Learn the Basics Online (and a YouTube Channel Worth Following)

You don’t need a stack of books to start learning Riichi Mahjong. The basic rules, tile types, and scoring systems are all available online—clear, free, and easy to access. But the real trick is finding explanations that actually make sense.

One of the best introductions (in Japanese) is the Genki Hirasawa Mahjong Channel（平澤元気麻雀ch）. It breaks down the game visually, step by step, showing how tiles move and why certain plays matter. Even if you don’t understand every word, watching actual gameplay helps you absorb rhythm and timing far faster than reading rules.

Still feel completely lost? If YouTube videos feel too fast or confusing, start with our beginner-friendly written guides. MJ Mall’s Riichi Mahjong Articles explain the basics step by step—with visuals and context designed for absolute beginners.

Think of it like learning a language—you can’t become fluent by reading grammar alone. You have to hear it, see it, and feel how it flows. Mahjong is the same.

Just Play—Don’t Chase Complicated Hands Yet

The fastest way to understand Mahjong is simply to play. Don’t aim for flashy hands or high-scoring yaku early on. Start by mastering the basics: forming sequences, triplets, and learning when to call or stay silent.

Apps like Mahjong Soul or Riichi City let you play for free against players worldwide. They guide you through mistakes gently, showing scoring breakdowns and hand analysis after each game. It’s a low-pressure way to internalize rhythm, waiting logic, and hand development.

Play a few rounds every day—consistency matters more than intensity. The more tiles you touch, the more natural your decisions become. Over time, patterns begin to appear: which tiles are safe, which waits feel right, and when a simple win is smarter than chasing glory.

Join a Mahjong Community and Learn from Others

Mahjong was never meant to be played alone. If you live outside Japan, you might be surprised how many Riichi Mahjong clubs already exist—even in cities without large Japanese communities. The United States, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia all have growing Riichi scenes, often run by passionate volunteers.

Search for local groups through Meetup, Reddit’s r/Riichi, or Facebook. While Chinese Mahjong clubs are more common, many Riichi groups welcome beginners and provide teaching sessions.

Playing face to face changes everything—you’ll learn etiquette, pace, and even the unspoken rhythm of the game. And when you lose (you will, at first!), you’ll get to ask questions, see others’ strategies, and improve ten times faster than you would alone.

In the end, Mahjong isn’t about perfect memory—it’s about connection. You don’t just learn rules; you learn people. That’s the secret that keeps players coming back, year after year.