Mahjong Lessons for beginners

Recently, I have had enjoyable games with our friends from SHC. During some games with mj beginners, I found that it was difficult to teach them at the mj table in the midst of a proper game as lengthy explanations will hold up the games for others. Also, I noticed beginners’ hesitation at throwing cards causes each round of game to be longer which may lead other players to lose interest.

I am a keen supporter of mahjong and hope that this game can be popularized and be enjoyed by all. I think mj practical lessons under no pressure will be more suited for the beginners. For the this purpose, I volunteer to conduct basic and systematic lessons to explain and enhance one’s knowledge of the mahjong game structure and teach the fundamentals – rules, ways of "eating" and throwing cards, how to call and calculate "doubles" etc.

We can start as soon as there are at least 4 interested players and someone who can provide the venue. So far there is already 1 interested player, please get in touch if you are also keen on taking practical mj lessons.

A brief introduction about myself, I am a retired mathematical school teacher and was a member of the Teachers Military Band. I conducted our school military band and also taught snooker to students in school. In my personal time, I had previously taken up chinese drama acting and choir performance. Looking forward to expanding the mahjong circle.

Those who are interested can just leave a contact method along this thread.

Freddie Liew

64 thoughts on “Mahjong Lessons for beginners”

  5. Hi Fred,
    me too, interested; if time permits. Slow to stack, cant remember when to call PONG or CHI, also dun know how to score teehehehe slow learner in this game, needs patient teacher :D

    TQ, ChristinaCL

  8. Good morning Freddie,

    I have tried to learn this game unsuccessfully in the past. The first time was taught by Danz at our Batam trip, and the second time at the Sibu Island kelong trip. During the 2 learning sessions, I felt very sleepy and dreamy. I don’t know why…….maybe this game needs a lot of patience and concentration. Since you don’t mind teaching a slow learner like me, please include me in your list. I will give it another try and see if I have the interest ???? Oh ya….include Lina Ng also, both of us are in the same boat! Heheheeeeee

    Ah Nee

  9. hi freddie
    i have read a book or two on mj; played one or two games so far but don’t really understand all the rules as yet and keep having either an extra card or short of one! so please count me in as a student;
    would also like to pick up the game of snooker if you can teach too;

    hi liz (#2)
    maybe we can get freddie to teach us both if you are also interested!

    my eamil is d4thong@yahoo.com.sg; thank you;

  10. Dear friends, I have never expected such a good response
    from you. Actually I am flying to Hong Kong on Sat(10/1/09)
    and back by 20/1/09. As Liz Yeo can get a mj room from her club, and Celia Wong are trying to get a mj from her clubs,
    it’s very encouraging. Allow me to start the 1st lesson after 20/1/09. let’s hopping Liz and Celia can get a mj room. Cheers
    Freddie

  12. Hi Freddie,

    Years ago, I did learn to play MJ a couple of times. I agree with you – it was difficult to learn MJ during an on-going game with actual players. And although it is an interesting “mind game”, it is physically TOO sedantary. Too many hours of sitting down, had caused me to give up learning MJ. Your idea to teach MJ to beginners is a great idea. I’m interested. Please keep me in the loop. my email is jacqhan@gmail.com. In fact, i still have the MJ table, and a MJ set with me. The table is rusty and dusty. The MJ set is in my store-room, not seen nor inspected for years. Hope “it still works”, hahaha

  13. P/S Freddie,

    If you have a group of 3, (include me=4) learners, you are welcome to conduct the lessons at my humble home. My location is at South West of Singapore: Telok Blangah/Depot Rd/Alexandra Rd). Will provide full address via email. And include road/bus directions.

  14. Hi Freddie
    Now the response for mj tutorial is overwhelming! I prefer to learn in a small group (4-6), so am interested in learning at Jacq Han’s place ( @# 13) if it’s conducted on a Sun afternoon. I’ll prefer the venue to be accessible by train (NEL), but may have no choice but to go to a faraway venue.

    Can try to assist you to get a small group (4-6) if you need help. I’ll approach interested parties thru e-mail.

    Have an enjoyable holiday in HK.

