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Mah Jong Groups & Welcoming New Players

Lauren Marriott2 days ago

Hello everyone, I'm reaching out to see how other senior centers manage their Mah Jong groups. We ...

James Calceta2 days ago

Hi Lauren, Do you have designated beginner tables or teaching sessions? Yes. Volunteer monitors ...

1. Mah Jong Groups & Welcoming New Players

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Lauren Marriott
Posted 2 days ago
Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out to see how other senior centers manage their Mah Jong groups.

We currently have a dedicated group that plays regularly, but we've run into an ongoing challenge. The existing players prefer to play only in established groups of four and have been reluctant to allow new participants to join unless they are already at the same skill level. They've also expressed that they are not interested in teaching new players. As a result, newer members who are interested in learning or joining the game have not felt very welcomed.

I'm curious how other centers handle situations like this.

Do you have designated beginner tables or teaching sessions?

Have you brought in outside Mah Jong instructors?

Do staff or volunteers facilitate mixing players so newcomers can join?

Do you have any guidelines in place to ensure games remain inclusive?

I would greatly appreciate hearing what has worked well at your centers or any tips you might have.

Thank you in advance for your insight!

Best,

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Lauren Marriott
Recreation Coordinator
City of Dublin Community Service Dept.
Dublin CA
(925) 556-4512
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2. RE: Mah Jong Groups & Welcoming New Players

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James Calceta

Posted 2 days ago

Hi Lauren,

Do you have designated beginner tables or teaching sessions?
Yes. Volunteer monitors help match beginners with players of similar skill levels. We offer Chinese and American Mahjong at the Hayward Area Senior Center and Kenneth Aitken Senior Center, as well as a Mahjong workshop with lessons. The workshop was created to standardize rules, build confidence, and make games more welcoming to newcomers. The instructor developed the program with the goal of ensuring participants can confidently walk into any facility and play with anyone.

Have you brought in outside Mahjong instructors?
Yes. All instructors are volunteers, and each program has its own instructor who is willing to teach beginners.

Do staff or volunteers facilitate mixing players so newcomers can join?
Monitor/Volunteer may pair new players up with other players with the same playing skills.

Do you have guidelines to ensure inclusivity?
While Mahjong can be competitive and players may have preferred partners, gambling is not allowed and monitors promote a respectful, welcoming environment. Some groups also foster community by sharing snacks and treats to share during sessions.

Best,