Play mahjong like a magpie: smart, social, stylish & savvy

Mahjong Lessons & Events in St. Louis & Mid-Missouri

  • A table of Mahjong tiles with various colorful Chinese characters and symbols, some stacked and scattered across the surface.

    Beginner Mahjong Lessons

    Learn the ins and outs of the delightful, challenging game of American mahjong at one of our Mahj 101, Mahj 102, or Guided Play lessons. We teach the National Mah Jongg League rules by the book but also show you modern house rules—yes, blanks!—to add some spice to game night. Join a seat at a public lesson or host your own private lesson at your home or favorite hangout.

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  • A close-up of a Mahjong game in progress with scattered tiles on a patterned blue and pink table.

    Private Lessons & Mahjong Group Support

    Go all in on your new favorite hobby (we promise) with our three-part series of beginner lessons. Get support in launching your own mahjong group with guided play, game set-up, and all the supplies you need to play!

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  • Close-up of a hand holding a Mahjong tile over a Mahjong game board with tiles arranged in scoring patterns.

    St. Louis Mahjong Open Play

    The best part of mahjong? Connection and community! We host local St. Louis mahjong open play events and private parties to foster new friendships and encourage networking. Nearby in Mid-MO? We’re happy to travel and set up a pop-up in your home or boutique.

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Magpie Mahjong - Ali St. Louis Mahjong Instructor

Hi, I’m Ali!

Welcome—I’d love to teach you how to play mahjong! I fell in love with mahjong because of the connection it builds with other women and the fun screen-free mental exercise it delivers. Why “magpie”? My maiden name means “magpie”, and I’ve always identified with those clever, playful birds who love shiny things, puzzles, and friendship. The name took on new meaning when I started to play mahjong—a game named for the birdsong-like twitter of the tiles—and I realized that my favorite qualities of magpies are also my favorite way to play mahjong: smart, social, savvy, and stylish.