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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 brings 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.
Lessons at Boxwood
SOLD OUT
Mahjong 101 Wed/Thurs 7-9pm
February 11th & 12th
February 25th & 26th
March 4th & 5th
March 18th & 19th
sign up at www.boxwoodoldtown.com
American Mahjong 101 Lessons
Join Sam at Boxwood in Old Town for 2 evening sessions
1205 King St, Alexandria VA, 22314
Don't want to host private lessons at home? Then, grab your friends and come to Boxwood for a 2 evening Mahjong 101 lesson.
Evening 1 - Learn about the tiles, NMJL rules, the NMJL card, game set up and the Charleston
Evening 2 - Use the skills learned in the previous evening during actual gameplay
All mahjong materials are provided for use during the lesson.
Enjoy an exclusive discounted shopping spree at Boxwood the evening of the classes.
Bambird Scramble Mahj League inaugural season in Alexandria, VA!
I've been working with the ladies at Mahj in the City to bring something really fun to Alexandria, VA this spring:
Bambird Scramble
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a flexible, 9-week American Mahjong league designed to help players connect, play more, and enjoy the game on your schedule.
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all levels welcome - advanced and beginners who know the rules and how to play.
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you propose and accept matches that work for your schedule and location in custom software through a portal - you pick the time, location, and who you play with.
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play at a local coffee shop, wine bar, home, club, community space, etc. - you pick the location when you propose a match.
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meet and play with new people through the league, or have your whole group join and continue playing with your regular group.
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play as often or as little as you'd like each week with your top 2 scores recorded for weekly rankings.
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highest cumulative score and highest average score will be shown on the leaderboards with a prize reward at the end of the season.
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not interested in prizes and leaderboards? That's ok! Focus on meeting new players and getting in more Mahj practice - weekly play is not required to participate, but more Mahj is always encouraged!
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each mach consists of four games, so each player gets a turn as East.
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all matches must follow NMJL rules (no blanks).
Learn more at https://www.mahjinthecity.com/about-the-scramble
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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 explanation 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
10% discount: MahjWithSam
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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.
