Your mahjong teacher--smiling, wearing a green floral dress and holding up a one bam mahjong tile a colorful peacock design.

It’s time to master mahjong.

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how does mahjong become your whole personality?

  • Number one card featuring a stylized blue peacock with colorful tail feathers and pink dots.

    book a lesson

    Come solo or bring your besties—there’s always room at the table. We provide everything you need—from tiles to know how—to master this addictive game of fun, friendship, and philanthropy. Day and evening classes are offered to fit your schedule.

  • A card featuring a stylized bamboo plant with two stalks, leaves, and the number 2 and 1, indicating a bamboo or plant-themed game or learning material.

    learn the rules

    Learn classic NMJL-style play at your pace—with clarity and patience—using proven methods and materials. You’re not just learning the “real rules”—you’re getting a solid foundation and becoming the kind of player everyone wants at their table.

  • A card with the number 3 and a simple illustration of bamboo stalks with small leaves.

    fall in love

    Before you know it, you’ll call your first mahj and feel yourself growing more confident with every game. Mahjong is all about face-to-face fun, developing new friendships, growing a community, and feeling at home at every table you join.

testimonials from around the table

"After one session, I understood how mahjong could become a passion! Lisa’s teaching style will have you understanding the game sooner than you imagined.” 

Susan Johnson, mahjong 101 student

"Lisa’s open plays have boosted lunch sales by 10%. She welcomes players of all levels, plus she’s a wonderful community partner and absolutely draws new business to my restaurant!"

Emily Gray, Chicken Salad Chick

"Lisa is such an amazing teacher. I walked in nervous about whether I would even ‘get it’ and walked out excited to play more."

Laura Kirk, mahjong 101 & 102 student

"Lisa is a wonderful mahjong instructor…she explains the rules in a way that makes them easier to understand. She is definitely the person you want to teach you mahjong."

Karen J., mahjong 101 & 102 student (and concealed hand winner)

upcoming central arkansas mahjong events

are you mahjong curious?

(a. k. a. “frequently asked questions”)

  • I teach strictly NMJL rules for one reason—I want you to be confident at any table. Also, if you and your mahj mates decide to play using house rules, it’s easier to understand why you may want to break a rule…if you know the rule.

    That said…y’all I am all in on the bam bird cheers 🥂

  • There’s no governing body for certifying mahjong teachers.

    I am a member of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild and have received micro-credentials that demonstrate my deep understanding of the rules—both published and unpublished—of American mah jongg as well as a commitment to identify house rule variations and their impact on the game so you can adapt and play confidently at any table.

  • Absolutely! I offer private mahjong lessons and events tailored to your group — whether it’s friends at home, a book club, a birthday, or a corporate team-building event. I’ll bring the tiles, cards, and teaching materials so you can focus on learning and having fun.

  • Classes (like Mahjong 101/102) focus on learning the rules step-by-step. Guided play is hands-on practice with support — I’ll sit with your group, answer questions, and help you make decisions as you play. It’s the perfect bridge between lessons and independent play.

  • Yes! Mahjong makes a great activity for birthdays, showers, reunions, networking, and holiday gatherings. I can create a custom event where your guests learn the basics and play together. No experience required — everyone leaves ready to play again.

  • A full game is four players per table, but I can work with any group size. For smaller groups, I’ll adapt the lesson so everyone gets hands-on play. For larger events, I can bring assistants to help multiple tables at once.

  • I bring everything you need: mahjong tiles, racks, a coordinating mat, National Mah Jongg League cards, and teaching materials. You just provide the space (and snacks if you want!).

  • Open play is designed for players who already know the basics and can play independently.

    My goal is to have welcoming tables where you can make new mahj connections.

    If you’re brand new to the game, start with a mahjong class series.

    If you still need a lot of reminders during gameplay or don’t feel like you’re really understanding the Charleston, let’s put together a guided play session so you’ll feel confident at the table.

  • I host events across Central Arkansas for private groups or corporate events. I’m connected to a state-wide group of mahji mentors, and I can connect you to the perfect host for your event anywhere in the Natural State.

Three american mahjong tiles, two featuring pink floral design, a 1 bam bird tile depicting a colorful peacock and a joker.

Don’t miss The Tell

Every player has a tell, and this one’s mine.

Stay in the know about upcoming classes, workshops, and events. I even share all my best tips and tricks for mastering mahjong.

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