Mahjong Lessons in Washington D.C.
DC’s most social and fun way to learn the game.
So Bam Fun teaches American Mahjong to WASHINGTON D.C. in the most fun way possible. Our instructors are experienced American Mahjong players who have taught hundreds of beginners and private groups across the city — specializing in American Mahjong and National Mahjong League (NMJL) rules. Whether you're a complete beginner or a player looking to sharpen your skills, we bring the tiles, the materials, and everything you need — directly to you.
We offer private mahjong lessons in DC, social events at top Washington venues, and corporate team-building events across Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, and the greater DMV area.
Private Lessons
Whether it's your first time holding a tile or you've played a few times and want to level up, our private lessons are designed to meet you where you are.
Private Mahjong Lessons in DC
What’s included:
2-hour sessions tailored to your group's experience level
All tiles, racks, and materials provided — no equipment needed
Instruction in American Mahjong & National MahJong League rules
We come to you — your home, apartment, or private venue anywhere in Washington D.C.
Perfect for:
complete beginners, friend groups, family game nights, birthday celebrations, and bachelorette parties.
No experience needed. Our instructors start from scratch and move at your group's pace.
Pricing:
Group lessons start at $300 for a 2-hour session. Pricing varies by group size and location. Contact us for a custom quote.
Public Events
Social Mahjong Events in DC
Join us at top venues across Washington D.C. for a night of tiles, laughs, and new friends. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced players are all welcome. our instructors are on hand throughout the event to keep the game moving and the fun going.
New events are added every month in at locations across The city.
Corporate Events
Corporate Mahjong Events in DC
Looking for a unique way for your team to connect? Mahjong is hands-on, strategic, and genuinely fun — the perfect icebreaker or team-building activity that gets everyone away from their screens and around the same table.
We bring the tiles, the instructor, and everything your team needs. You provide the space and the people.
Popular for: office team-building, company offsites, client entertainment, holiday parties, and employee appreciation events.
We serve companies throughout Washington D.C. and the greater DMV area.
What to Expect in a So Bam Fun Class
Not sure what a lesson actually looks like? Here's how a typical session runs.
1
Arrival & Setup
Your instructor arrives with everything. No prep on your end.
2
Learn the Tiles
We introduce the tiles and how the game works.
3
Build Lines
Practice building lines from the card to learn the hands.
4
Full Game
Your group plays a full game with guided instruction.
5
Q&A & Next Steps
Questions answered, and tips for continuing to learn.
After one 2-hour session, most beginners have a solid grasp of the basics and can get through a full game with support. Mastering the rules and strategy comes with ADDITIONAL lessons and Regular play — but the first session is always the most fun.
Our Washinton D.C. Mahjong Instructors
Our Team
Our Washington D.C. instructors are experienced American Mahjong teachers who have guided hundreds of beginners and private groups across the DMV area.
Arielle Kassinove
Nashville, TN native and Auburn University grad who manages media affairs for a Member of Congress on Capitol Hill. Her mom taught her to play. She loves watching mahjong click for people and their confidence grow — and how it uniquely gets people off their phones and together with friends. Outside of mahjong: walking with friends, watching sports, and trying new spots around DC.
Catherine Hobbs
Philadelphia, PA native and Vanderbilt grad, now in medical school. A couple of the DC So Bam Fun teachers taught her in their kitchen. She loves meeting so many different people and forming connections through the game. Outside of mahjong: monument walks with friends in DC.
Grace Fluker
Atlanta, GA native and Georgia College grad, Administrative Assistant. Her best friends taught her after they graduated college. She loves watching people go from intimidated by the NMJL card to winning a game after just one lesson. Outside of mahjong: running, needlepointing, and hanging with friends.
Sarah Brown
Charlotte, NC native and Samford University grad, Director of Operations. She learned to play after moving to DC, when a good friend invited her over — it became a weekly hangout as she kept learning. She loves cheering on students and watching the excitement as the game clicks. Outside of mahjong: baking and exploring new areas of the city on walks.
What Our Students Are Saying
"I cannot recommend So Bam Fun enough! From my very first class in Clarksville, I felt welcomed and encouraged — simple curiosity quickly became one of my favorite things to look forward to. The instructors make mahjong fun, approachable, and engaging, and the warm atmosphere makes every class a joy. You'll leave with a new skill, new friends, and a hobby you'll love."
- Anne, So Bam Fun Regular
“So Bam Fun has become my go-to for mahjong nights! The instructors remember you every time, which makes it feel so welcoming. Plus, I have made so many friends through So Bam Fun and now we love going to events to play together. So Bam Fun is the place for all mahj lovers!“
- Hannah, So Bam Fun Regular
““The Austin So Bam Fun team IS THE BEST. They make it SO EASY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF TO GET INTO THE GAME. IT’S BEEN SO FUN TO LEARN ALONGSIDE FRIENDS AND HAVE SOMETHING TO DO ON RANDOM WEEKNIGHTS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!””
- Loula, So Bam Fun Regular
Where We Teach in Washington D.c.
Our instructors travel throughout the DC area, including:
Georgetown
M Street, Wisconsin Avenue, the Georgetown Waterfront, Book Hill
Dupont Circe
Connecticut Avenue, 17th Street, Massachusetts Avenue (Embassy Row), Kalorama
Capitol Hill
Eastern Market, Barracks Row, Lincoln Park, Union Station area
Adam Morgan
18th Street, Columbia Road, Kalorama Triangle
Hosting a private event in Northern Virginia or the Maryland suburbs?? Reach out — we're happy to discuss options across the greater DMV area.
About American Mahjong
Mahjong originated in China over a century ago, and American Mahjong evolved from those roots into its own distinct game, played with the National Mahjong League (NMJL) card. It has its own hands, rules, and strategy, and it's the version we teach here at So Bam Fun.
Whether you've heard about mahjong from a friend or a family member — we'll give you a solid foundation in a single session.
FAQs
How much do mahjong classes in Washington D.C. cost?
1
Private group lessons start at $300 for a 2-hour session. Pricing varies by group size and location. Contact us for a custom quote.
How long does it take to learn mahjong?
It typically takes at least 3 sessions to feel confident playing independently. Your first session is a great starting point — you’ll play with instructor support the whole way.
2
Do I need any experience to book a class?
3
No experience needed — ever. Our instructors start from scratch and adapt to your group’s pace.
Do I need to provide tiles or equipment?
4
No. We bring everything — tiles, racks, NMJL cards, and all materials. If you’re hosting a lesson, You just need a table and your group.
Where do classes take place?
5
Private lessons and corporate events come to you — your home, apartment, office, or venue anywhere in Washington D.C. Public events are held at set venues around the city — check our events page for locations and dates.
Book a Mahjong Class in DC
So Bam Fun offers private mahjong lessons, corporate events, and social mahjong events across Washington D.C. and the greater DMV area. All skill levels welcome. We come to you.