From My First Lesson to Mid MO Mahjong: How My Mahjong Journey Began
If you had told me in May 2025 that my search for a Mahjong instructor would eventually lead me to teach more than 200 students, organize tournaments, and build a growing Mahjong community throughout Mid-Missouri, I am not sure I would have believed you.
But that is exactly what happened.
Searching for a Mahjong Instructor
My Mahjong journey began in May 2025, when I started looking for someone who could teach me how to play American Mahjong. I was intrigued by the game and eager to learn, but finding an instructor in the Mid-Missouri area was not easy.
Fortunately, my daughter, Harper, found an instructor, and in September 2025, I finally took my first two American Mahjong lessons.
I was immediately hooked.
There was something about the combination of strategy, excitement, and connection that drew me in. Learning the tiles and reading the National Mah Jongg League card was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. With every game, I wanted to learn more—and play more.
My First Mahjong Tournament
After playing for only about eight weeks, I participated in my first in-person Mahjong tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, in November 2025.
I did not attend simply because I wanted to compete. I went because I already had a bigger idea: I wanted to bring a Mahjong tournament to Columbia, Missouri.
The tournament gave me an opportunity to experience competitive play firsthand. I observed how the event was organized, how players rotated among tables, and how a shared love of Mahjong could bring so many people together.
That experience strengthened my belief that Columbia and the surrounding Mid-Missouri area were ready for more Mahjong opportunities.
Bringing Mahjong Home to Columbia
When I returned to Columbia, I began planning ways to bring local players together. Over Christmas break, I hosted my first open-play Mahjong event.
That event taught me something important: before we could host more open-play events, leagues, and tournaments, we needed more people in Mid-Missouri who knew how to play.
So, I began teaching.
What started with a few lessons grew quickly. The more classes I taught, the more requests I received from people throughout the region who wanted to learn American Mahjong.
Since teaching my first class, I have introduced more than 200 students to the game—and that number continues to grow. I have also expanded beyond Columbia, teaching classes in Jefferson City, Centralia, Hermann, Blue Springs, and other Missouri communities.
Every class creates new players who can form their own groups, attend open play, join a league, or eventually participate in a tournament. That is how a Mahjong community grows: one new player and one welcoming table at a time.
From 2 Bam Loaves to Mid MO Mahjong
My early classes and events began under the name 2 Bam Loaves. As the community expanded, it became clear that the name needed to reflect what we were truly building: a welcoming Mahjong community serving players throughout Mid-Missouri.
That growth inspired the evolution from 2 Bam Loaves to Mid MO Mahjong.
Mid MO Mahjong is more than a place to take a class or play a game. It is a community where new and experienced players can learn, connect, compete, and find their place at the table.
Meet My Daughter, Harper
Mid MO Mahjong is also a family endeavor. My daughter, Harper, joins me in teaching classes and hosting events.
Harper plays Mahjong weekly and shares my enthusiasm for helping others discover the game. She has also participated in Mahjong tournaments, where she has held her own against players who have been playing for years.
Watching her confidently compete alongside experienced players is a wonderful reminder that Mahjong can be enjoyed by different ages and generations. Her involvement adds something special to our classes and events, and I love that we can share this experience while helping the local community grow.
The Growth of Mahj Mondays!
Today, I host Mahj Mondays!, where players can participate in:
American Mahjong 101 lessons for beginners
Mahjong 102 lessons for players ready to strengthen their skills
Guided play for developing players
Open play in a welcoming environment
Competitive leagues and tournaments
Watching Mahj Mondays! grow has been one of the most exciting parts of this journey. Each week brings together people with different experience levels who share the same enthusiasm for the game.
Players can take their first lesson, strengthen their skills through guided play, enjoy a social game with friends, or challenge themselves in a competitive setting. There is a place for every player, wherever they may be in their Mahjong journey.
Continuing to Learn and Compete
Although teaching and hosting have become important parts of my life, I am still an enthusiastic player.
I participate in Mahjong tournaments on a monthly basis and play whenever I have the opportunity. Tournament play continues to challenge me, strengthen my strategy, and introduce me to players from other Mahjong communities.
Competing regularly also makes me a better instructor and tournament host. Each event gives me new ideas and a deeper understanding of the game that I can bring back to my students and the Mid MO Mahjong community.
One of the things I love about Mahjong is that there is always something new to learn. Every hand is different, every table presents a new challenge, and every player can help you see the game in a new way.
What I Love Most About Mahjong
The community is what I love most.
I love meeting new people and watching Mid-Missouri’s Mahjong community grow. I especially love seeing students begin to understand the game and experience the excitement of declaring their first Mahjong.
The smiles, celebrations, and encouragement around the table are what make teaching so rewarding. Players support one another, celebrate each other’s progress, and form friendships that extend beyond the game.
Mahjong may begin with learning the tiles, the card, and the rules, but it becomes something much greater. It creates connection, builds confidence, and gives people a reason to gather.
Your Mahjong Journey Can Start Here
My journey began with a search for an instructor and two lessons. Since then, it has grown into more than 200 students, classes across Missouri, Mahj Mondays!, open-play events, competitive leagues, and tournaments.
If you have been curious about American Mahjong, I hope my story encourages you to give it a try. You do not need any previous experience, your own Mahjong set, or a group ready to play. You simply need a willingness to learn.
Whether you join Harper and me for Mahjong 101, Mahjong 102, guided play, open play, Mahj Mondays!, or a special event, you have a seat at our table.
We cannot wait to welcome you—and perhaps celebrate your first Mahjong with you.
Where community meets the table.
