Mahjong FAQ: 15 Essential Questions About Learning, Classes, and Online Play

Mahjong FAQ — this page answers the most common questions about learning Mahjong, including Mahjong classes, Mahjong lessons, and Mahjong online options for beginners.

AI Companion™

AI Companion™ is Hey Mahjong’s AI-powered product suite. It currently comprises two products: AI Coach Pro and Multiplayer. Each product serves a different purpose, but together they help you learn, practice, and play Mahjong with confidence.

AI Coach Pro – Practice Mahjong by yourself against AI opponents while receiving real-time discard guidance and strategy feedback to improve your Mahjong skills.
Multiplayer – Play Mahjong online with friends. Invite up to three friends to create a four-player Mahjong table while everyone receives the same AI discard guidance throughout the game.

Whether you’re learning Mahjong for the first time, practicing between games, or playing with friends, AI Companion™ provides the tools to help you become a more confident player.

Can I try AI Companion™ for free?

Yes. AI Companion™ is always free to use for one session per day, giving you the opportunity to experience both AI Coach Pro and Multiplayer before deciding whether to upgrade.

What’s the difference between AI Coach Pro and Multiplayer?

AI Coach Pro is designed for solo practice. You’ll play against AI opponents while receiving real-time discard guidance to help you understand each decision and improve your Mahjong skills.

Multiplayer is designed for playing with other people. You can invite up to three friends to create a four-player Mahjong table. During the game, everyone continues to receive the same AI discard guidance available in AI Coach Pro.

Is AI Companion™ included with my membership?

AI Companion™ is always free to use for one session per day.

Unlimited access is available through one of the following options:

AI Companion™ subscription
Included with Core Membership and Mahjong Master Membership while the current promotion lasts.

How do I get started?

Choose the guide that matches what you’d like to do.

User Guides

These step-by-step guides walk you through setup, gameplay, AI guidance, and tips for getting the most from AI Companion™.

Getting Started

Do I need to know how to play Mahjong before joining?

Not at all. We welcome complete beginners. Our Mahjong classes are designed to teach everything step by step, even if you’ve never touched a tile before.

What style of Mahjong do you teach – American or Chinese?

We currently teach the foundational, universally transferable rules of Mahjong rather than focusing on a single regional variation.

Mahjong is played in many styles around the world, but they all share the same core structure — tiles, suits, hand patterns, and strategic decision-making. Once you understand these fundamentals, it becomes much easier to learn and adapt to American Mahjong, Hong Kong style, or other variations.

Our focus is on helping you build a strong, intuitive foundation so you can learn faster and expand into any style with confidence.

Is Mahjong hard to learn?

Mahjong can look complex at first, but it becomes much more approachable when taught clearly and without pressure. Our Mahjong lessons focus on understanding patterns and flow rather than speed or competition, making the game accessible for beginners.

Mahjong Academy & Membership

Can I learn Mahjong online?

Yes. Mahjong can be learned online through guided lessons, practice tools, and structured learning paths. Online Mahjong learning is especially helpful for beginners who want to practice privately and at a comfortable pace.

Is learning Mahjong online effective?

Learning Mahjong online can be very effective when combined with clear instruction and thoughtful practice. Online Mahjong tools allow players to repeat hands, slow down decision-making, and build confidence before playing in person.

What’s the difference between Mahjong online and in-person Mahjong?

In-person Mahjong emphasizes social connection and shared experience, while Mahjong online focuses on practice, reflection, and consistency. Many players use online Mahjong learning as a complement to in-person play.

Do I need to download anything to learn Mahjong online?

No. Many modern Mahjong online platforms work directly in a web browser, allowing you to start learning without downloading software.

What is the Core Membership?

Core is our premium learning experience designed to help you build real Mahjong confidence through structured training, practice, and ongoing support.

What do I get with Core?

You get access to:

Structured Mahjong Learning Path to build confidence
Unlimited AI Coach practice hands (we’ll provide you with an access code)
Full Download Center (guides, materials)
Complete strategy article library
Priority member support via email or text
Preferential pricing for private lessons

How is this different from free content?

Core gives you a clear, guided learning path, unlimited AI training, and faster progress, so you can build real confidence and start playing sooner.

Can I practice anytime?

Yes — with unlimited AI Coach practice hands, you can play and improve anytime at your own pace.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes — Core is designed to take you from beginner to confident player step-by-step.

Do I get support if I have questions?

Absolutely — Core members receive priority support.

Does it include live lessons?

Core complements live lessons and gives you discounted access to private sessions.

How much does it cost?

Check out the latest pricing here for unlimited access.

In-Person Classes

What is an in-person Mahjong class like?

Our in-person Mahjong classes combine guided instruction, hands-on practice, and supported gameplay in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment either at your home or at our location in Campbell, CA. Students learn how Mahjong tiles work, how winning hands are formed, and how to make strategic decisions step by step while playing with others.

For additional information or to register for an upcoming class, please visit our Direct Registration page.

How long is each Mahjong class or session?

Each session is 2.5 hours, giving you enough time to learn, practice, and start playing confidently without feeling rushed.

How much does a Mahjong class cost and what is included?

Our standard class fees for a 2.5-hour beginner Mahjong session are:

Bay Area: $120 per participant
Central Valley: $80 per participant

Each session includes:

In-person instruction
Mahjong sets (we bring them)
Training materials
Post-class support via email or text
14 days of unlimited AI training with our AI coaches (coach code to be sent to you after the class)
Student Access for continued structured learning, including free access to the first learning module (Module 1) for continued guided practice after the class

Early Registration Pricing

Discounted early registration pricing is available when registration is completed at least 10 days before the class date:

Bay Area: $99 per participant
Central Valley: $60 per participant

Early registration pricing is available for select class dates and subject to availability.

