
Caryn has been playing American Mah Jongg since her teens. In 2015 she became a successful Mah Jongg instructor.
Caryn clearly explains the intricacies of the game in a patient manner. Her lessons teach beginners how to read the Chinese tiles, how to read the National Mah Jongg League card and ends with teaching advanced mah jongg strategy.
Caryn is known around Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV), being a fun, knowledgeable patient instructor. She incorporates historical facts and stories about the game making her lessons very interesting.
Caryn teaches in homes and she also creates Mah Jongg events for any size group in the DMV: tournaments, fundraisers for schools, businesses, clubs and organizations.
You can contact her to set up a lesson in your home and/or schedule an event through the contact form below.
Caryn loves Mah Jongg, she and wants everyone to play! Read about her in the Washington Post article, On Saturdays, millennials play mah-jongg

Mah Jongg creates social connections. It is designed to be played by 4 people, but can be adjusted to 3 or 5 players. Mah Jongg is very popular everywhere; it is a great way to meet people and make new friends. It is a very welcoming game.
Mah Jongg is fun to play. The clacking of the Mah Jongg tiles has been a welcoming sound for generations.
Mah Jongg is great for gathering with friends. But it is also a strategic game which is appealing to people who are more competitive. It is a game can be enjoyed in a relaxed environment or can be more challenging. It is up to you.
Mah Jongg is a mix of knowledge, strategy and let’s not forget, a little luck!
All ages, all generations, everyone, plays Mah Jongg.
Reasons to play Mah Jongg: Friendship, Laughter, Challenge, Excitement, Mental Stimulation, Fun, Inspiring, Achievement, Updated Yearly, and it is a Good Time
Thank you for your inquiry.
Several Monday Nights each month Joy by Seven Reasons restaurant has American Mah Jongg lessons following the rules of the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules. Reservations can be made at Joy’s website or by calling the restaurant. The lessons start at 6:00 pm and end by 9:00 pm.
located at
5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Maryland
PHONE: 202-417-8968
Come solo or with a group. The lesson is for beginner or a refresher. Food and drinks are available for purchase to enjoy while you learn Mah Jongg .
Space is limited. Bring your required National Mah Jongg League card with you, or purchase one upon arrival. Cancellation policy is 48 hours.













“Caryn makes Mahjongg click—fast, fun, and confidence-building.”
P. Fromer, Chevy Chase, Maryland
“Caryn teaches with extensive knowledge of Mah Jongg. She creates a fun, effective learning experience. At the end of the lesson I had confidence and skills. Thank you. "
E. Sher, Arlington, Virginia
"Caryn taught 4 of us in my home to play Mah Jongg in just 3 lessons. She had us playing and even got into strategy during our lessons. She was fun, personable and very knowledgeable. I can highly recommend her and Mah Jongg! “
Betsy M, Alexandria, Virginia
“Caryn taught me and several other ladies to play Mah Jongg. She was incredibly patient and thorough. But most of all, she showed us how much fun we could have. She has been generous with her time and kind enough to come to our house to refresher “class” as needed. I would recommend Caryn to anyone interested in learning or advancing their Mah Jongg game.”
H. Wallace, Washington, DC
“It starts incomprehensible, but with patient coaching from Caryn you quickly become a pro.”
J. Grant, Washington, DC
“Oh, what a great way to start Mah Jongg!! Caryn is the best instructor ever! She quickly walked us thru the basics of the game and helped us understand the intricacies of playing. And, somehow made it fun! Everyone got plenty of time and attention as she rotated around the table and guided us on our way to Mah Jongg. We all enjoyed the lessons and felt fully prepared to play with others. Plus, she was always available to answer questions via text or email. Regardless of your level—beginner, intermediate or expert, I highly recommend Caryn to help you get to the next level of play. “
L. Phelps, McLean, Virginia
“Caryn is clearly a very skilled mah jongg player and teacher. She was very patient and took the time to break down the game entirely from the start to finish.”
E. Eppolrto, Washington, DC
“Caryn has been a really great teacher. Her love for the game of Mah Jongg translates into everyone enjoying the learning process. She is patient and very helpful in teaching us both the basics and more advanced strategies”.
L. Meador, Washington, DC
“Had a great time learning mah jongg from Caryn. Didn’t think we’d every figure it out, but we did. Thanks, Caryn”
K. Raue, Washington, DC
“I never thought I could learn Mah Jongg, but Caryn made it possible!”
R. Phillip-Anderson, Silver Spring, Maryland
“Charming, fun, great teacher! Logical and thorough in her approach. Great personal attention to each and all students throught the class. Highly recommend. "
P. Levine, N. Bethesda, Maryland
“Caryn is a wonderful instructor—patient, clear and fun. She made the game a joy to play.”
L. Hyland , Washington, DC
“Caryn is awesome. She has a great command of the game with all different strategies. Caryn is patient and quick witted. I recommend her highly”.
J. Tompsons, Reston, Virginia
“Caryn was terrific. So patient, fun and knowlegable! We all had a great time!”
N. Savage, Arlington, Virginia
“Dear Caryn, Thank you for speaking to the Arlington Women Civic Alliance. Your passion for Mah Jongg was inspirational and many of us look forward to learning the game.”
AWCA Program Co-Chairs, Arlington, Virginia