I learn?
Whichever you choose. American and Hong Kong Mahjong are both taught from the same menu at the same prices. If you don't know yet, say so when you book.
When are lessons?
Lessons are by appointment only, and advance notice is required for all bookings. Inquire, and Darla or Paula will reach out by email within 24 hours to set a day and time.
Where are lessons held?
Group lessons are held at Darla's or Paula's home in the Montgomery, Texas area, depending on group size, or at your home or clubhouse within our service areas, including Conroe, Lake Conroe, Willis, The Woodlands, Magnolia, and Spring.
How much do Mahjong lessons cost?
Mahjong 101 is $25 for two hours. Mahjong 102 is one three-hour deep dive session for $100. The Master Class is three hours for $150, for players who have taken 101 and 102.
How do I pay?
By Venmo, in full when you book. Tap the pay button for your lesson on the Lessons page or the Pay & Policies page and Venmo opens with the amount filled in. Darla's Venmo is @Darla-Codling.
What if I need to cancel?
Reschedule free with 48 hours' notice. No refunds. Let us know as soon as you can and Darla will move you to another open session. Click here to reach us.
Who teaches?
Darla or Paula, with more than 30 years of combined experience between them. Meet the instructors.