Choose a style
Pick the style your future table plays. If you are not sure, American Mah Jongg is the most widely taught in the United States, Hong Kong style in Chinese communities, and riichi online and in university clubs.
Learn the tiles and the shape
Spend an hour learning the suits, honours and the basic winning structure for your style. Lay out a full set by suit, and practise building a few complete hands on the table.
Practise with open hands
Play a few games with every hand face up, talking through decisions. It removes the pressure and lets experienced players explain what they would do.
Join a group
After a few practice sessions, join a class series, a beginners' night or a regular group. Steady weekly play does more than anything else to make the rules automatic.
