Mahjong Lessons in San Francisco
San Francisco’s most social and fun way to learn the game.
So Bam Fun teaches American Mahjong to San Francisco 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 SF, social events at top San Francisco venues, and corporate team building events across Pacific Heights, the Marina, SoMa, the Mission, Nob Hill, and the greater Bay 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 SF
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 San Francisco
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 $400 for a 2-hour session. Pricing varies by group size and location. Contact us for a custom quote.
Public Events
Social Mahjong Events in San Francisco
Join us at top venues across SF 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 SF
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 San Francisco and the greater Bay 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 San Francisco Mahjong Instructors
Our Team
Our San Francisco instructors are experienced American Mahjong teachers who have guided hundreds of beginners and private groups across the Bay area.
Annie
Austin, TX native and TCU grad who works in fashion. Her college friends taught her to play. She loves the community it's built in San Francisco — watching friendships form and new traditions take root. Outside of mahjong: time with friends, family, and their dogs, trying new restaurants, and being outside in San Francisco.
Molly
Pleasanton, CA native who attended Sonoma State and University of San Francisco, and works in Fashion. Her friend Annie taught her, and now she and Annie teach together. She loves meeting new people in her city and watching the game click for someone who can't wait to come back. Outside of mahjong: soccer, spikeball, Barry's workouts, Catan nights with friends, and trying new restaurants and wine bars.
What Our Students Are Saying
“So Bam Fun has been one of my favorite discoveries this year. The community is incredibly welcoming, the teachers are fantastic, and every session is the perfect mix of learning, strategy, and connection. I always leave excited for the next game!”
- Brooke, So Bam Fun Regular
“I have absolutely loved playing with So Bam Fun in San Francisco! Annie is an excellent teacher, and every event has been so welcoming, social, and fun. The beginner lessons are an excellent foundation, and highly recommend joining the open plays too. It’s a great way to meet people and learn the game. Can’t wait for more events in the future and would absolutely recommend So Bam Fun to anyone interested in playing!!”
- Allison, So Bam Fun Regular
Where We Teach in San Francisco
Our instructors travel throughout the San Francisco area, including:
Marina & Pacific Heights
Cow Hollow, Presidio Heights, Union Street
Mission & Castro
Noe Valley, Hayes Valley, Valencia Street
North Beach & Nob Hill
Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, Polk Street
Hosting a private event outside of our standard service area? Reach out — we're happy to discuss options for venues and neighborhoods Across the Bay area.
SoMa & Financial District
Union Square, Embarcadero
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 San Francisco cost?
1
Private group lessons start at $400 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 San Francisco. Public events are held at set venues around the city — check our events page for locations and dates.
Book a Mahjong Class in San Francisco
So Bam Fun offers private mahjong lessons, corporate events, and social mahjong events across San Francisco. All skill levels welcome. We come to you.