Fees are non-refundable. There are no makeup classes.

Toby Salk – Mah Jongg Maven

Toby Salk at her Mah Jongg table

After the end of a long term corporate job, I knew it was time for reinvention. I tried on all of the hats I’ve worn throughout my life, seeing if one might fit again.

One night, I was sitting at a dinner party with a successful bakery owner. She looked at me squarely in the eye and said, “You should be teaching Mah Jongg”. Before I could protest, she offered me her bakery in the evenings for my first class.

Experimenting on friends first, I then organized my first class at Sweet Adeline Bakery and had to turn people away. It was a huge success. Now I am teaching all over the Bay Area, including an exclusive women’s club on Union Square, classrooms, Afikomen Judaica, and private homes. I will go to anyone’s location if they have four to eight aspiring students.

closeup of hands and mah jongg tiles

Vintage Sets for Sale

When I find a vintage Mah Jongg set, I do my best to restore it for play. I clean it, match missing tiles and bring it back to life. I feel a sense of love for its history, for the hands that played for decades with friends and family. Let me know if you’re interested in seeing my collection for purchase.

Mah Jongg Classes & Events

Beginner’s Mah Jongg

These classes will teach you the basics of playing American Mah Jongg according to the National Mah Jongg League Guidelines. The focus will be on tile recognition, rules, strategy and lots of fun! My classes are small with great attention to each person’s needs. I will also show you the basics of choosing a Mah Jongg set and have lots of show and tell. This is also a great class to take if you are rusty and want to go back to the basics.

Strategy Workshops

Did you play Mah Jongg as a child? Did you take a class and then never play again? Did you used to play and need a review? Are you at a plateau and want to UP your game? Want to sit with the “sharks”? This is the class for you!

Mah Jongg Brunches

Brunch is from 11:00 am to Noon and then we play from Noon until 3:00 pm. Ready for a ridiculous amount of fun?!? Enjoy playing Mah Jongg and making new friends? Coffee and tea are provided. Please bring something to share. I will share Mah Jongg wisdom to all who have the need/desire.

Accolades

So you want to learn Mah Jongg? Look no further than the Mah Jongg maven herself, Toby Salk. I am a lucky beneficiary of Toby’s teachings and I’ve been loving MJ ever since.

Debra L.

The click, the clack, the laughter, the stories. Toby Salk makes the game of MJ sing. But MJ is more than a game; it is a chance to build community, and Toby is a great teacher.

Jennifer M.

After only four totally enjoyable classes I know the basics of how to play Mah Jongg. Toby is a great teacher who shared her passions, as well as her knowledge of the game with the class.

Martha F.

Order Toby’s Book: American Mah Jongg for Everyone

Whether you’re an American Mah Jongg newbie or an intermediate player looking to gain an edge over your opponents, American Mah Jongg for Everyone is the perfect book to help you start practicing your game! Gregg Swain and Toby Salk walk you through the basics of American Mah Jongg—introducing you to the tiles, rituals, history, rules and winning strategies of the game.