    Tks and best regards
    Jassmine

  15. Hi Ah Nee,

    I know why you were sleepy and dreamy at our 2nd mahjong lesson. Cos we were drifting about on that kelong. Me too! The air was warm, the sun was up, no clouds in the sky, the weather good enough to be sleeping lah! How to concentrate? I always feel sleepy whenever I sit down, whether it is cards or mahjong. And my brain refuse to register. Stacking, as Christina mentioned.. that I would be good! Scoring.. that would be boring! Give myself one last try, right Ah Nee. Hopefully, this time Freddie makes it interesting.

    Brian Ong, so nice of you to teach golf to beginners. Glad you being active at SHC. It’s about time!

  17. Hi Jacqueline, If you can make the mj game at your house to-morrow (7/1/09), I would make it. Please confirm it ASAP because time to communicate and also give your address to the players. Ping Hock, Jane Chua and Jassmine Teo, based on 1st come 1st sit, 3 of you are to come to join Jacqueline for the mj lessons.If any one cannnot make it please inform me ASAP.

  19. Freddie,

    forgot to add that some of us are still working leh. FYI, I have limited free time; JacqH’s home is nearer…
    Hope we are not giving you silver hairs hahhaha

    TQ, ChristinaCL Chan

  20. Hi Freddie,

    I am very interested too. Know only basics but
    not sure about the rules. Too many to follow.

    Pls also include Venika Leong. Tks.

  22. Wow Freddie!
    That was really quick response!
    Tomorrow is NOT a good time for me. Not good this week and the next. How about a date AFTER you return from your Hong Kong trip?

    Gives me time to dig out the MJ set and MJ table, blow away the dust. hoohoohoo!

    A thousand apologies, Freddie. Have a safe trip.

  26. Dear friends,I have found the easiest and most simple way to
    start the lessons. It’s as follow:
    Importantly, you have to get a group of 4 yourself,
    plus a place. Then inform me by email and I
    will go directly to the place. Thanks.
    my email add.is (liewck13@hotmail.com)

    Freddie

  27. I am the another half of Arthur Yap (wife lah, he he), since I face difficulty each time when I use my own account when I lock in, being “kia su” I have no choice but to use Arthur lock in to register my intetest in joining in the mahjong session, do keep me informed thru my e mail : peggyyap@pacific.net.sg. Cheers
    Peggy

  28. Good Morning to all………

    Me too can stack d tiles quickly, can pong, often game wrongly hence I think i need to understand all the rules with more practise on how to score. I can play on weekdays email me……”limfreda@gmail.com”

    thanks n cheers

  29. Hi Jassmine!

    21 Jan Wed, approx 2.30pm to 4.30pm is good. If can start lessons at 2pm all the better.
    Now we have you,Jane Chua and yours truly (me). Just one more lucky kaki to join us for the first lesson.
    I will provide full address and contact via email. Please gimme your email address and mobile number.

  30. Freddie –

    Found my MJ set and MJ table. “Still working fine”. Except one “Chips drawer” under the table, is broken. Can you make it on 21 Jan? If not, please suggest another day.

  32. PING HOCK, AND All interested beginners-
    Sorry sorry sorry. Just noted Freddie’s earlier post re the FIRST THREE PEOPLE, FIRST COME FIRST SIT: Ping Hok, Jane Chua, and Jassmine Teo. So – if Ping Hock can make it, enough kaki already.

    PING HOCK, CAN YOU MAKE IT?

  33. Hi Freddie,

    I have a goup of 3 by now,the best is after CNY,
    when everyone is less busy.
    Hopefully will be on 8Feb Sat 12pm onward.
    May you have a blessed holiday.

    :) A general invite interested parties to respond by email lizyeosg@yahoo.com ( 1st come 1st join basis in a goup of 5-6 is good)the location is at East of Singapore.

