Mahjong captivated America in the 1920s. Players across the country were rolling dice, stirring tiles, and calling out “pung!” “chow!” and “mahjong!”. During the 50s and 60s, as suburbia expanded and leisure time was ample, mahjong became a way to engage and build community. Today, the game is growing by leaps and bounds and is popping up in hotels, community centers, cafes, and private homes everywhere. Join the excitement as you learn to play the basics of this Chinese game from an experienced team of mahjong experts.

In this fun hands-on workshop geared specifically for beginners (no experience required), you’ll learn about the mysterious tile designs, what a “pung” is, how to cultivate a winning hand and win a game, all in just 2-1/2 hours.

Peppered with a little Mahjong history and trivia, you’ll have a chance to meet other players, kibitz a bit, have a nosh (treats provided), and soon you will be shouting “mahjong” too! And who knows, you might even win a prize.

Mahjong Maniacs and Mentors: Lise Baadh: mahjong instructor, enthusiast, and community builder; Juli Cavnar: mahjong devotee, and the granddaughter who inherited the favorite Bakelite set; Rob Ollander-Krane: mahjong Mama’s Boy; Anne Rowe, mahjong addict & Director of Heritage at Sunnylands, Rancho Mirage.