Learn American Mahjong at The Parlor

A new hobby. A seat at the table. A reason to get together.

Curious about mahjong but have no idea where to start? You’re in the right place.

At The Parlor at The Floratory in Peoria Heights, we’re creating a welcoming place to learn, practice, and enjoy American mahjong. Come with friends or start your own mahjong adventure—we’ll help you take that first step.

[Book a Mahjong 101 Class]

What is American mahjong?

American mahjong is a tile game that combines strategy, pattern recognition, and a little luck. Usually played with four people around a table, players draw and discard tiles while working toward a winning combination.

One of its defining features is a card showing the hands players can make. The National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card each year, giving players fresh combinations to explore.

It might look complicated at first, but you don’t need to understand the tiles or the card before taking a beginner class. That’s what we’re here to teach you!

Your first step: Mahjong 101

A 2½-hour beginner class designed to introduce you to the game.

We’ll walk you through the basics step by step, including:

• Recognizing the tiles and their suits.

• Understanding how to read the mahjong card.

• Setting up the table and starting a game.

• Learning the Charleston—the tile-passing portion of the game.

• Drawing, discarding, and understanding when you can call a tile.

• Learning the basics of jokers and winning hands.

• Practicing table etiquette and the flow of play.

Our goal is to help you understand the fundamentals and feel more comfortable at the table. You don’t have to master everything in one class.

[View Mahjong 101 Dates]

Take it twice. Let it click.

You’re welcome to take Mahjong 101 as many times as you’d like. We recommend taking it at least twice, then attending open play to practice what you’ve learned.

The first class introduces the pieces. The next gives you another chance to connect them. Familiarity grows each time you sit down to play.

What comes after Mahjong 101?

Open Play: Put your learning into practice

Once you’ve learned the basics, open play gives you time at the table to practice reading the card, following the game, and building confidence.

Open play is for practicing the game rather than receiving a full beginner lesson. If you’re brand-new, start with Mahjong 101.

[Explore Open Play]

Guided Play: Build your strategy

Know the basics but still find yourself wondering which hand to choose or which tile to discard?

Guided play is your next step. With instruction during play, you’ll explore hand selection, tile decisions, and strategy while developing a better understanding of the game.

[View Guided Play Classes]

Reserve a Table: Make it your regular get-together

Gather your group of four and reserve a table for a two-hour session at The Parlor. Tables and chairs are included—bring your love of the game and enjoy time together.

[Reserve a Table]

Questions before your first class?

Do I need experience?

No! Mahjong 101 is designed for beginners. You can arrive without knowing a single tile.

Will I know everything after one class?

There’s a lot to take in, so give yourself time. We recommend taking Mahjong 101 at least twice and continuing to practice afterward.

Is this the same as the tile-matching game on my phone?

If you’ve played an app where you remove matching pairs of tiles, that’s mahjong solitaire. American mahjong is a multiplayer game where you build a winning hand.

What’s the difference between Mahjong 101 and guided play?

Mahjong 101 teaches the foundations. Guided play helps you use those foundations to make decisions and develop strategy during a game.

What should I bring?

Check your class booking details for supply information and anything you’ll need to bring.

There’s a seat for you at The Parlor

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a regular outing with friends, or a chance to meet fellow players, we’d love to help you get started.

The Parlor at The Floratory
American mahjong, games, and gatherings in Peoria Heights, Illinois.

[Find Your First Class]