Free Chinese Mahjong Classes

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program overview

Discover the joy of Chinese Mahjong in a welcoming, engaging class designed to build both skill and confidence. Students will learn the fundamentals of Chinese Mahjong—from basic game knowledge and light memorization to the exciting strategy of observing how others play their hands. As you continue attending classes, you’ll gain experience with different styles of play and learn to recognize special hands that earn higher points.

Over time, the game will begin to feel natural. Your confidence will grow—not just at the table, but in sharing the experience with others. Before you know it, you’ll be teaching friends and family, enjoying plenty of laughter along the way.

Like any great game, Mahjong rewards practice—so expect to practice, practice, and practice some more! While luck always plays a role (after all, there are 144 tiles and countless ways they’re “washed”), understanding strategy and paying attention to what others discard can sometimes make all the difference. There’s no perfect formula for a winning hand, but learning to read the table adds a fun and thoughtful layer to the game.

Mahjong is played in many styles around the world—Chinese, Hong Kong, Japanese (Riichi), American, Jewish, and more—each with its own rules and scoring systems. Exploring these variations can be fascinating, but the best advice is simple: relax, enjoy the process, and have fun.

Come learn, connect, and experience the timeless pleasure of Chinese Mahjong!

instructor Overview

Micheal Gomez

Instructor Micheal Gomez was born in Berkeley and has lived in the Bay Area his whole life. Graduated CSUS with BA in Speech Pathology and has post graduate work at UC Berkeley. Has worked as an instructor with Napa School District, Napa College, Santa Rosa College and Vacaville School district specializing with Adult Persons with disabilities. He spent the rest of his working career in the corporate sector. He moved to Sonoma County in 2014 and retired. He took over the Oakmont Chinese Mahjong Club in 2020 and had taught dozens of new players. He enjoys an active retired life and devoutly plays mahjong and the ukulele with various groups in the county.

Membership Has It’s Benefits

All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40. Materials fees are not discounted.

Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs. Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.

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Class FAQ

What is the process for cancelling my registration?

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds , due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

All credits must be used within 1 year.

Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines?

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here .

Accessibility Needs & Commitment

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

What skill level is right for me?

• All Levels

• Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.

• Beginning

• Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.

• Intermediate

• Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.

• Advanced

• Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time?

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Do you pro-rate late additions to classes?

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.

I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information?

We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here .

Date & Time

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August 14, October 30, November 27, December 25, and January 1

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Free to attend. No RSVP Required.