Mahj Garage NWA

Mahj Garage NWA

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Welcome, y'all! Mahj Garage is your spot in Northwest Arkansas for American Mahjong. We host classes, open plays, parties, and private lessons.

Follow us and be the first to know when and where to play!

06/17/2026

Celebrate the official arrival of summer with Mahj Garage at Dual Cities NWA on June 25th from 5:30-7:30 PM!

All you need to bring is your NMJL card (or we have one you may borrow). We will provide the tile sets. Dual Cities will have food and beverages for sale.

It’s going to be a great evening!

Visit mahjgarage.com or the link in bio to register.

Let’s play some Mahj, y’all!!

06/16/2026

Come join us!!

Photos from Mahj Garage NWA's post 06/15/2026

Know the card, and you know how to win!

In American mahjong the card is the key to winning!

Section titles indicate the tiles used for that section. There are 9 sections on the card. Strong players focus their play in the sections represented by the tiles in their rack.

Parentheticals establish the rules for each hand. Never skip reading the parentheticals. Skipping parentheticals is the quickest way to faux-jong.
Phrases to be aware of:
Like = same number
Any = any number
These Nos. Only = ONLY numbers listed may be used

The COLOR(s) on each line indicate the number of suits players must use to complete the hand.

1 color = one suit
2 colors = two suits
3 colors = three suits

Same color = same suit
Shift in color = shift in suit

Know the abbreviations: 0 = white dragon/soap, F = flower, D = dragon, N = north, ...

The VALUES area indicates whether a hand is exposed X or Closed C. Exposed hands may call for tiles to complete a meld of 3 or more identical tiles. Concealed hands C cannot call and expose tiles. The number indicates the point values for each hand if players are playing for points.

The RULES & GAME INSTRUCTIONS are located on the back of the card. If a question comes up during a game, the answer may be found on the back of the card. We also recommend purchasing Mah Jongg Made Easy from the NMJL website.

Save this post and share it with your friends who are just learning American mahjong!

06/10/2026

We got you.

We have a couple of seats open for tonight’s beginner lesson. If tonight doesn’t work, we have other classes soon. Check our calendar.

Otherwise, if you have a group of 4 or more people who want to learn, we can come to you!! DM us for more information.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Learn how to play American mahjong with Mahj Garage.

It’s a good time.

Photos from Mahj Garage NWA's post 06/07/2026

Playing with new people, talk about these things first to help gameplay run smoothly.

1. Introductions - Always take a moment to introduce yourself and share your playing experience.

Are there beginners at the table? If so, will experienced players support their learning? (Slow down, answer questions, discuss choices, allow for a redo?)

Is there a time constraint on gameplay? (Time doesn’t stop for mahjong, unfortunately. People have other things to do!)

2. Pace of Play

Is the game social or more focused?

If it’s focused, keep chitchat to a minimum.

Respect everyone’s time. It is fine to pause and think, but try not to bring the game to a stop every time it’s your turn.

Hint: If side conversations begin, you are taking too long to decide.

It’s better to keep the pace of the game going. Learning to think quickly is a skill developed as players gain experience playing quickly.

3. The Charleston

Discuss pacing and speed.

4. House Rules

Gameplay follows NMJL Rules, but...

- Will the table use a wall tail?
- Will a tile under consideration for calling be identified in some way?
- Bird Bam Cheers!

5. Food and Drinks

Defer to the wishes of the owner of the tiles. This may change depending on the size of the table.

6. Calling Mahjong!!!

🎉Celebrate EVERY Win🎉

After celebrating the winner, will players share the hands they were working toward? (It’s helpful for beginners)

Remember, jokers are fickle & sometimes they hide from you. It’s not personal. 😉

You can’t win them all! (or can you?!?)

Most importantly: BE KIND & HAVE FUN!!!

Would you add anything?

06/04/2026

Let’s kick-off the Summer Bambird Scramble, Bentonville!

If you are registered for the summer season, meet us at AC Hotel Monday evening from 6-8 PM for a quick introduction followed by your first match of the season!!

Registration is now open in the portal.

Not in the summer Scramble? Don’t worry, registration is on going for this 9-week player-driven league. Use the link in my profile to sign up today!

Time to Mahj, y’all!!

06/02/2026

Want to know how the Scramble actually works?

👀Watch the video to see it in action - from proposing a match to meeting up and logging your scores:

💻Propose a match in the portal (Scramble custom software)
📍Meet up with 3 others at a local spot
🀄️Play your game (and have some fun!)
✅Log your scores right from your phone

That’s it! It’s that simple -flexible, social Mahjthat fits your life.

‼️Plus, all Bentonville Scramblers will receive FREE access to all of Mahj Garage’s open plays during the summer season!‼️

The Spring Scramble season runs June 8 - August 9.

Register today and get ready to play!!
mahjproj.fly.dev/login or visit link in profile

Photos from Mahj Garage NWA's post 06/01/2026

You’re invited to join us! 🀄️💥

The Mahj Garage Beginner’s Bundle is designed for brand-new players, combining expert instruction, guided play, and plenty of support and laughs along the way.

You’ll learn NMJL rules, build confidence, and leave ready to sit down at a table and actually play.

If you want to learn American mahjong from two former teachers, this is the package for you. 🎓📝

Don’t want to commit to both 101 & 102? Register for either class on its own. Evening lessons take place at a residence in north Bentonville and morning classes are at Great Harvest Bakery.

By the end of 101, you will:
🀄️Know the tiles and how to play
👉Understand the National Mah Jongg League Card to build winning hands
⁉️Receive answers to your questions and guided coaching
💡Learn the basics of American mahjong in an encouraging, engaging environment
📝 101 registration includes Mahj Garage’s “Let’s Play Mahjong” guide

In 102, you will:
🀄️ Dig deeper into The National Mahjong League’s rules
🙋🏼‍♀️Build confidence in selecting and building your hand
♟️Begin learning strategy to win & defend
🏆Play 2 games with a supportive coach ready to answer questions

Mahj Garage will provide everything needed to play American mahjong (tiles, mats, racks, pushers, cards, lighting, and curriculum).

Want to learn with your friends at your location? Send me private message here or email [email protected].

I look forward to playing with you!!
Space is limited: register now.

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Location

Address

Bentonville, AR
72712, 72716