Promotions

As our Mahjong community continues to grow, we periodically introduce new promotions, special events, and new programs. We’d love to have you back, so please check this page regularly for the latest updates and opportunities. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming classes, events, and exclusive offers.

Where do the Mahjong classes take place?

Class location depends on group size. For groups of 2 or more, we typically travel to you — your home, office, or event space.

For solo learners, sessions are hosted at our location in Campbell.

When are classes typically scheduled?

Our standard class times are typically 3:00–5:30 PM, depending on your location and availability. We’re happy to adjust timing based on your group’s needs whenever possible.

What cities and areas do you serve?

We offer Mahjong classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and California’s Central Valley.

Bay Area locations include:

San Jose
Campbell / West San Jose
Los Gatos
Saratoga
Palo Alto
Mountain View
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
Nearby Bay Area communities

More information is available on the class page here.

Central Valley locations include:

Riverbank
Modesto
Manteca
Ripon
Oakdale
Lathrop
Turlock
Tracy
Nearby Central Valley communities

More information is available on the class page here.

Class availability varies by location and date. View our current schedule and registration pages for the latest classes near you.

If your location isn’t listed, you’re still welcome to send us an inquiry via text at 1(408)372-8114 or email — we’re happy to see if we can accommodate and make it work.

Do you provide Mahjong sets?

Yes, we bring Mahjong sets for the session. Mahjong is typically played with four players per set, so we provide the appropriate number of sets based on your group size (for example, one set for up to 4 players, two sets for up to 8 players, and so on).

Can you host a Mahjong class at our location?

Absolutely. We host classes at homes, offices, community centers, and events. Sessions can be tailored for social gatherings, private groups, or special occasions.

Can I play with friends after the first class?

Yes — that’s our goal. After the 2.5-hour session, you’ll understand the foundational rules well enough to start playing with friends.

Like any game, strategy and techniques improve with practice, but you’ll be able to join a game and play with friends and family after the first class.

Events for Organizations

Do you offer Mahjong events for hotels, cities, companies, or community organizations?

Yes. We partner with organizations across the Bay Area and Central Valley to deliver Mahjong experiences for team building, client appreciation, hospitality programs, city recreation, and community events. Sessions are interactive, social, and beginner-friendly.

Learn more about our Hospitality Programs, City Mahjong Programs, and Corporate & Group Events.

How is pricing structured for group or organization events?

Pricing is customized based on your group size, location, event format, and program goals. We typically offer flat-rate pricing for groups, making it simple to plan your event.

Can you customize the session for our group, property, or event?

Absolutely. Every event is customized to your audience and objectives. Whether you’re planning a team-building activity, guest experience, community program, or private event, we’ll design a Mahjong experience that fits your needs.

Do you offer Mahjong activities for hotel guests?

Yes. We partner with boutique hotels, resorts, and hospitality properties to offer Mahjong as a guest activity or recurring amenity.

Programs can be scheduled as one-time events or recurring experiences for guests.

Learn more on our Hospitality Programs page, or contact us to discuss a customized program for your property.

Do you host recurring Mahjong programs for cities?

Yes. We work with cities, recreation departments, schools, corporations and other organizations to deliver recurring Mahjong programs throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley.

Whether you’re looking for a weekly class, seasonal program, or special event, we can help design a program that fits your community.

Learn more on our City Mahjong Programs page or contact us to discuss your program.

Playing & Community

Do I need to be competitive to enjoy Mahjong?

Not at all. Mahjong is not about speed or competition. Many people enjoy Mahjong as a thoughtful, social activity that encourages focus, pattern recognition, and connection.

What if I’ve only watched others play Mahjong?

That’s very common. Many people join Mahjong classes after watching family members play or trying a few casual games. We help bridge that gap by explaining not just how to play, but why decisions are made.

Is Mahjong more about luck or skill?

Mahjong involves both, but skill develops over time. Understanding tile relationships, hand structure and timing gives players confidence and consistency. Our Mahjong lessons emphasize learning these fundamentals gradually.

What age groups is Mahjong suitable for?

Mahjong is enjoyed by adults of all ages. Many people appreciate it as a screen-free, mentally engaging activity that can be played socially and at a relaxed pace.

After the Basics

What happens after I learn the basics of Mahjong?

Once you understand the foundation, you can continue practicing, join regular play sessions, or explore different Mahjong styles if you wish. We also offer advanced classes to help you improve your skill. Learning the basics opens the door to many ways of enjoying Mahjong.

Can learning Mahjong lead to playing regularly with others?

Yes. Many people begin with classes or online Mahjong learning, then transition into casual, regular play with others. Mahjong naturally lends itself to ongoing social gatherings and community.

Account & Billing

Manage your HeyMahjong account, membership, and billing information. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact our support team.

How do I create a HeyMahjong account?

You can create a free HeyMahjong account by signing up on our website.

A free HeyMahjong account gives you access to more learning resources, allows you to explore our AI learning tools, including AI Coach Pro and Multiplayer, and lets you join our online community. As we continue to add new features and resources, your free account gives you access to the growing HeyMahjong ecosystem.

How do I upgrade my membership?

You can upgrade your membership at any time from your Membership Account page. Your new benefits become available as soon as your upgrade is processed.

How do I cancel my membership?

You may cancel your membership at any time from your Membership Account page. Your membership benefits will remain available until the end of your current billing period unless otherwise stated.

I forgot my password. What should I do?

Click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset your password. If you’re still unable to access your account, please contact us for assistance.

How do I contact support?

If you have questions about your account, membership, billing, or technical issues, please contact us through our Contact page. We’ll be happy to help.