How to actually get good at mahjong

You’ve probably heard it before: “It just takes practice!” when it comes to getting good at Mahjong. But what does that really mean?

Because if you’re like most women I teach, you’ve already read the card, watched the YouTube tutorials, maybe even played a few times… and still feel unsure what to do once the tiles hit your rack.

So let’s clear something up: practice doesn’t mean playing randomly and hoping it all clicks.
It means practicing with purpose.

What Is Purposeful Mahjong Practice?

Purposeful practice is the sweet spot between playing and learning. It's not about memorizing all 80 hands or hoping someone else at the table tells you what to do. It’s about taking small, simple steps that train your brain to recognize patterns, call tiles confidently, and pivot mid-game with ease.

Here Are My Favorite Ways to Practice:

1. Build Hands From Your Card

Grab your NMJL card, lay out your tiles, and physically build the hands. Touch the suits, mix up combinations, and watch how the patterns start to stick. This simple step trains your brain to see hands faster during real games.

2. Play Online or With a Friend

Even 15–20 minutes of online play helps sharpen your instincts. Or, invite a friend over and set up a “low-stakes” practice session. You’ll feel less pressure and can take your time making decisions.

3. Try Siamese Mahjong

Two hands, one player. It’s a game-changer! Siamese helps you recognize patterns, call tiles faster, and test strategies without a full table. It’s one of the best ways to level up your skills on your own terms.

4. Join a Beginner-Friendly Class or Group

Surrounding yourself with women who are learning just like you is a powerful way to stay encouraged and engaged. It’s not just about the tiles—it’s about the energy at the table.

Final Thought: Reps Over Perfection

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to memorize the card. And you definitely don’t need to feel intimidated.

You just need to play.
Again and again.
With intention.

Because confidence at the table doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from doing it anyway.
And every tile you touch brings you closer to your next “Mahjong!”

✨ Want to practice with me?
I host beginner-friendly 101 and 102 classes, open play sessions, and private lessons all across Boca Raton, Delray, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Let’s get you playing with purpose.

Contact me or follow along on Instagram @mahjonthebeach