Open Play is a relaxed Mahjong session designed for players who already know the basics and simply want to gather, play, and enjoy the game together.
Tables will be set and ready when you arrive, and you’ll rotate through games with other players throughout the session. While an instructor will be present to help keep things running smoothly, Open Play is primarily about enjoying the rhythm of the game, building confidence through practice, and connecting with others around the table.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, meet fellow Mahjong players, or simply spend a few hours playing the game you love, Open Play offers a welcoming space to do just that.
• Multiple rounds of American Mahjong
• Tables and full Mahjong sets provided
• A welcoming, social atmosphere
• Opportunities to meet and play with new people
• Light oversight from House of Sparrow hosts
A welcoming, two-part beginner series designed to teach you the fundamentals of American Mahjong and get you confidently to the table.
Our Mahjong 101 series is perfect for complete beginners or anyone looking to build a strong foundation in the game. Across two thoughtfully structured sessions, we’ll guide you step-by-step—from understanding the tiles and reading the NMJL card to building hands and learning the flow of gameplay.
Each session builds on the last, giving you time to absorb the material, ask questions, and practice in a supportive, small-group setting.
We gather at Pablo’s in North Andover, where you’re invited to arrive early, enjoy dinner, and connect with others before we begin promptly at 6:45 PM.
By the end of the series, you’ll feel confident reading the card, understanding gameplay, and joining a Mahjong table with ease.
No experience required—just come ready to learn, laugh, and fall in love with the game.
📍 Location: Pablo’s, North Andover, MA
🗓 Dates & Time
Two-session series (see available dates at booking)
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
We recommend arriving at 6:00 PM to enjoy dinner and mingle before the lesson begins
The objective and flow of American Mahjong
Tile categories and suits
How to read and use the NMJL card
How to build a winning hand
The Charleston and basic gameplay rules
Tips for strategy and calling tiles
Two guided lesson sessions
Dinner and a drink at each session
A 2026 National Mah Jongg League card
Full Mahjong sets ready to play (tiles, racks, mats, dice)
Expert instruction from House of Sparrow
A warm, small-group learning environment
Complete beginners
Anyone who has always wanted to learn Mahjong
Players looking for a strong foundation before joining guided or open play
Already learned the basics but want a little support while you play? Guided Play is designed for newer Mahjong players who are ready to practice in a real game setting—with an instructor nearby to help.
During this session, you’ll play full games of American Mahjong while a House of Sparrow instructor circulates the room, answering questions, clarifying rules, and offering helpful strategy tips along the way.
It’s the perfect bridge between lessons and independent play—giving you the chance to build confidence, strengthen your skills, and enjoy the rhythm of the game in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Whether you’re still getting comfortable reading the card or just want a little guidance at the table, Guided Play is a great way to keep learning while having fun.
• Instructor support and guidance throughout play
• Real Mahjong gameplay with other learners
• Help with reading the NMJL card and building hands
• Strategy tips and rule clarification as questions arise
• A relaxed, welcoming environment to practice and improve
• Players who have taken a beginner lesson
• Anyone who knows the basics but wants extra support while playing
• Players looking to build confidence before joining open play sessions
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