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 another host’s location . 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 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-hour beginner Mahjong session are:

Bay Area: $119 per participant
Central Valley: $79 per participant

Each session includes:

In-person instruction
Mahjong sets (we bring them)
Training materials
Post-class support via email or text
30 days of unlimited access to our AI Mahjong Coach, so you can keep the fun going, practice anytime, and enjoy guided gameplay with friends and family after the class. Your access code will be sent after the session.
Continued access to helpful Mahjong resources, including complimentary access to Module 1: Mahjong Foundations, so you can easily refresh what you learned and feel more confident at your next Mahjong table.

Early Registration Pricing

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

Early registration pricing is available for select class dates and is subject to availability. Please feel free to submit your inquiry here—we’d be happy to help!

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.

How do I reserve a class?

For standard Mahjong classes, a refundable $50 deposit is collected in advance to reserve your spot. The deposit is fully refundable if you cancel at least 5 days before the class date.
Once your class date, time, and location are confirmed, the remaining balance is collected in person before the class begins.

Where do the Mahjong classes take place?

Class location depends on group size. For groups of 3 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 3:00–5:00PM, 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 cities in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, and Contra Costa County, such as:

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

More information is available on the class page here.

Central Valley locations include cities in Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County, such as:

Riverbank
Modesto
Manteca
Ripon
Oakdale
Lathrop
Turlock
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-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.

TableMatch™

TableMatch™ helps connect people who want to learn or play Mahjong with local hosts who have a table and space to gather.

There are two ways to participate: Mahjong Academy Hosted classes and Community Hosted tables.

About TableMatch™

What is TableMatch™?

TableMatch™ is HeyMahjong’s platform for bringing Mahjong players, students, and hosts together around real tables.

You can use TableMatch™ to find available Mahjong opportunities, request a seat, host a Mahjong Academy class, or—if you’re a past Mahjong Academy student—create a Community Table for social play.

What is a Mahjong Academy Hosted table?

A Mahjong Academy Hosted table is a professionally instructed Mahjong class held at a host’s home or another suitable private venue.

The host provides the space, tables, and chairs. Mahjong Academy provides the instructor, Mahjong sets, and learning materials.

What is a Community Hosted table?

A Community Hosted table is a social Mahjong gathering organized by a past Mahjong Academy student.

Community Tables help students continue playing, meet other players, and build their local Mahjong community. They are not Mahjong Academy classes and do not include professional instruction.

Hosting a Table

Who can request to host a Mahjong Academy class?

You can submit a hosting request if you have a suitable space for a Mahjong class.

You do not need to be a Mahjong teacher. Mahjong Academy provides the professional instruction.

Who can create a Community Table?

Community Tables are available to past Mahjong Academy students who want to continue playing and connect with other Mahjong players.

What do I need to provide to host a Mahjong Academy class?

You provide a suitable venue, tables, and chairs for the participants. Plan for approximately four chairs per Mahjong table.

Mahjong Academy provides the instructor, Mahjong sets, and learning materials.

Do I need to know how to teach Mahjong?

No. For a Mahjong Academy Hosted class, Mahjong Academy provides the instruction.

Your role as the host is to provide a suitable and welcoming space for the class.

How long is a Mahjong Academy beginner class?

A standard Mahjong Academy beginner class is approximately 2 hours.

What happens after I submit a request to host a Mahjong Academy class?

Mahjong Academy reviews your request and the proposed class details.

If your request is approved, the class is published on TableMatch™ and opened for participant registration.

You’ll also receive an email asking you to review your hosting assignment and acknowledge the Mahjong Academy Private Host & Premises Agreement and Community Guidelines.

Does submitting a hosting request guarantee that the class will happen?

No. Submitting a request gives Mahjong Academy the information needed to evaluate the proposed location, date, and class details.

We review each request before deciding whether to move forward.

Will my home address be displayed publicly?

No. Your exact private address is never displayed publicly on TableMatch™.

The public listing uses general location information, such as the city, so players can decide whether the table is convenient for them.