    Thankyou

  34. Hi Freddie,

    I have a venue for training session for MJ on 7 Feb 09 (Sat), anytime from 2.00 pm onwards. I thot I better inform the teacher first, can accommodate 8 pax, 2 table. We can discuss about it nearer to the date. Meanwhile, please block this date in your calendar. :)

    Ah Nee

  36. Hi Freddie,

    I’m keen to learn too.
    The date and venue given by Ah Nee sounds good.
    Will block out this date if you are available.

    james tan

  37. Hi mj is not a game I wld die for but good to pick up the
    basic skill hear so many poeple are into this game now, if
    of course you are able to take in so many students pls let me know place and time. My condo also has majong room its
    at Melville Park Simei ample parking facilities. Janet Loo

  39. Hi Jacq #31.
    Sorry, 21Jan not good for me – Doctor’s appointment. Someone wishes to take my place, please go ahead and contact Jacqueline. Must keep the ‘hot’ interest going on.
    Don’t let me hold you back. Cheers!

  41. Hi Ah Nee & Lina

    You both want to pick up mahjong again? I am so glad to know that. I can give you gals free lessons if you promise to be kuai kuai and sit still with me for at least 2 hours…he.he.. I am sure you both can pick up the game well cos you’re a fast learner. Hey, I can’t wait for that day to come…when we are retired and have nothing better to do, this game will keep us really occupy. Let’s then form a foursome to play day and night ya? Nor, are you game for this?

    RonaldL, are you sure or not? I am surprised you want to learn cos I thought you were expert in it?

  43. Dear Freddie,

    You not only can teach MJ, with your multi talent I am sure you can also start a choir training session after your HK trip, that will give us enough time to sing during Chinese Lantern Festival & Christmas. What say you ?

    Peggy Yap

  44. Hi JacquelineH @# 29; 30

    Freddie has indicated that he can make it on Wed 21st. 2 -4p.m. Though we don’t have a foursome yet, I’m quite sure the mj tutorial at your pl on that date will be on.

    My e-mail:kdaae2005@hotmail.com

    Many tks for providing the venue + equipment for the mj lesson.

    Cheers

  45. Hi Ah Nee @# 34

    Would like to join the mj class at your venue on Sat 8/2 if I’m not abroad on that date.
    With a lesson before CNY and a lesson after CNY, I think I should be ready for a real mj game!

    Tks for providing the venue.

    Cheers,

  46. Hi Susan,

    Is it true? Ronald can play MJ? Let’s check him out first. Thank you for thinking so highly of Ah Nee and I, as fast learners. But the problem with us is that we can’t sit still. Maybe, cos it was hot at the kelong. And that was why we kept falling asleep. With an air-cond room, I think we should be able to sit still for half an hour!

    How I wish Freddi can teach us to sing too, karaoke style. I will be the first to register! Haha. Have a good day Susan.

    Ah Nee, you are so ‘laku’. Everybody wants to join your MJ group. But don’t forget me OK. I am first in the queue.

  47. Wow ANee & Lina,
    Finally a bug got both of u in mj liao hor.. But hor, half an hour sitting still bo kau leh.. must hv patient 2 sit there at least 2hrs like Suzhang kong lor..

    Good luck in learning n next time, we will not hv short of kakis to play liao, tio bo, Suzhang… Cheers.. Dolly

  48. Lina,
    Freddie can do social dance leh, he told me during d last Dec mthly meeting lor.. Who know he will start a social dance practice session soon lor.. Right, Freddie?

    KOK, not 2 sure, alamak, tis 1, bo find out more details, but I think he is can 1 lor.. tio bo?

    Cheers.. Dolly

  49. Good morning Lina,

    Is true RonL can play mj lor. He is not only good at advising but can tell you how to build it “big” too.
    If you want to learn, half an hour is not enough lah, like what Dolly said. By the time we teach you all the rules & regulations, it’s already half an hour gone. :(

    Tio lah Dolly.. next time we will be short of tables and mj set and not kakis…he.he.. :)

  50. Hi! Good morning to all the potential MJ kakis,

    Never know the response was so good! I think our teacher must work out a schedule or timetable for his new job and that is teaching SHC members how to play MJ. Hahaha……I will help you in planning the 7 Feb 09 (Sat) MJ lessons.

