The Canasta Connection
Mah Jongg Student Resource Center
Welcome! This page is designed to support you during and after your in-person American Mah Jongg class. Review what you learned, prepare for your next lesson, and return whenever you need a quick reminder.
Emily & Bev
Choose what you need today
Use the page alongside class now, and return later whenever you need a refresher.
The Tiles
Review tiles used in American Mahjong.
Review →The NMJL card
Review how to read the NMJL card.
Review →See It in Action
Watch Emily & Bev demonstrate concepts as they look during real play.
Watch examples →The Deal
Review how to set up and deal.
Review →The Charleston
Review the Charleston and basic strategies.
Review →General Game Play
Review general game play, including joker rules, exposures, and general flow.
Review →A simple path between classes
You do not need to review everything. Focus on the material from your most recent lesson.
Review your handout
Revisit the pages and terms introduced during your most recent class.
Watch one example
Choose a short video showing the concept as it appears during real play.
Practice briefly
Spend a few minutes identifying tiles, reading the card, or reviewing the flow of play.
Recommended resources
Two especially helpful places to begin.
Ready for more play?
Guided play is designed for students who know the basics but still want support during the game.
Find Guided PlayThis resource center will continue to grow.
We plan to add more visual explanations, Practice Labs, Exit Tickets, real-game examples, rule reminders, and strategy resources over time. Your current class materials will remain available as new features are added.
Mahjong Resources
When you get a new set, you may need to remove blanks, extra jokers and flowers that come with the set. Put them aside in a small bag so they don’t get confused with the other tiles.
Here are instructions for game play that we think are pretty comprehensive.
Here are a few recommended videos from The Southern Sparrow to review some parts of game play as a refresher.