Jillian and her nine-year-old son Ben join Jenn and Cathy for Mahjong strategy, kid-friendly teaching, tournament talk, and plenty of table commentary. Ben shares how he learned, why he loves the Charleston, and how he keeps grown-ups accountable for their language.

Connect with Mahjong Meets Moxie: https://www.mahjongmeetsmoxie.com/

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/793859083054812/

Tiles we talked about: https://www.twosparrowsmahjong.com/

Connect with Jillian: https://www.mahjeltovwithjillian.com/product-page/play-smarter-screw-your-opponents-a-strategy-workbook-for-the-nmjl-2026-card

Key Takeaways

1. Kids can learn Mahjong quickly when they start with tile names, hand-building practice, and regular play with a patient adult.

2. Mahjong builds pattern recognition, strategy, math skills, decision-making, and confidence across generations.

3. Jillian’s strategy workbook uses exposures, discards, Charleston choices, betting exercises, and Mahjong mysteries to help players practice reading the table.

4. Ben’s beginner videos make Mahjong feel accessible for younger players and give adult beginners a friendly starting point before open play.

5. Clear rules matter at every age. Learn the standard rules first, then be upfront whenever a group uses house rules or a variation like Siamese Mahjong.