    My group of MJ learners will be 1) Andrew Thio 2) Charles Wee 3) Lina Ng 4) Ronald Lee 5) Rene Leong 6) James Tan 7) Jassmine Teo 8) Arthur Yap 9) Myra Chia (pending confirmation)

    I would like to thank our teacher, Freddie in advance for teaching us. And Suzhang will be around to make sure all the students “kwai kwai” sit still for the MJ lessons….heheheee, I think this is going to be very fun………:)

    Ah Nee

  51. Dolly, Suzhang & Lina,

    Not sure which is easier, learning how to dance or learning how to play Mahjong? I think dancing is easier, no need to think too long…..

    Suzhang, in order to boost up your confidence in ibanking, why not for a start…you transfer some monies to me. Oh yah, Lina said she is good at ibanking and she too, will transfer some monies to me, heheheeeeee :)

    Ah Nee

  52. ANee,
    Wahpiangz, if Ron Lee sit 2gether with u all 2 learn mj, u all sure liao 1.. Both Suzhang n me seen him play b4 mah.. can play and chor big dai 1 hor.. Good luck.. hehehe :)

    All new players, happy learning n Suzhang, u r definitely vry rite, no short of players next time hahahaha… Dolly

  53. Hello Ronald Lee,

    You are not honest leh, why you want to indicate your interest in learning when you are an expert ??? Apa macam, I don’t want to be in your table hor….sekali you “chor big dai” (what is this mean?)or you will distract us with a loud “pong” & “pong” and what is that also? :(

    Ah Nee

  54. Hi Ah Nee @ #51

    There’s no easy ways. We just have to keep learning and practice it. No doubt dancing dont need to think so long… but you’ll still need to remember the steps well. Mahjong not only base on your skills & strategies, but at the same time your luck too.

    Ah Nee, good idea. I can start practicing iB from now on. Everyday, you pay for my lunch and I will transfer the fund to you after that at the end of the day…. that way, I can start transfering small sum then bigger sum next time for my bills…ha.ha..

  55. Hello Ladies,

    Please give me a break. Why you all so like that???? I want to learn also cannot meh??? Why “sapo” me? Worry that I win from all of you after mastering from the “sifu”, har? You all have put it so mean not to let me learn. Why? Have I ever cheated any of you? If I don’t get to learn MJ, it is all your fault lor. You know who hor?

    I have been looking for someone to teach me MJ proper and I am sincere about learning and mastering it from the basic. MJ is a game of skill and not just only “pong” and “kong”. It also involved lots of quick mind and decision, and there is a system of playing your cards which I am nuts to. Majority of those who joined in this tread has at least some basic knowledge of MJ. Moreover in a MJ learning session, I presume no money is involved. It is in the actual game that you seek and pair off to your standard. So… I am not up for bad intention but wanted to learn. In SHC we share and learn from each other. Right?

  57. Hi Jane Chua!

    So sorry to hear that you can’t make it on 21 Jan. I hope all is well with you. I have emailed my address and contact number to you. Please keep the info for future lessons.
    Take care. Look forward to meet you.

  58. hi jac han,

    so sorry i was not reading this thread, didnt get any emails le ..
    can i still join the mj session? which time/place/contact?

    arigato!

  59. HI Ping Hock,
    You did not leave your email address on this thread, so I could not reach you. AND for the last 3 days you did not respond. I almost gave your seat away! My location is in the South west of Singapore: Depot Rd/Alexandra Rd. Is it convenient for you?
    Please give me your email address. I’ll provide my address and contact via email. For security reasons, members are NOT ALLOWED to post personal detail such as address and phone number. If you wish, you may contact me at jacqhan@gmail.com

  61. Dear All,

    I ama hopeless with zero knowledge in gambling games but would like to learn the basic of mj. As I am a sleeping member and live in Tampines kindly let me know if there is any opportunity to learn ?

    Happy CHY to all :-)

  62. Hi Jacqueline #59,

    Thank you for highlighting the risks involved in having one’s contact addresses and telephone numbers on this forum. As a guideline, and if it does not skip the eyes of the forum moderators, all contact details and tel numbers on the SHC website are deleted.

    Terence Seah

  64. Hi Ah Nee

    I’ll withdraw from the mj class on 7/2 as the teacher will be repeating his lesson. Freddie is thorough and systematic. Really learnt a lot from him today.

    Enjoy your lesson on 7/2.

    Cheers and Happy Lunar New Year!

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