Los Angeles, CA

So Bam Fun

Mahjong Lessons in Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ most social and fun way to learn the game.

So Bam Fun brings American Mahjong to Los Angeles in the most fun way possible. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a player looking to sharpen your skills, our instructors bring the tiles, the materials, and everything you need — directly to you. Private lessons at home in Santa Monica, Silver Lake, Pasadena, or anywhere in LA. Social events at great local venues. Team-building events for your office. Our instructors come to you.

We offer private mahjong lessons, social events at great local venues, and corporate team building events across Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Pasadena, Culver City, and the greater Los Angeles area.

Two friends laughing and playing American mahjong on a pink couch at a So Bam Fun lesson


Private Lessons

Private Mahjong Lessons in Los Angeles

Whether it’s your first time holding a tile or you’ve played a few times and want to level up, our private lessons are designed to meet you where you are.

  • 2-hour sessions tailored to your group’s experience level
  • All tiles, racks, and materials provided — no equipment needed
  • Instruction in American Mahjong & National MahJong League rules
  • We come to you — your home, apartment, or private venue anywhere in Los Angeles

Perfect for: complete beginners, friend groups, family game nights, birthday celebrations, and bachelorette parties.

No experience needed. Our instructors start from scratch and move at your group’s pace.

Pricing: Group lessons start at $400 for a 2-hour session. Pricing varies by group size and location. Contact us for a custom quote.

A student reading the National Mah Jongg League card during a private So Bam Fun mahjong lesson

Public Events

Social Mahjong Events in Los Angeles

Join us at top venues across Los Angeles for a night of tiles, laughs, and new friends. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced players are all welcome. Our instructors are on hand throughout the event to keep the game moving and the fun going.

Three ways to play with us in Los Angeles:

  • Beginner Mahjong Lesson — a structured 2-hour class for first-timers. No experience needed, and all materials are provided.
  • Guided Open Play — practice with an instructor nearby. Best for players who have taken a lesson.
  • Open Play — game time for experienced players, with no instruction.

New events are added every month across Los Angeles. Come solo or bring a friend — we provide the tiles.

Friends playing mahjong together at a social So Bam Fun event

Corporate Events

Corporate Mahjong Events in Los Angeles

Looking for a unique way for your team to connect? Mahjong is hands-on, strategic, and genuinely fun — the perfect icebreaker or team-building activity that gets everyone away from their screens and around the same table.

We bring the tiles, the instructor, and everything your team needs. You provide the space and the people.

Popular for: office team-building, company offsites, client entertainment, holiday parties, and employee appreciation events.

We serve companies throughout Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Culver City, Pasadena, and surrounding areas.

A group playing mahjong around a table at a So Bam Fun team event

What to Expect in a So Bam Fun Class

Not sure what a lesson actually looks like? Here’s how a typical session runs.

  1. 1

    Arrival & Setup

    Your instructor arrives with everything. No prep on your end.

  2. 2

    Learn the Tiles

    We introduce the tiles and how the game works.

  3. 3

    Build Lines

    Practice building lines from the card to learn the hands.

  4. 4

    Full Game

    Your group plays a full game with guided instruction.

  5. 5

    Q&A & Next Steps

    Questions answered, and tips for continuing to learn.

After one 2-hour session, most beginners have a solid grasp of the basics and can get through a full game with support. Mastering the rules and strategy comes with ADDITIONAL lessons and Regular play — but the first session is always the most fun.

Where We Teach in Los Angeles

Our instructors travel throughout the Los Angeles area, including:

Westside

Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills

Hollywood & Central LA

West Hollywood, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown, Larchmont

Downtown & Eastside

Downtown LA, Arts District, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Highland Park, Eagle Rock

San Fernando Valley

Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Burbank, Toluca Lake, Woodland Hills

Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley

Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, Glendale

South Bay

Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Playa Vista

Hosting a private event outside of our standard service area? Reach out — we’re happy to discuss options for venues and neighborhoods across LA and beyond.

About American Mahjong

Mahjong originated in China over a century ago, and American Mahjong evolved from those roots into its own distinct game, played with the National Mahjong League (NMJL) card. It has its own hands, rules, and strategy, and it’s the version we teach here at So Bam Fun.

Whether you’ve heard about mahjong from a friend or a family member — we’ll give you a solid foundation in a single session.

FAQs

How much do mahjong classes in Los Angeles cost?

Private group lessons start at $400 for a 2-hour session. Pricing varies by group size and location. Contact us for a custom quote.

How long does it take to learn mahjong?

It typically takes at least 3 sessions to feel confident playing independently. Your first session is a great starting point — you’ll play with instructor support the whole way.

Do I need any experience to book a class?

No experience needed — ever. Our instructors start from scratch and adapt to your group’s pace.

Do I need to provide tiles or equipment?

No. We bring everything — tiles, racks, NMJL cards, and all materials. If you’re hosting a lesson, you just need a table and your group.

Where do classes take place?

Private lessons and corporate events come to you — your home, apartment, office, or venue anywhere in Los Angeles. Public events are held at set venues around the area — check our events page for locations and dates.

Where can I learn mahjong in Los Angeles?

So Bam Fun teaches American Mahjong across Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Pasadena, and Culver City. You can book a private lesson that comes to your home, apartment, or venue, or join a public beginner lesson at one of our set venues. Check our events page for upcoming dates.

What is the best way to learn mahjong?

We recommend starting with a live lesson, so you learn the tiles, the card, and a full game together instead of piecing it together from videos. From there, Guided Open Play lets you practice with an instructor nearby, and Open Play lets you keep playing with a group. Our Los Angeles classes and events are built around that path.

Can I teach myself mahjong?

You can pick up the basics on your own, but American Mahjong is harder to self-teach than it looks. The winning hands come from the National Mahjong League card, which changes every year, and table etiquette is easier to learn by playing. A single 2-hour lesson covers the tiles, how to read the card, and a full guided game.

Are there public mahjong events or open play in Los Angeles?

Yes. We host public mahjong events in Los Angeles at set venues, with new dates added every month. Formats include Beginner Lessons (no experience needed), Guided Open Play (an instructor is on hand, for players who have taken a lesson), and Open Play (for experienced players). See our events page for dates and to register.

Can I come to a mahjong event in Los Angeles alone?

Yes. Many attendees come solo and get paired with other players at the event. All tiles, racks, and cards are provided, so just bring yourself.



So Bam Fun

Book a Mahjong Class in Los Angeles

So Bam Fun offers private mahjong lessons, corporate events, and social mahjong events across Los Angeles. All skill levels welcome. We come to you.

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