How do players find my table?

Once your table is published, players can discover it through TableMatch™, review the details, and request a seat.

Can I host more than once?

Yes. You can submit another request to host a Mahjong Academy class.

Eligible past students can also create additional Community Tables for social play.

Joining a Table

How do I request a seat?

Browse the available tables on TableMatch™ and select the table you’re interested in.

If seats are available, select Request a Seat and submit the requested information.

Submitting a seat request does not mean your seat has been confirmed.

How do I know whether my seat is confirmed?

For a Mahjong Academy class, Mahjong Academy reviews your seat request.

If your request is approved, you’ll receive payment instructions. Once your payment has been received, you’ll receive confirmation that your seat is reserved.

Can I request more than one seat?

Yes, when multiple seats are available. The number of seats you can request depends on the remaining capacity of the table.

What happens if a table is full?

When a table reaches capacity, it no longer accepts additional seat requests unless space becomes available again.

You can browse other available tables or check back for future opportunities.

What does “Recruiting” mean?

Recruiting means the table is currently open and accepting seat requests.

What does “Closed Recruiting” mean?

Closed Recruiting means the table is no longer accepting new seat requests.

Participants who already have confirmed seats remain part of the table.

When will I receive the exact class address?

Private addresses are not displayed in public TableMatch™ listings.

Confirmed participants receive the information needed to attend according to the class communication process.

Host Agreements & Help

Why does a Mahjong Academy host need to accept a hosting agreement?

Hosting a class in a private venue comes with responsibilities for both the host and Mahjong Academy.

The hosting confirmation process allows the host to review and acknowledge the Mahjong Academy Private Host & Premises Agreement and Community Guidelines before the class takes place.

I received a hosting invitation. How do I accept it?

Open the Review Hosting Assignment link in your email from Mahjong Academy.

Review your class details and the applicable agreements, check the acknowledgment box, and select Accept Hosting Assignment.

Once completed successfully, your hosting assignment will be recorded as accepted.

What if I don’t accept my hosting assignment within three days?

We ask hosts to review and accept their hosting assignment within 3 days.

If your acceptance becomes overdue, the class is not automatically cancelled. Mahjong Academy may contact you to follow up.

I can’t open my host acceptance link. What should I do?

If your link is no longer valid or you have trouble completing the acceptance process, contact Mahjong Academy at info@heymahjong.com.

We can verify your assignment and help you continue.

What if I need to change something about my table?

If you’re hosting a Mahjong Academy class and need to change important details, contact Mahjong Academy.

For Community Tables, use the available TableMatch™ management options where applicable.

Where can I find available Mahjong tables?

Visit TableMatch™ to browse currently available tables.

You can review the location, date, playing or class details, and availability before requesting a seat.

I still have a question. Who should I contact?

Contact Mahjong Academy at info@heymahjong.com and we’ll be happy to help.

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.

Cancellations & Refunds

This policy applies to eligible HeyMahjong and Mahjong Academy purchases and programs operated by Yeenova LLC. We understand that plans change. Our policy is designed to provide reasonable flexibility while allowing us to reserve instructors, seats, equipment, and venues for scheduled programs.

Terms for specific organizational programs, contracts, or special events may differ as described below.

In-Person Classes

Cancellations, Payments & Deposits: Payment terms may vary by class. Some classes require a $50 deposit to reserve your spot, while others require full payment to confirm your registration.

If you cancel at least 10 calendar days before the scheduled class start date, you will receive a full refund of all amounts paid, including any deposit.

If you cancel less than 10 calendar days before the scheduled class start date:

For classes requiring a $50 deposit, the deposit is non-refundable.
For classes requiring full payment, the entire class fee is non-refundable.

Rescheduling: You may move your class to another available date at no charge with at least 10 calendar days’ notice.

For requests made less than 10 days before class, rescheduling is subject to availability and the $50 deposit may be forfeited at the discretion of Mahjong Academy based on the circumstances and our ability to fill the reserved seat.

