Unusually for a big city, most Portland mahjong is free or donation-based: the Beth Israel learn-to-play group is free, and the Encorepreneur meetup suggests $5–$10. Parks & Rec five-week sessions are priced at registration (typically well under $100 for the series), and private instruction runs higher by arrangement.

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

No. Every class on this page assumes zero experience and teaches from the tiles up. The parks beginner class is explicitly a 5-week introduction, and the meetup tables teach newcomers at the table.

Are tiles and the current mahjong card provided?

Mostly yes. The Portland Mah Jong Meetup and the Beth Israel group provide sets, and meetup organizers bring extra tiles for new players. If you have your own current National Mah Jongg League card, bring it; if not, instructors will explain what it is and where to get one.

How long does it take to learn mahjong?

American mahjong generally takes four to six sessions before you can sit at a real table, which is exactly why the parks classes run five weeks. Riichi and Chinese classical have different rulesets but a similar curve; the Tuesday meetup's third-Tuesday riichi instruction is a popular bridge.

Is mahjong for older adults, or can anyone learn?

Anyone. Portland's offering deliberately spans both ends: the parks classes and Beth Israel table draw a mix of ages, and the riichi meetup skews younger and is popular with strategy-game players. There is no age floor or ceiling on any listing here.