Mahjong Basics Course

Join this class to dive into the fascinating world of Mahjong, where you'll learn the fundamentals of this traditional tile-based game and become adept at playing it confidently.

Learning to play Mahjong offers a variety of benefits that go beyond just the enjoyment of the game itself. It's a strategic and social activity that engages the mind, fosters social connections, and provides numerous advantages for players of all ages.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Mahjong Basics course, you should be able to:

• Understand the rules and principles of Mahjong.
• Identify different types of tiles and their significance in the game.
• Strategize and make decisions effectively during gameplay.
• Confidently participate in Mahjong sessions with friends or at social gatherings.

Course content

Session 1: Introduction to Mahjong

• History and origins of Mahjong
• Overview of game rules and objectives
• Understanding the Mahjong tiles and their symbols

Session 2: Basic Gameplay Mechanics

• Setting up the game
• Dealing tiles and understanding turns
• Basic strategies for gameplay

Session 3: Building Your Hand

• Understanding tile combinations (melds)
• Learning about the different types of hands
• Practice exercises on building winning hands

Session 4: Scoring and Winning

• Scoring system in Mahjong
• Identifying winning conditions
• Practice rounds with scoring scenarios

Session 5: Advanced Strategies

• Reading the game and predicting opponent moves
• Defensive strategies to protect your hand
• Advanced tile counting techniques

Session 6: Practical Play and Recap

• Full gameplay sessions with instructor guidance
• Recap of course content and tips for further improvement

Intended audience

This course is suitable for beginners and those who have some familiarity with Mahjong but want to strengthen their understanding of the game mechanics and strategy.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon Street & Victoria Road)

Course materials

Learning resources

• Handouts summarizing game rules and scoring systems
• Recommended reading materials for further exploration

What to bring to class

• Notebook and pen for note-taking
• Mahjong set if you have one (optional)