About Us

School of American Mah Jongg

Where Passion Meets Education, and Knowledge Builds Confidence

The School of American Mah Jongg (SOAMJ), operated by The Mahj Connection, LLC, is dedicated to providing quality education in American Mah Jongg for both players and aspiring instructors.

Founded by Debbie Barnett, a longtime American Mah Jongg player, educator, and author, the School was established with a simple mission: to make learning American Mah Jongg accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding while promoting excellence and consistency in how the game is taught.

What began as an innovative online learning experience has grown into a comprehensive educational organization offering live instruction, skill-building opportunities, and a structured Instructor Accreditation Program.

Whether you are picking up your first tile, looking to strengthen your strategy, or pursuing professional recognition as an instructor, SOAMJ provides the education, guidance, and support to help you achieve your goals.

Learn American Mah Jongg With Confidence

Our interactive online classes bring the Mah Jongg table directly to you, providing a personalized learning experience from the comfort of your home.

Unlike traditional prerecorded lessons, our live instruction allows students to ask questions, practice skills, and receive immediate feedback in a supportive classroom environment.

We offer instruction for a variety of skill levels:

  • Beginners: Learn the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg, including tiles, rules, game setup, the Charleston, and gameplay.

  • Advanced Beginners & Intermediate Players: Build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and develop effective playing strategies.

  • Advanced Strategy Instruction: Explore more sophisticated strategies, defensive play, hand selection, and techniques to improve overall performance.

  • Private & Semi-Private Lessons: Receive individualized instruction tailored to your experience, learning style, and goals.

Our small class sizes provide personalized attention, meaningful interaction, and opportunities to apply what you learn.

We believe that learning American Mah Jongg should be more than memorizing rules. It should be an engaging educational experience that develops understanding, confidence, and a lifelong enjoyment of the game.

Instructor Education & Accreditation

Raising the Standard for American Mah Jongg Instruction

As American Mah Jongg continues to grow in popularity, so does the demand for knowledgeable, capable, and well-prepared instructors.

Recognizing the need for structured instructor education and consistent teaching standards, SOAMJ developed its American Mah Jongg Instructor Accreditation Program.

Our program is designed for individuals who want to move beyond knowing how to play the game and develop the skills necessary to teach it effectively.

We believe that being an experienced player does not automatically make someone an effective instructor. Teaching requires a thorough understanding of the rules, sound instructional methods, effective communication, and the ability to guide beginners through the learning process.

Our accreditation program evaluates both knowledge and teaching ability through a comprehensive educational and assessment process.

Two Pathways to Instructor Accreditation

Full Instructor Accreditation Program

A comprehensive, self-paced educational program covering American Mah Jongg rules, instructional methodology, beginner teaching strategies, lesson organization, classroom management, and practical teaching techniques.

Exam + Practicum Pathway

Designed for experienced instructors who believe they already possess the knowledge and teaching skills required to meet SOAMJ's established accreditation standards.

Both pathways require candidates to demonstrate their competency through a written examination and a practical teaching evaluation.

More Than a Certificate of Completion

Our instructor accreditation is not awarded simply for attending classes or completing coursework.

Candidates must successfully demonstrate their knowledge and teaching abilities through:

  • A comprehensive written examination.

  • A recorded, live instructional practicum with true beginners.

  • A formal evaluation of teaching methods, accuracy, communication, and instructional effectiveness.

  • Compliance with established program standards and requirements.

Accredited instructors are also required to participate in annual renewal activities, including continuing education and updates on current National Mah Jongg League rules.

Our goal is to recognize instructors who demonstrate the knowledge, preparation, and teaching skills necessary to provide students with a quality educational experience.

Recognized CPD Accreditation

We are proud to announce that the School of American Mah Jongg has received accreditation from The CPD Group, an independent organization that recognizes continuing professional development and educational training programs.

This recognition represents an important milestone in our commitment to professional education and instructor development.

CPD accreditation provides independent recognition of our educational program and supports our mission of promoting structured learning, professional development, and high instructional standards within the American Mah Jongg community.

Our commitment extends beyond teaching individuals how to play. We are helping establish meaningful educational standards for those who teach others.

Our Commitment to National Mah Jongg League Rules

SOAMJ recognizes the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) as the authority for the rules governing American Mah Jongg.

Our instruction and accreditation standards are based on the official NMJL rules, including current rule updates and clarifications.

Although the NMJL does not offer an instructor accreditation program, independent educational organizations may establish training and assessment programs to evaluate teaching competency.

SOAMJ's Instructor Accreditation Program is independently developed and administered. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the National Mah Jongg League.

Our purpose is to complement the NMJL's role as the rules authority by promoting accurate, consistent, and effective instruction.

Meet Our Founder

Debbie Barnett — Founder & Lead Educator

Debbie Barnett brings more than 45 years of experience playing American Mah Jongg and has been teaching the game since 2006.

She is the author of Unlocking the Secrets of American Mah Jongg and has dedicated years to helping players develop a deeper understanding of the game through structured education, practical strategies, and personalized instruction.

In 2020, Debbie founded the School of American Mah Jongg to make quality instruction available beyond the traditional classroom.

Her experience working with players and instructors of varying skill levels led her to recognize an important need within the growing Mah Jongg community: a comprehensive educational program designed specifically to prepare and evaluate instructors.

This vision became the foundation of the SOAMJ Instructor Accreditation Program.

Today, Debbie continues to teach, develop educational resources, mentor aspiring instructors, and advocate for accuracy and excellence in American Mah Jongg education.

Our Mission

To educate, inspire, and empower American Mah Jongg players and instructors through quality instruction, professional development, and meaningful educational standards.

We are committed to:

  • Making American Mah Jongg education accessible and engaging.

  • Promoting accuracy and consistency in the teaching of official NMJL rules.

  • Helping players develop confidence, strategic thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the game.

  • Preparing and evaluating instructors through structured education and demonstrated teaching competency.

  • Supporting ongoing professional development within the American Mah Jongg teaching community.

Join Our Learning Community

Whether your goal is to learn American Mah Jongg, improve your playing skills, or pursue recognition as an accredited instructor, we invite you to explore the educational opportunities available through SOAMJ.

Learn the Game. Build Your Skills. Teach With Confidence.