American Mahjong Lessons & Events in Charlotte, NC
American mahjong lessons, assisted play, and beautifully hosted gatherings across Charlotte — from a former first-grade teacher who believes the table is where real connection happens.
A first-grade teacher's approach to a layered game.
Allison Merriman learned mahjong from her mother and never stopped wanting to share it. Her teaching style is hands-on, scaffolded, and patient — making a complex game feel approachable from the very first tile.
What began as private lessons for a few curious friends has grown into a vibrant community woven throughout Charlotte. Allison partners with local businesses to host beginner-friendly mahjong nights at venues across the city, bringing together new players and seasoned fans alike.
Her events are thoughtfully curated — from the tile sets and table arrangements to the food and drinks — creating an atmosphere where guests feel genuinely welcomed.
For Allison, mahjong is about more than tiles and strategy. It's about connection.
In a post-COVID world, she saw firsthand how much people craved real, face-to-face engagement. The mahjong table, she believes, is one of the best places to unplug, deepen friendships, and keep your mind sharp — all at the same time.
National Mah Jongg League · Standard RulesTwo regular nights, open to anyone.
Recurring evenings hosted at neighborhood favorites. Whether you've played for years or never touched a tile, there's a seat at one of these tables for you.
Monday Night Mahjong
Beginner Mahjong
Bring mahjong to your table.
Invite your family, friends, or neighbors over for a lesson tailored to your group's experience level. Allison handles the tiles, the teaching, and the rhythm of the night — you handle the guest list.
Two-hour lessons, scaffolded for your group's skill level. Perfect for friends, family, neighbors, your book club, your coworkers — you name it.
Minimum of 4 players, maximum of 16. Setup and cleanup require a little additional time on either side of the lesson.
Full payment is due at the lesson; a $50 deposit secures the booking. Travel fees may apply based on distance from Allison's location, but are typically waived for groups of 8 or more — she'll let you know shortly after booking if your address requires one.
Online booking is open for limited dates. For specific dates or larger events, please reach out directly.
The Standard
- $50 deposit secures your booking
- Tailored to your group's level
- Tiles, racks, instruction included
- Handouts and lesson materials provided
- Travel often waived for 8+ players
What students and hosts are saying.
Real words from people who've sat at one of Allison's tables — at a private home, a brewery, or a beginner night.
We were eager to learn mahjong but intimidated to start. Allison described the history of the game, took the time to answer our endless questions and gave us the tools to strengthen our mahjong skills. She was patient, knowledgeable and dedicated — everything I'd look for in a mahjong instructor and more!
I'm so thankful that I signed up for a class. Allison is an amazing instructor — she makes mahjong simple. Her instructions are clear, concise, and never overwhelming. She's also incredibly kind and patient, making her an absolute joy to learn from.
I appreciate Allison's approachable teaching style and how personable she is! Her love and passion for mahjong radiate throughout her lessons, and her background in education allows her to teach mahjong so beautifully and seamlessly.
Learning mahjong with Allison has been a wonderful experience. She came to our home fully prepared, created a relaxed atmosphere, and taught with incredible patience and clarity. What I appreciated most was how calm and encouraging she remained, even when we were struggling. Thanks to her teaching style, we gained confidence quickly and truly looked forward to playing on our own.
The room was packed with women in cute summer dresses, sipping drinks and bonding over learning something new together.
The entire event was warm, it was inviting, it was beautifully set up.
Latest from @mrsmerrimanmahjong.
Recent moments from the table — events, lessons, and the little details Allison puts into every night. Tap any photo to see it on Instagram.
Event photography.
Captured moments from recent lessons, brewery nights, and private events — the rooms, the tiles, the table settings, the laughter. (For day-to-day updates, see the Instagram feed above.)
Let's get a game on the calendar.
Pick a time that works for your group from the calendar, or send a quick note for custom dates, larger groups, or anything else.
Tell Allison about your group
Best for custom dates, larger groups, or just-a-question situations.