Cancellation terms apply to your rescheduled date in the same way they apply to an original booking.

No-Shows: If you don’t attend your scheduled class and haven’t contacted us beforehand, the class fee is non-refundable.

If We Cancel: If Mahjong Academy cancels or cannot hold a class as scheduled—including because of weather, instructor illness, venue issues, or other circumstances—you may reschedule at no cost or receive a full refund, including your deposit. The choice is yours.

Yeenova LLC is not responsible for incidental expenses such as transportation, parking, accommodations, or other costs related to attending a class.

Minimum Enrollment: Some classes require a minimum number of participants. If a session does not meet its minimum enrollment, we’ll offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

Multi-Week Series

A multi-week series is sold as a single program rather than a set of separate classes. Because instructor time, venue space, and materials are reserved for the full run, cancellation terms are based on the first class date in the series:

10 or more calendar days before the first class: Full refund.

Less than 10 calendar days before the first class: Non-refundable.

Once the series has begun, individual sessions are non-refundable, whether or not you attend. If you miss a week, you’re welcome to continue with the remaining sessions.

These terms apply to series registrations. If you register for a single session from within a series, the In-Person Classes terms above apply instead.

Series registrations are non-transferable to a future series unless we agree otherwise in writing.

If we cancel a session within a series, we’ll reschedule it to another date within the series where possible, or refund that session.

Private Group Bookings

Private bookings for 3 or more participants are scheduled specifically for your group and may require dedicated instructor, equipment, and venue time.

Cancellation terms are based on the scheduled event date:

10 or more calendar days before the event: Full refund.

5–9 calendar days before the event: 50% of the total booking price is refundable.

Less than 5 calendar days before the event: The booking is non-refundable.

Whenever possible, we’ll work with you to reschedule your group before applying cancellation fees. Rescheduling is subject to instructor, venue, and date availability.

Changes in Attendance: Private-group pricing is based on the number of participants reserved at the time of booking. If fewer participants attend than originally booked, the unused participant fees are not refundable once the applicable cancellation period has passed.

If you need to reduce your group size, contact us as early as possible. Any eligible adjustment will follow the same cancellation timelines above.

Organization & Corporate Events

Country club, resort, city, school, corporate, hospitality, and other organizational programs may have custom cancellation, payment, minimum-participant, and rescheduling terms.

Terms stated in a signed agreement, proposal, booking confirmation, purchase order, or invoice take precedence over this general policy.

Memberships & Online Access

Memberships: You may cancel your membership at any time through your Account page. Your membership benefits will continue through the end of your current paid billing period. We do not provide partial refunds for unused time in a billing period that has already begun.

Renewals: Cancel before your renewal date to avoid the next charge. If you believe a renewal was charged in error or you intended to cancel before renewal, contact us within 14 days of the renewal charge, and we’ll review the circumstances.

Approval of a renewal refund is not automatic and will depend on the circumstances, including use of membership benefits after renewal.

Digital Products & Downloads: Because digital products are delivered immediately, purchases are generally non-refundable after delivery, access, or download. If a product is defective, inaccessible, or materially different from its description, please contact us and we’ll work to resolve the issue.

Student Access & AI Coach Codes: Complimentary digital access, membership benefits, or AI Coach codes included with an in-person class have no cash value and are non-refundable and non-transferable.

How to Request a Cancellation or Refund

Email info@heymahjong.com or text (408) 372-8114 and provide your name, the class/event/membership or purchase name, and the scheduled event date if applicable.

We’ll normally respond within 2 business days.

Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method. Depending on your bank or payment provider, refunds typically appear within 5–10 business days after processing.

Questions & Policy Updates

If your situation isn’t covered here, please contact us. We’re happy to review unusual circumstances individually.

This policy may be updated periodically. The policy in effect at the time of your purchase or booking will generally apply to that transaction unless otherwise agreed in writing.

HeyMahjong and Mahjong Academy programs are operated by Yeenova LLC.

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.