Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Mahjong lessons, open play, and events in Naples & Marco Island
What is Mahjong Cafe?
Mahjong Cafe hosts American Mahjong events, beginner lessons, open play, and themed pop-ups in Naples and Marco Island, Florida. We're a social community built around the game, and we support the Play for the Mind Foundation, which studies how social games may help memory and reduce isolation.
Where are Mahjong Cafe events held?
We host pop-ups at local venues across Naples and Marco Island, Florida, where lunch is part of the experience — it supports local businesses and gives everyone a chance to mingle before play. Our Tuesday lessons are held at Golden Grove in Naples, and we travel to Bonita Springs and Estero for private events.
I've never played before — can I still come?
If you're brand new, your first step is our beginner lesson — open play and events are for players who've already learned the basics, so everyone at the table can enjoy the game. Once you've had your lesson, you're welcome at any lunch and open play event, and I'm there in person to help you through those first games so you feel comfortable. Beginners still get their own tables, so you're always playing with people at your level as you find your footing.
Do I need to take a lesson before I
can join open play?
Yes — we ask that everyone has had a basic lesson first, either from us or from another qualified instructor, so you have a solid foundation and can fully enjoy the game. You can take that first lesson with us at the Naples pop-up on Tuesdays at 9am.
How do I learn to play American Mahjong in Naples? Mahjong Cafe offers a beginner lesson every Tuesday at 9am at Golden Grove in Naples for $40, which includes breakfast and the lesson. We also offer private in-home lessons and group lessons — see our pricing below or call to set up a free consultation.
How do I learn to play American
Mahjong in Naples?
Mahjong Cafe offers a beginner lesson every Tuesday at 9am at Golden Grove in Naples for $40, which includes breakfast and the lesson. We also offer private in-home lessons and group lessons — see our pricing below or call to set up a free consultation.
Do you offer private or in-home
Mahjong lessons?
Yes. For players who are shy or want to go at their own pace, I offer private one-on-one lessons for $75 for 90 minutes — I bring the table and everything needed to your home, or you can come to my location. It's also a great way to be ready before season, so when everyone returns you're confident and prepared to jump right into play. Call 239-206-0010 for a free consultation.
Do I need my own equipment or set to join?
No, you don't need to bring anything — we supply all the games fully set up and ready to play. If you'd prefer to use your own party set, you're welcome to bring it, and some players may be happy to join you with it.
Do I need a National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card to play?
You don't need to buy anything to start — we keep NMJL cards on hand for you to use for free at our events. If you'd like your own to take home and use for regular play, we sell them too.
What is open play?
Open play is a session where players come together to play American Mahjong, with tables organized by skill level so everyone is matched comfortably. Beginners have their own tables, and a Mahjong Angel will help newer players along as they build confidence.
What happens at a Mahjong Cafe pop-up?
Our pop-ups bring players together at a local venue for lunch and social Mahjong play — the meal is a relaxed way to mingle before sitting down to games arranged by skill level. Your ticket includes a Mahjong-themed dessert, and there's a door prize drawing plus a prize for the most Mahjongs of the day. They're a great way to experience Mahjong Cafe whether you're brand new or experienced.
Can you host a private Mahjong event or party?
Yes. We host private events for up to 36 people with tables, all games, and supplies included, and you can add Mahjong-themed desserts and merchandise. We serve Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, and Estero — perfect for private parties, community clubs, and charity events. Call 239-206-0010 for a free consultation.
How much do lessons and
events cost?
Our Tuesday lesson at Golden Grove in Naples is $40 and includes breakfast and the lesson. Private one-on-one lessons are $75 for 90 minutes, with the table and games brought to your home or held at our location. Group off-site lessons, with all supplies brought to your venue, are $35 per person. Call 239-206-0010 for event pricing and a free consultation.
How do I sign up or get in touch?
Call or text 239-206-0010 to book a lesson, ask about events, or set up a free consultation. Space is limited at most events, so we recommend reaching out ahead of time.
What is the Play for the Mind Foundation?
The Play for the Mind Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cognitive health and social connection for seniors — and it's the reason Mahjong Cafe exists. Rather than casual drop-in play, we run structured Mahjong programs built around consistent, measured engagement over time. We're currently developing a pilot study in collaboration with a researcher from a prestigious university who specializes in Alzheimer's disease, with the goal of documenting how the focus, strategy, and social connection that happen naturally around a Mahjong table might be replicated and scaled as a real intervention for cognitive decline and isolation. We provide lunch and transportation to study participants so that no one is left out, regardless of their circumstances. Mahjong Cafe in Naples is the permanent home for that work so every lesson and event you join helps support it.