What style of mahjong do you teach?

We teach Hong Kong-style mahjong (if you're a fan of movies, this is the style of mahjong featured in Crazy Rich Asians and The Joy Luck Club).

I've never touched a tile before – do I need experience to join a class?

Not at all! Most people who attend our Mahjong 101 - Intro to Mahjong classes have never touched a tile before. We have designed our intro classes for complete beginners and we will have you playing before the end of a 2-hour class!

What's the difference between Mahjong 101 (Intro to Mahjong) and Mahjong 201 (Points & Practice)?

Mahjong 101 is an introduction to a simplified version of the game. In this 2-hour class, we use interactive exercises (yes, you will be touching the tiles almost immediately!) as well as a demo to cover all of the basics – the tiles, the sets, game set up, and playing mechanics. This is followed by guided play using open hands and real-time coaching.

Mahjong 201 is all about building confidence through play. In this class, we introduce a few more mechanics of the game (seats and winds) as well as the basics for points scoring. In this class, you'll play low-pressure practice games while learning how to count points with guidance and real-time coaching.

Which class should I sign up for?

If you've never touched a tile before or if you want a refresher on the basics, sign up for Mahjong 101. If you have come to a Mahjong 101 class or have played the game before, sign up for Mahjong 201.

But, how do I know I'm ready for Mahjong 201?

If you know the basics of the game (i.e., you have come to a Mahjong 101 class or you have played before), can get through a game with a little help from the table or tile reference sheets, and feel comfortable playing a game with concealed hands, then you're ready for Mahjong 201. Most people who come to Mahjong 201 are beginners, who are still learning the game but want to get more practice time.

Are your classes progressive?

Yes, Mahjong 201 is a progression from Mahjong 101.

While many people take a Mahjong 101 class once (or twice), players often come back repeatedly to Mahjong 201. Learning to play without tile reference sheets, getting the hang of points scoring, and playing faster doesn't happen after one Mahjong 201 class. Getting better and faster at mahjong is all about practice and that means playing lots and lots of games.

Do you provide reference materials?

Yes, we provide tile and points reference sheets for use during all of our classes.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, our classes are for everyone ages 16 and up.

Do I need to bring anything?

Nope. We provide the tiles, tables, and reference materials for you to use during class. Just bring yourself (and maybe your competitive personality)!

Can I come on my own, or do I need a group?

Either! Many of our players come solo and we create name tags for everyone (one less thing for you to learn in class). Part of the fun is meeting new people at your table, and then maybe you'll play again with them in the future!

How can I buy a ticket?

Go to our website to view our class openings. All class ticket links can be found there.

Your classes are often sold out. How can I get on the waitlist or be notified about coming classes?

Email us at hello@luckytilemahjong.com and let us know which class(es) you'd like to be waitlisted for and how many tickets you would like. We will contact you when a spot opens up.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified about upcoming classes.

Do you offer drop-in sessions and mahjong socials, or only ticketed classes?

All of the above! We run ticketed classes (Mahjong 101 and Mahjong 201) for those who want structured teaching, practice, and real-time coaching.

We run free drop-in sessions as well as ticketed mahjong socials for players of all levels who want to show up and play. All of our mahjong socials are listed here.

Are your mahjong socials for beginners? Do I have to understand how to score points to join?

Our mahjong socials are currently open to all levels. There is generally no points scoring (chicken hands are okay!) unless everyone at the table agrees to playing that way.

Do I have to register in advance for a mahjong social?

Some of our mahjong socials are ticketed and require advance registration. Others are free drop-in events where you can just show up and play.

How do you manage large crowds at your free drop-in events?

Our goal with all free mahjong socials is to manage the traffic flow so that as many people as possible can participate without things feeling chaotic or frustrating. That said, it can be hard to predict how busy our drop-in social games will be and we have processes in place to manage different situations (e.g., waiting list, seat rotation, capacity limits).

Can I come on my own, or do I need a group?

Come solo or as part of a pair, trio, or quartet! We will seat you with other players and do our best to match skill levels. That said, part of the fun is meeting new people at your table!

Is there gambling at your events?

Nope, all our games are gambling-free (and our mothers do not understand why!)

What types of corporate events do you run?

Our corporate events are a unique, culturally-rich, and engaging way to connect with your clients or team. We will partner with you to design a corporate event that fits your needs. At a high level, our most common formats are:

• Two-Hour Intro to Mahjong Workshop –a structured, standalone learn-to-play experience, ideal for groups (clients, employees, or a mix of both) who want a focused and fun activity. About 45-50 minutes covers “formal” instruction, which is a mix of interactive exercises and a demo (no slides required!) and the remaining time is mahjong playing with real-time coaching.

• Integrated Party Format –we set up individual mahjong tables within your event so guests can learn and play as part of a broader celebration.

• Mahjong Activation –we set up a mahjong social in your space (ideal for public spaces or groups that want to create a community experience).

For all options, we supply everything: mahjong tables, tile sets, and coaches. Pricing depends on your group size, the number of coaches required, and equipment needs.

Do you partner with companies or community organizations?

Yes! We partner with corporate and community organizations to create custom mahjong activations for your space, audience, or event. Get in touch and we'll work with you to bring it to life.

What determines the price of a corporate event?

Pricing depends on the length of your event, your group size, the number of coaches required, and equipment needs.

Do you run private events in homes?

Not at this time. While we don't teach private groups in home settings, we do offer private events at public venues (secured by a client). Our fee is based on a minimum class size of 16 people (4 tables) and 3.5 hours (2-hour workshop plus 90 minutes for set up and tear down).

Can you accommodate groups smaller than 16 people?

Not at this time.

Do you travel outside Vancouver?

We are open to talking about running events outside of Vancouver.

Where can I buy a mahjong set?

A standard Hong Kong-style set has 144 tiles, with tiles typically sized around 3.2 × 2.5 × 1.6 cm (or 1.26" × 1.00" × 0.63"). Locally, you can find sets at Fuling Gifts & Houseware (Chinatown) and Homepoint (Crystal Mall, Burnaby). You can also find sets on Amazon and Facebook Marketplace. If buying secondhand, ask about tile size (some are mini) and ask for photos of the full set first.

Do you sell mahjong tables?

We don't sell mahjong tables but you can buy the Apollo tables we use from our friend, Justin at opentablestore.ca. Use the code LuckyTileMJ for 20% off.

Do you sell Lucky Tile branded merch?

Yes! We currently have hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, tote bags, baseball caps, and stickers in stock. Our online store is not yet set up but you can buy our merch in-person at any of our events or email us to learn more.

I can't make a class. Can I get a refund on my ticket?

We are happy to refund tickets up to one week before a scheduled class. You are also welcome to share your ticket with another mahjong student. Either way, drop us a note at hello@luckytilemahjong.com to let us know.

I can't make a mahjong social (ticketed event). Can I get a refund on my ticket?

Same policy as our classes – we're happy to refund tickets up to one week before the event, or you're welcome to share your ticket with another person. Drop us a note at hello@luckytilemahjong.com either way so we know what's happening.

Will I be photographed or filmed at an event?

Some of our classes, socials, and pop-up events include photo and video capture for promotional and marketing purposes (website, social media, and newsletters). If you'd prefer not to appear in any photos or video, just let a member of our team know when you arrive and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

If I register through a venue partner, is my information shared with them?

For events hosted in partnership with a venue, registering may mean your contact information is shared with that venue partner for their own marketing purposes. This will always be noted on the specific event listing before you register.