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Mah Jongg Life

NOVA Mah Jongg - “Building community one tile at a time”

While there are several versions of the game, most commonly played is the American style version which uses an annual card published by the National Mah Jongg League. The card contains several hands used to create a unique 14-tile pattern. The game has been referred to as “rummy on steroids” but easier to learn than Bridge.

For those interested in learning how to play American Mah Jongg, Chinese or Wright-Patterson styles, Melissa Flavell the organizer is a skilled teacher in the Alexandria area.

Members who already know how to play are invited to join one of our scheduled games.

Lessons and Workshops

Playing the game Mah Jongg is healthy for the brain and social life. Best played with a table of 4, it can also be a game for 2, 3 or 5 players. The levels of competition can range from a friendly, social game playing for “mahjong” to adding the element of score keeping with money to full-blown competitive playing in tournaments.

Beginner Lessons are offered at $50-$80 for a series of two 2-hour sessions. Lessons are typically held at Wegmans.

Have a group of friends who want to learn? I’m happy to come to you for groups of 4-16 students. Pricing varies based on location within the DMV area.

Players who already know the game and are looking to refine their skills and strategy may request advanced lessons.

Corporate Team-Building Events We offer Mahjong-themed events to engage and connect your team.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Regular Weekly Play

Tuesday 10a Fairfax Wegmans

Tuesday 2:30p and 6:30p Wegmans Hilltop Alexandria

Wednesday 11a Woodbridge Wegmans

Thursday 1p Tysons Wegmans

2nd and 4th Sundays Wegmans Stovall Street 5p

RSVP using the TeamReach app - our group code is “birdiebam369”

Mah Jongg Resources

Check out my favorite Mah Jongg goodies for playing & learning

Learn More

Grab Your Free Beginner’s Cheat Sheet!

Don't know your Bams from your Craks? Download our quick-reference guide to American Mah Jongg hands and rules to get table-ready in minutes.

MEET THE ORGANIZER

Melissa Flavell is the founder of NOVA Mah Jongg, based in Alexandria, Virginia. Guided by the motto “Building community one tile at a time,” Melissa has created an inclusive and welcoming space for players across Northern Virginia from Woodbridge to Tysons.

Originally from Maine, Melissa spent long winters playing games with family and friends, sparking a lifelong love of learning and connection through play. After marrying into the military, she discovered Mah Jongg and was captivated by its many versions, blend of strategy, social engagement, and fun.

As a music teacher by trade, Melissa brings patience, structure, and creativity to her Mah Jongg instruction. She takes care to teach strong fundamentals to beginners while helping advanced players refine technique, develop confidence, and strengthen game awareness. Melissa is also a founding instructor with the Mahj Life Teachers Guild, under Mah Jongg maven Michele Frizzell.

"Our team had a blast, and I’ve had a nonstop stream of people telling me it was the best work event they’ve ever attended."

Mary Alyce D., Capital One Bank

"I was part of Melissa's first virtual Mahjong for Beginners lesson and although we were a trial group I feel like I was being taught by a pro who had a lot of experience both teaching and playing. The lessons were structured well and moved us through the basics, the rules and then to actual play on the computer at a good pace yet with plenty of time for questions. I feel the lessons left me well prepared to sit down at an actual table and start playing with others in person. Melissa is an awesome teacher, cheerful and enthusiastic and she brings an abundance of experience and passion for the game to each one of her lessons. "

PATTY W.

"I started going to Melissa's classes not knowing a single person or a single thing about Mah Jongg. Now, I have a weekly game I look forward to and a wonderful group of new friends. Her welcoming energy makes all the difference!"

Emily C.

NOVA MJ in the NEWS!

Check out the story about how Mahjong is the new “pickleball” in the DMV. Read the full story here.

Zebra Press also visited us during our monthly game in Old Town Alexandria.

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Contact Info

(413) 364-2310

novamahjongg@gmail.com