
You want to pass it on. You don't want to put them off.
This game came down a generation to you. Teaching it badly once can close the door for years — and there is no obvious way to teach a five-year-old and a ten-year-old the same thing.
There is: you teach them different levels of it.
Built on scaffolding, tested on real children.
The three levels exist because attention does. A five-year-old can sort tiles for twenty minutes and cannot hold a hand; a ten-year-old can do both.
Each level was tried with children in that range and revised where they lost interest — which is why there are milestone checklists rather than a single long lesson.
Inside Mah Jongg Step-by-Step Kids Bundle
A three-level teaching system for ages 5–12, built so nobody feels lost.
The Scaffolding System eBook
A 55-page parent guide covering every stage, from sensory tile play for the youngest to full games for tweens.
Level 1 — Recognise
Tile families, matching games, and sorting activities.
Level 2 — Build
Making sets, reading a simplified card, and first partial hands.
Level 3 — Play
Full gameplay with support wheels, then without.
The Junior Mahj Master Card
The illustrated reference, included.
Milestone checklists
So you know when to move up a level rather than guessing.
Troubleshooting & game-night ideas
What to do when attention drops, and how to keep it fun.
Three levels, so nobody feels lost
Recognise, then build, then play — with milestone checklists so you know when to move up rather than guessing, and troubleshooting for when attention drops.
Ages 5 to 12, on one system.
Why this beats figuring it out alone
| What you actually get | This guide | On your own | Free videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Scaffolding System eBook | Included | Work it out yourself | Scattered |
| Level 1 — Recognise | Included | Trial and error | Random quality |
| Level 2 — Build | Included | Ask the table | Hit or miss |
| Level 3 — Play | Included | Guesswork | Rarely covered |
| The Junior Mahj Master Card | Included | Work it out yourself | Scattered |
Mah Jongg Step-by-Step Kids Bundle
The game, broken into layers a child can actually climb.
- The Scaffolding System eBook
- Level 1 — Recognise
- Level 2 — Build
- Level 3 — Play
- The Junior Mahj Master Card
- Milestone checklists
- Troubleshooting & game-night ideas
Instant download · Print-ready PDF · No subscription
We're Mahjong Key
A community of players and strategists dedicated to American Mah Jongg. Our mission is to bring clear, practical knowledge to players at every level — because smarter players win more.
We don't believe in fluff, recycled tips, or confusing explanations. Instead we create structured lessons that actually teach you how to think at the table: from your first Charleston pass to reading opponents' discards under pressure.
Every lesson is clear, practical and available on demand. Watch at your own pace, rewatch as often as you need. No subscriptions, no distractions.
Other paths
American Mah Jongg Essentials
Read the card, play the hand, score it right.
From $9.99Browse → 3 guidesCharleston & Hand Direction
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From $6.99Browse → 2 guidesSolo Practice
Improve between games, on your own.
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Siamese Mah Jongg, for two.
From $7.99Browse → 1 guideFor Teachers & Clubs
Run a real beginner course.
From $31.99Browse → 2 guidesRiichi (Japanese Mahjong)
Push, fold, read the river.
From $9.99Browse →Everything else you might ask
8 questions answered
What ages?
5 to 12. The three levels map to roughly 5–7, 7–9 and 9–12.
Do we need a real set?
A printable tile set is included, so no.
How do I access my files after purchase?
Two ways. The download link appears on the order confirmation screen the moment payment goes through, and the same link is emailed to you within about a minute.
Keep that email — the link stays live, so you can re-download whenever you need.
Can I get a refund?
Because these are digital files delivered instantly, purchases are non-refundable and orders cannot be cancelled once the link has been issued.
That said, this policy is not a way to avoid problems. If a link fails, a file will not open, you were charged twice, or you received the wrong product, contact us — we will replace the files or refund you.
Can I print the guides?
All of them. Every file is built for a home printer on standard paper, with type sized to stay readable when printed. Many customers print the Cheat Sheet and keep it beside the card.
Are updates included?
Yes, within the year you bought. If we correct or improve a guide you own, the updated file appears at your existing download link at no cost.
The Mastery Bundle and Date Night Bundle also include next year's Cheat Sheet free when the new card is released.
Are you affiliated with other companies?
No. Mahjong Key operates exclusively under its own name and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the National Mah Jongg League, any other brand, seller, or third-party product.
If you buy Mah Jongg material from another source, it is not ours — we cannot vouch for its accuracy and cannot support it. To be sure you are getting the real thing, buy only through our official channels.
How can I reach out to you?
Use our contact page and we will get back to you. We aim to reply within one working day.