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Welcome to Mahj With Sam
Learn American Mahjong with Sam! Lessons and events offered to the Virginia/Maryland/DC metro area, Alexandria and Colonial Beach, VA. Discover the joy of learning this classic game and immerse yourself in an experience that combines strategy, socialization, and fun. You bring the smiles and Sam will bring the tiles. From small private beginner lessons to large open play events, inquire today!
Upcoming Events
Check back here for information on upcoming events and join my mailing list for notifications.
American Mahjong Open and Guided Play
Join Sam for coffee, gelato, and Mahj at Pitango in Old Town
115 S Union St, Alexandria VA, 22314
This is a good opportunity to meet other players and continue to practice and improve your Mahj skills. I encourage everyone to play by the NMJL rules, however, each table may agree to their own table rules at beginning of play.
Experience Level: Must be able to play independently, or have taken a beginner lesson and are familiar with the NMJL rules, order of play, and how to read the NMJL card, but may need some guidance.
Mahjong tiles, mats, racks, and 2025 NMJL cards will be provided. Sam will be available to provide assistance with game set up, play guidance, and other questions.
Note: This is not a beginner’s lesson. Inquire below if you would like to schedule a beginner lesson.
Old Town Mahj League coming soon....stay tuned.
Do you feel ready for something a little more competitive than Open Play events? Maybe a Mahj League is right for you! Are you interested in joining a local Old Town Mahj league that would meet up several times a month to play several rounds each night and keep track of total scores with overall winners receiving prizes at the end of the season? Please fill out my survey to help me create the best player experience possible as I develop an Old Town Mahj league.
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Let's Mahj!
Private Lessons
You bring the smiles and I'll bring the tiles! For all my lessons and events, I bring everything you need to Mahj - all the mahjong tiles, dice, mats, racks with pushers, and 2025 NMJL cards. Private lessons are offered in the comfort of your own home. At request, I can provide two folding card tables and 8 folding chairs. I teach according to the NMJL rules.
Beginner Lessons
No prior experience is needed! Beginner lessons are for a minimum of 4 people to a maximum of 12 people for up to three hours. Mahjong is a 4-player game, so having the minimum of 4 people at the lesson ensures an authentic experience. The lesson includes explantation of: the tiles (names, suits, etc), the NMJL card and how to create a winning hand, the NMJL rules, game set up and the Charleston, guidance through a full game and understanding the general pace of play. The 2025 NMJL card may be available for purchase at end of the lesson.
Guided Lessons
You've taken a beginner lesson and have a basic understanding, but still prefer to have a teacher nearby to answer questions? Then a guided class is for you. Guided classes are for a minimum of 4 people to a maximum of 12 people up to three hours. I will guide you through several rounds of American Mahjong and provide strategy tips, review of rules, and answer any questions. I can also teach 2-player and 3-player variations of the game. I will help you sharpen your skills and elevate your gameplay.
Open Play Events
Open play events are for players able to play independently, or have at least taken a beginner lesson and are familiar with the NMJL rules, order of play, and how to read the NML card, but may still need some guidance. I will be available to provide assistance with game set up, play guidance, and answer any questions.
Other Events
Are you interested in hosting a different type of event? I'd be happy to discuss other possibilities with you! I have enough Mahj supplies to host 60 people at 15 tables. Do you know of a great space to host a Mahj event? Do you have a commercial space that you'd like to bring more people to? Are you interested in a school or corporate event? Do you have a group that knows how to play, but also want to offer lessons for beginners? We can work together to find the right set up to fit your Mahj needs!
About Sam
I offer private beginner lessons, guided lessons, and organize small to large scale open play events for American Mahjong. I look forward to teaching you and your friends as we spread the joy of American Mahjong! My family and I are based in Alexandria, VA and we love spending our weekends in Colonial Beach, VA. I am a Navy veteran and engineer who recently stepped away from the corporate world to spend more time with family. I am affiliated with Oh My Mahjong and utilize their tiles and other products at my lessons. Their tiles are my favorite!
Check them out and use my affiliate code for a
10% discount: MahjWithSam
Contact Sam
Reach out to me with any inquiries or to schedule a private lesson. I am here to support you on your journey to mastering American Mahjong. Please include any dates you have in mind and total number of people you expect at your event.
