Support Us Button Widget

Try This: learn how to play mahjong from Mahj with Claire

Get your head in the game (or learn how to play) with a challenging mahjong match, hosted by Austinite and instructor Claire Ryan.

A close-up of a Mahjong mat with the wall of tiles pushed out and several tiles face-up in the center.

Learn how to play mahjong with a margarita in-hand during one of Claire Ryan’s games.

Photo by ATXtoday

We’re in our mahjong era, thanks to tile-riffic instructor Claire Ryan.

Ryan runs Mahj with Claire, a local chapter of the Oh My Mahjong network. Ryan is one of the company’s ~70 certified instructors who teaches mahjong strategy and hosts open play sessions in the community.

The four-person game is played by drawing and trading tiles to match one of dozens of hands, similar to a game of rummy. To make it more difficult, hands change annually.

“I’ve always loved playing games — cards, especially,” Ryan told ATXtoday. “There’s always something new to learn with mahjong.”

City Editor Figi here. I sat in on one of Ryan’s sessions recently and having never played before, I was surprised at the games’ complexity. After watching two games, I felt like I could confidently play with friends.

Want to play? Sign up for one of her monthly open play sessions for $30 per seat or lessons starting at $75 each.

More from ATXtoday
The Downtown Austin Alliance and Future Front Texas partnered to host the celebration of Old 6th Street and community-building event.
After closing its east Austin beer hall in 2023, the beer hall conceptualized by Bavarian royalty will debut an expanded menu in a new space this fall.
We know you’ve got some skills — now it’s time to show them off.
Whether you’re looking for big TVs, great drink specials, family-friendly spaces, or $2 hot dogs, we’ve found a local place that is going all out for college football season.
The Really Small Museum’s rotating displays will allow trail visitors to enjoy some environmentally-focused art through October.
We’re not barking up the wrong tree — Austin’s many four-legged friends deserve a treat on their special day.
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of Austin’s historical markers, the significance they hold, and how long they’ve been standing.
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
From the Longhorns to Austin FC, we’re sharing all the details of Austin’s sports teams.
The Austin-based fine jeweler is sharing the spotlight with fellow local jewelry designers through the contest.