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Mahjong Teaching Tuesday - Assisted Play

Polly and Esther

This assisted-play class bridges the gap between first lessons and independent open play. Instructor Suzie Hauptman, a mahjong teacher for over 30 years, guides players through hand selection and gameplay strategy until they can run a game on their own. Sessions meet Tuesday evenings at her Penn Avenue boutique, and paid students receive a discount on shop purchases made before class.

Mahjong Teaching Tuesday - Assisted Play is a class open to all levels, held at Polly and Esther in Pittsburgh, PA. It costs $20 ($20 per class; unaided open play is also offered on Tuesday evenings for $10; advance phone registration required). The class runs weekly. Schedule: Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 PM; weekly Tuesday series at the boutique; call to register. Check Polly and Esther's site for the latest availability and booking.

Price$20 ($20 per class; unaided open play is also offered on Tuesday evenings for $10; advance phone registration required)
Duration2 hours
ScheduleTuesdays 6:00-8:00 PM; weekly Tuesday series at the boutique; call to register
MaterialsNot included — see price note
Best forNewer players who have taken a beginner class and want guided practice
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At a Glance

ActivityMahjong Lessons
ClassMahjong Teaching Tuesday - Assisted Play
LevelAll levels
Duration2 hours
Price$20 ($20 per class; unaided open play is also offered on Tuesday evenings for $10; advance phone registration required)
FrequencyWeekly
ScheduleTuesdays 6:00-8:00 PM; weekly Tuesday series at the boutique; call to register
LocationPolly and Esther, Pittsburgh PA
ProviderPolly and Esther
BookingAvailable — see booking link

What you'll learn

  • Select a hand with instructor support
  • Apply gameplay strategies
  • Build confidence to play independently

Upcoming Sessions

  • 2026-10-27
  • 2026-11-03
  • 2026-11-10
  • 2026-11-17

Sessions change — confirm dates with Polly and Esther before booking.

Data Verification

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026

Source: Official provider website

✓ Verified by a human researcher

Prices and schedules change. Please confirm current details with Polly and Esther before booking.

More Mahjong Lessons in Pittsburgh

Common Questions About Mahjong Lessons in Pittsburgh

These are the questions people most often ask about mahjong lessons in Pittsburgh — answers apply city-wide, not just to this class.

How much do mahjong lessons cost in Pittsburgh?

Of the 2 mahjong lessons in Pittsburgh with a published price, the typical (median) starting price is $25, ranging from $20 to $30. These are the venues' own listed rates, not estimates, and each listing says what the price covers.

Do I need to know how to play before my first lesson?

No. Beginner sessions start with the tiles themselves — how the walls are built, the Charleston, and what a finished hand looks like. Most run a short teach-the-rules round before play.

Are tiles and the current mahjong card provided?

Tiles are supplied at almost every venue, and most classes lend or include the current year's card. If you'd like to confirm, the organiser's page says so.

How long does it take to learn mahjong?

Two hours is typical for a first lesson, and most people leave able to play a full hand with the card in front of them. Fluent recognition of the hands takes a season of regular play.

Is mahjong for older adults, or can anyone learn?

No. Tables run from retirees to college students — the game is pattern recognition and table talk, not a fitness test, and most groups are glad to have new players of any age.