If you’ve taken Mahjong 101, you already know the basics. You’ve built a wall. You’ve survived the Charleston. You’ve played real hands and maybe even called your first mahjong. And then something interesting happens.
You sit down at open play and suddenly everyone else feels faster. More decisive. Like they’re seeing something you’re not quite seeing yet.
Welcome to the in-between stage. It’s the space between “I know how to play” and “I feel confident playing.” It’s completely normal. And it’s exactly why I created Mahjong 101½.
Why Mahjong 101½ Exists
Mahjong 101 taught you the rules. Mahjong 101.5 teaches you how to think.
This class is designed for players who:
- Have completed Mahjong 101
- Understand the fundamentals of American mahjong
- Want more strategy before fully jumping into open play
- Feel just a step away from real confidence
Instead of relearning the basics, we focus on sharpening decision-making and building rhythm at the table.
What We Work On
Mahjong 101½ is all about strategy and flow. During class, we focus on:
- Faster Charleston & hand selection
- When and how to pivot mid-game
- Smarter, more intentional discards
- Reading exposures with clarity
- Recognizing dead hands earlier
- Playing defensively when needed
These are the skills that transform you from a cautious beginner into a steady, confident player.
The Power of Open Hand Play
One of the most impactful tools we use in Mahjong 101.5 is open-hand play.
In select rounds, players lay their tiles face up. This allows everyone at the table to see how decisions unfold in real time. We talk through strategy. We analyze pivots. We discuss why certain discards make sense and others don’t.
It’s like turning the lights on inside the game.
When you can see how experienced players think through a hand, something shifts. Pattern recognition accelerates. Confidence grows. The game feels less mysterious and more manageable.
Who This Class Is Perfect For
Mahjong 101½ is ideal if:
- You’ve taken Mahjong 101 but still hesitate at open play
- You want to attend Guided Play and to sharpen your strategy
- You want structured practice before playing independently
- You’re ready to level up without feeling overwhelmed
It’s supportive. It’s strategic. And it’s designed to meet you exactly where you are.
From Knowing to Playing with Purpose
Mahjong is more than memorizing the card. It’s reading the room. It’s adapting. It’s deciding quickly and confidently. Mahjong 101.5 gives you that next layer.
If you’ve been waiting for the moment when you feel steady at the table instead of unsure, this is it.
Because you’re not starting over, you’re leveling up! 
