Welcome to MahJong East

MahJong East is a community based club  that focuses on teaching the fine game of MahJong to anyone who is interested.  We currently cater to the Eastern Suburbs and City of Sydney, but of course all are welcome!  Our goal is to create a social hub and have fun!  There are different ways (or house rules) for MahJong, and our focus is on Hong Kong style.

MahJong East teaching and coaching is run by Edina Wong.  Edina was born in Hong Kong and spent most of her life there, where Mahjong was a favorite pastime from teenage years. Weekends with siblings and friends, after team practices, or even during typhoons, Edina and her family  would gather around the table and play for hours—sharing laughter, strategy, and endless fun. MahJong is deeply woven into Asian culture, and for Edina, it has always been more than just a game—it’s a way of connecting with people.

When Edina went abroad to the United States to further her studies, she was excited to introduce MahJong to her American classmates and friends. At that time, the game wasn’t as widely known or played as it is today, so sharing it with others was very special.  After moving to Sydney a few years ago, Edina found many of her new friends were curious about MahJong. Their enthusiasm inspired her to start teaching the game. With lifelong experience and acquired knowledge, Edina now enjoys guiding beginners through their first hands as well as coaching more advanced players who want to deepen their skills and appreciation for the game. 

Edina is supported by a core of players who have played the game for many years. 

Joining MahJong East which is based in Sydney is simple!  We don't have any joining fees.  Just sign up by sending  an email to info@mahjongeastcom.au letting us know you'd like to join the course or if you'd like to join the coached sessions.  We’ll confirm your spot and you can pre-pay via direct debit to secure your place. You may also want to subscribe where you will be added to our mailing list and will receive updates on future courses and other activities such as practice & play sessions.

We currently run practice and play sessions for those who want to have game!  They are held at Grand Slam Bridge Centre, Double Bay each Wednesday from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.  

Our beginners courses run for 4 consecutive weeks.  Our next courses are planned to start on Monday 9th March 2026 from 6:00pm to 8.30pm.  Those who have concluded the beginners course can transfer over to the coached sessions at any time.

The practice and play (coached) sessions will run continuously on Wednedays  from 1.30pm to 4.00pm at Grand Slam Bridge Centre, Double Bay.

If you want to be kept in the loop, please email us at info@mahjongeast.com.au and we'll make sure you are kept up to date.

Our course runs weekly for 6 consecutive weeks.

● 📅 We’ll meet once a week for 2 -  2.5 hours, over 4 weeks. Same time, same place.

● 🎯 The goal is to take you from beginner to a player ready to practice independently.  The sessions are structured as follows:

• - basic introduction and understanding
• - ⁠play under instruction
• - ⁠tips on strategy
• - ⁠introduction of different hands in scoring
• - ⁠more advance tips
• - ⁠practice and play

It is important to start with an understanding of the different  suits, terminology and set up of the tiles.  

At the beginning it can feel a bit overwhelming, but after a couple of rounds under your belt you will start to feel like a pro!

You will learn the basic rules and etiquette (very important!) of how to start the game, the flow, dealing and playing.  

When the play begins you will learn how to put a winning hand to “ MahJong”, starting off simply and building up to different winning hands and scoring.

Throughout the process as you play you will be given advice  on strategic thinking and problem solving.   

● 💰 Payment is by block (all 4 sessions together).  (For the ongoing practice & play (coached) sessions you can purchase a block of 6 sessions for $120.00 which expires after 3 months).
 

● 🔄 Want more practice? After the first block, you can join the coached sessions and keep playing and learning under guidance of our teachers.

● 🙋 Miss a class? No worries—you can make it up in the next block (up to 2 sessions).

Yes we offer private lessons tailored to your experience and needs.

• We can come to you, or arrange a venue.  

• We generally need a table in multiples of 4 but it can work with three people.

• We charge $50 per person, for a table of 4.

• Sessions last around 2 hours but can be longer.

• You can do as many sessions as what suits you.

Please email info@mahjongeast.com.au if you are interested in "privates" and we can take it from there!

The inclusive cost for the 4 week course  is $120.00, paid in advance. 

The 4 sessions include teaching, ongoing coaching and an opportunity to practice.  You'll also receive a free booklet and materials so you can review at home to perfect your practice. 

The cost for the ongoing coached sessions is $20.00 per session, purchased in a block of 6 sessions costing $120.00, which is valid for 3 months.

Practice & Play (coached) sessions run continuously on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.

Once your spot is reserved there is no need to confirm attendance each week. 

You can play at home with a group of 3 or 4 people.  You will need to purchase the tiles (contact us and we can source for you) and have a table that is suitable (a card table works well).  Alternatively you can download an app and play online which is a great way to familiarise yourself with the game.  The app we suggest is ''mahjong club'' which is available on the app store.

This video is also a good intro to Hong Kong style MahJong. A good way to familiarise yourself or remind yourself before or after the course.

https://youtu.be/_JGsb87PEIo?si=cuoWxaJgv_5jm-Nq

This video shows how to MahJong with points (Advanced Hong Kong Style)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVQyV7OMWdA

We run courses and practice & play  at the Grand Slam Bridge Centre, 47 Knox Street, Double Bay. 

If you're not local to Double Bay, Sydney, there is off street parking (metered) available. There is also parking available at the Council Car Park on Cross Street and Corner of Jamberoo Lane.  (First hour free then $6.60 for second hour, onwards.    Cross Street Car Park - Nationwide Parking 

After 6:00pm, on street parking is free of charge.

 The centre has a coffee and snacks bar, serving the best coffee in Double Bay!

https://www.grandslambooks.com/

It could be said that the game of MahJong gives your brain a healthy workout - it uses the same brain power as chess or bridge, though it has added visual and tactile appeal. 

It is commonly understood that MahJong is good for your brain, as it provides mental stimulation, enhances cognitive function like memory and attention, and offers social benefits that contribute to mental well-being. Studies have shown that playing MahJong can improve executive functions, such as strategic thinking and decision-making, and even alleviate depressive symptoms, promoting healthier aging. 

Most importantly the social aspects cannot be understated.  We play for the fun and it's a great way to make new friends.

MahJong is stimulating for both your brain and social needs.  You learn to be flexible and if one strategy doesn’t work you quickly adapt and  try another (depending on your hand). A great life lesson perhaps?