Connie's Learning Curve Corner: I want to keep learning! And improving!!!
Your monthly Mahjong confidence boost – served with community, curiosity and a dash of The Tile Style flair.
Hi friends – it’s so good to see you! After a little summer hiatus I’m back with monthly blogs about all things Mahjong. This month, I’m spotlighting something that makes our game truly special: the Mahjong community.
I use the word community intentionally. Whether you’re brand-new or a seasoned veteran, Mahjong players have an instant connection with one another. We share our stories, our highs and not-so-highs, our “here’s a great place to play” lists, our favorite hands, our Charleston triumphs…and yes, our Charleston regrets (who, me?? LOL).
So, in the spirit of sharing here are some resources I absolutely recommend – all designed to help you learn, grow, and stay connected.
YouTube & Online Learning
Southern Sparrow: Jessica’s videos are relatable, thorough, and beginner friendly. She covers everything from tile recognition to strategy to common mistakes. Her full training series is also available on the Southern Sparrow website in consecutive order – perfect for structured learning.
Lara’s Mahjong Edit: Lara’s weekly videos are a gem. She breaks down how to read the NMJL card, how to pick a hand, how to stop second-guessing your Charleston (again… who, me??), and even how to set a table worth playing at.
Mahjlife: Michele’s channel blends lessons, skill builders, and members-only livestreams. Her teaching style is clear, methodical, and confidence-boosting.
Siamese Mah Jongg: Gladys Grad, creator of Siamese Mah Jongg (SMJ), offers videos explaining SMJ rules – including a recent (and yes, somewhat controversial!) sneak peek at her addition of four black dragons associated with dots. With these added to the classic red, green, and white dragons, gameplay shifts to 156 tiles and two extra tiles per player’s wall.
Instagram Faves
· The Tile Style STL (of course!)
These accounts are great for inspiration, humor, tips, and staying connected to the broader Mahjong world.
Online Games/Apps
Daily Rack Challenge | Free Daily Mahjong Practice (www.mahjtrainer.com): Short, focused daily challenges that sharpen strategy and build confidence – one rack at a time. Perfect for quick practice.
Mahjong 4 Friends: Play solo or multiplayer, against bots or real players. Choose from multiple cards (NMJL, The Big Card, Marvelous Mah Jongg, American Mahjong Society). Great for practicing hands and staying sharp between games.
Books I Highly Recommend
Mah Jongg Made Easy, Published by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL): The official rule book for American Mahjong. The 2024 edition includes updated rules and access to the NMJL bulletin, which answers common player questions. A must-have for every player’s bag.
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to American Mah Jongg, by Linda Moore: A fantastic beginner resource. It breaks down gameplay simply, includes exercises and strategy, and is now available in a new 2026/2027 edition – including a spiral bound option. I loved my original copy so much I just ordered the new one.
Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora, by Nicole Wong: One of the first English-language books to break down classic Chinese Mahjong. Beautifully illustrated, culturally rich, and full of history, strategy, and scoring. A wonderful resource for anyone wanting to explore Mahjong beyond American rules. 
Still Have Beginner’s Trepidation?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds”, and with all due respect to Mr. Emerson, in terms of improving your Mahjong skills, consistency is one of the best tools available! In addition to the resources I’ve mentioned above, here’s a quick reminder that The Tile Style hosts beginner training (MJ 101), refresher training (MJ 102), and numerous Guided Play and Open Play events. Our new space at Fleur de Chic includes a beautifully designed Mahjong tablescape that you can rent for an afternoon! Grab three of your besties for a few games of Mahjong here!
Have a Favorite Resource? Share it!
Our Mahjong community grows stronger every time we share what we love. If you have a favorite app, book or tip, I’d love to her it. Email me anytime at thetilestylestl@gmail.com.
And stay tuned – next month’s Learning Curve Corner is already brewing!
Until then, Happy Mahjong! Connie