Hinsdale Mahjong Society (HMS) is a curated, social mahjong experience designed to make learning and playing both approachable and enjoyable. Sessions are intentionally structured to create full tables, thoughtful groupings, and a welcoming environment for all levels.

We group players by comfort level to ensure the best experience at every table:

Beginner — Never Played
You’re brand new to mahjong and learning from the very beginning.

Learning the Card — Taken a Lesson and Played Once or Twice
You understand the basics and are starting to recognize patterns, but still need guidance.

Comfortable — Have Played Multiple Times and Can Read the Card
You can follow gameplay and build hands, with occasional questions along the way.

Quick & Confident — Can Generally Play a Game in ~25 Minutes and Move Through Play Efficiently
You’re experienced, recognize hands quickly, and keep the game moving at a steady pace.

Tables are thoughtfully curated based on experience level to ensure:

• smooth gameplay

• comfortable pacing

• an enjoyable experience for everyone

In Sessions, players may rotate week to week within their level.

Sessions are reserved, multi-week series designed to build consistency, confidence, and community.

Open Play is a flexible option where players can join individual games, while still maintaining the same HMS structure and full-table experience.

Hinsdale Mahjong Society Sessions are reserved monthly experiences. Because space is limited and planning occurs in advance, registrations are generally non-refundable.

If you’re unable to attend a session:

• Please provide notice when possible (24 hours is appreciated)

• Your seat may be offered to the waitlist

All registrations are final. In the rare case that a waitlist replacement is secured prior to the Session start, we may offer a refund minus processing fees.

We aim to balance flexibility with fairness while protecting the rhythm of the Sessions.

Mahjong is a game of four, and each seat matters—this policy helps ensure the best experience for everyone.

We understand that things come up. While sessions are non-refundable, providing advance notice allows us to offer your seat to someone on the waitlist.

No—everything is provided, including tiles, mats, and reference materials.

HMS is social first, with light structure to keep gameplay moving. Whether you’re learning or more experienced, the focus is on enjoying the game, building confidence, and connecting with others.

If you’re unsure, you can always reach out. We’re happy to guide you to the level where you’ll feel most comfortable and confident.