TILES & TALK - Dutch Language Café

August 29 - Den Haag

14:00 - 17:00

⏳ Registration closes on 28 August at 20:00

On Saterday 29 August, join us at Dutch Language Cafe for a relaxed Mahjong session where you can learn, play, and meet others around the table.

All Levels Welcome

Whether this is your first time playing or you've been enjoying Mahjong for years, we'll make sure you're seated at the right table. Read the guide below to learn the difference between our Beginner Workshop, Open Play, and the Mahjong experience levels.

Location

Dutch Language Café in Den Haag (Herengracht 13A, 2511 EG)

The location is a 5 minute walk from Den Haag Centraal station so it is easy to reach by public transport. If coming by bike, you can either park on the street outside or in the Biesieklette (free bike parking) which is a 2 minute walk away. The on street parking in the area is limited, so if you want to come by car we recommend parking at Q-Park. We recommend coming with public transport, on foot or by bike if possible.

🀄 Jiada Mahjong ⌵

Welcome to Jiada Mahjong, a beginner-friendly place where you can learn Mahjong, play, and connect with people. Whether you’re completely new or just want to practice, our hosts will guide you step by step.

🎟️ Beginner Workshop or Open Play? ⌵

Beginner Workshop (never played)

Learn how to play Mahjong in a fun and interactive way. Depending on the group at your table, you'll learn either Sichuan Mahjong (also known as Bloody Battle to the End) or Hong Kong Mahjong. Both are exciting, strategic variants that combine skill, tactics, and a bit of luck, and are well suited for beginners.

You won’t sit through a long lecture. After a short introduction, you’ll start playing right away. A dedicated host will guide you step by step at the table, explaining the tiles, the flow of the game, and the core techniques as you play. You learn by doing, not by memorizing.

By the end of the session, you’ll be able to play a simplified version of the Mahjong style taught at your table independently. Depending on how quickly you pick it up, you may also begin to understand scoring and basic strategy.

Sichuan Mahjong is the most widely played Mahjong variant in China. It's a fast-paced style where players continue playing even after completing a winning hand, making it especially beginner-friendly and action-packed. Hong Kong Mahjong is a more traditional style that focuses on building a single winning hand and introduces classic Mahjong scoring and strategy. Whichever style you learn, you'll build a strong foundation that makes it easier to explore other Mahjong variants in the future.

Open Play (Basic, Intermediate & Advanced)

Already familiar with Mahjong? You’ll be seated with players at a similar level and can jump straight into gameplay. Questions are always welcome, but the focus is on smooth, uninterrupted play.

We support multiple Mahjong styles, including Sichuan, Hong Kong, and Riichi. Tables are organized based on player preferences whenever possible. If enough players wish to play the same style, we’ll group them together. However, this depends on attendance and cannot be guaranteed. If there aren’t enough players for your preferred style, you may be seated at another table, and we’ll provide a brief introduction to help you get started.

🎯 Mahjong Experience ⌵

Beginner (Never Played)

New to Mahjong or tried it once? This level is for you. We start with a Mahjong crash course to teach you the basics, then guide you throughout the session, from learning the tiles to understanding the point system. You’ll have a dedicated host at your table to support you step by step. By the end, you’ll be able to play a simple version of Mahjong independently. No experience needed.

Basic (Played a Few Times)

Played a few times? You know the basics of Mahjong and can follow the flow of the game, such as drawing, discarding, and simple combinations, though you may still have questions about the rules or scoring. This level offers a relaxed pace with light guidance when needed, so you can build confidence while playing.

Intermediate

Ready to just sit down and play? Join this level if you know the game and can play independently, even if you still have the occasional question. Expect smooth games, minimal interruptions, and a relaxed flow at the table.