Two lessons
$50 per player
- Two lessons to learn the game
- Loaner NMJL card for class
- Seated with players at your level
Seriously good at the fun stuff
Know the rules. Enjoy the room.
The Hobbyist teaches the social and professional skills that make rooms work: at the office, at the dinner table, over a game of mahjong, and at the event. Traditional foundations, delivered like it's 2026. You'll leave feeling more comfortable knowing what to do next.
How we work
Welcome first; then the useful part.
Practice, not perfection
Every session is hands-on. You'll set the table, pass the tiles, and work the room instead of watching slides about it. Nobody gets it all right the first time; that's what practice is for.
Warm, funny, and correct
The rules are real and worth knowing, but nobody has to perform them to belong. If anyone's the punchline, it's us. We have plenty of embarrassing stories to share, and we think we're pretty funny.
A community of comfort
We love connecting people. You'll leave knowing what to do next, with a few new friends who'll be glad to see you next time.
Lessons · Play · American mahjong
The Hobbyist|Mahjong
Small-table lessons for brand-new players, rusty players, and anyone who has only ever played on an app. We bring the sets, the racks, and the cards; you bring a friend!
"An evening to learn. A decade to master."Lessons
- Where: Harvey's on Main, Corbin, KY
- When: TBA · 2-hour lessons
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Play starts at 6 p.m.
Packages
Choose how you want to learn.
Four lessons
$90 per player
- Two lessons to learn the game
- Two coached play lessons to build confidence
- Your own NMJL card to keep
Open play
$10 per night
- For players who don't need lessons
- Seats open when lesson tables aren't full
- Waitlist updates 36 hours before
- Build community, one table at a time
The league
- Weekly play
- Points and standings
- Join the interest list
How it works
Reserve your seat at the table.
No mahjong experience required!
No skills, no knowledge, and no homework. All you need is a reserved seat and a readiness to have a good time.
Sign up
Pick a package and tell us your comfort level.
Pay ahead
Send payment by Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal.
Get confirmed
Once payment arrives, we will confirm your seat is officially yours!
Show up
We'll take care of the rest: tiles, racks, and cards are waiting at your table.
Prepaid seats only.
Seats are limited, so a seat is reserved once payment arrives. Send payment within 24 hours of signing up to hold your seat; after that, it goes to the next person on the waitlist. No payment at the door. Need to cancel? Let us know at least 48 hours before your night, and you'll get a full refund.
Photos
Around the tables.
Enjoy some photos of us and our friends playing! Lesson night photos land here after sessions, and we only post players who opt in. We want to be sure you see what fun you're missing!
Questions
Before you sit down.
Still have a question? Email us at mahj@thehobbyistky.com, and we'll get right back to you!
I've never played. Is that okay?
Absolutely! Lessons are built for brand-new players. We start with the tiles, then the card, then the Charleston.
How did you start playing?
We found some tiles and FaceTimed a friend who knew how to play. It was HARD! We could not figure it out, and guess what? We didn't even have the right kind of tiles. We would have paid three times what we're offering here for some IRL help with the right supplies!
What style of mahjong will I learn?
We teach American mahjong, played with the official National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card. There are other styles around the world, including Chinese, Hong Kong, and Japanese Riichi, each with its own tiles and rules. American mahjong is the one with jokers, a new card of hands every year, and the Charleston, a tile-passing ritual that's half the fun!
I've only played on an app. Where do I fit?
Choose "App only" when you sign up. App players have a wide range of skill levels: some apps don't reflect American mahjong at all, and some players know the hands but have never built a wall or passed tiles in person. We'll seat you accordingly and figure out your skills and knowledge as we go!
How many people are at a table?
Four players per table. We currently have room for six tables, and with enough interest, we're happy to expand!
Do I need my own set or card?
No. We provide sets, racks, and loaner NMJL cards. The four-lesson package includes an NMJL card you keep.
Can I pay at the door?
No; seats are prepaid. Your seat is reserved once payment arrives, and payment is due within 24 hours of signing up. After that, the seat goes to the next person on the waitlist. It keeps tables full and fair for everyone.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel at least 48 hours before your night, and you'll get a full refund. Email mahj@thehobbyistky.com to let us know.
What if I miss a lesson?
Life happens! If you miss a lesson, we'll give you a seat at an upcoming open play or session to keep your momentum going. Just let us know at mahj@thehobbyistky.com.
Can I bring a friend?
Please do! Each player signs up separately so every seat is reserved. We try to seat by skill level, but we all want to sit with our friends! Let us know in the "Other comments" box if you're signing up with a friend, and we'll put you at a table together.
Do you offer private lessons?
We do! We'll come to you and teach a private lesson for you and your friends at your home, office, or event space. We bring the sets, racks, and NMJL cards; you bring the people. Request a private lesson, and we'll follow up with dates and a quote.
Is there scoring?
Not at lessons or open play. Points and standings start with the league. If we're honest, we never keep score when we're playing, but it's necessary for the league; and who doesn't want to brag a little at times?
Back to mahjong
Private lessons
We'll bring the table to you!
Gather your friends, and we'll come to you for a private lesson at your home, office, or event space. You bring the space and the friends; we'll bring everything else.
We bring everything
Sets, racks, and loaner NMJL cards for every table; we can even bring the tables and chairs! All you need is the space and the friends.
Built around your group
Brand new, a little rusty, or a mix; we'll teach at your group's pace.
Made for an occasion
Birthdays, showers, book clubs, team outings, family gatherings, or a night in with friends.
Private lesson
We'll come to you!
Tell us about your group and where you'd like to play. We'll follow up within two business days with available dates and a quote.
Pricing depends on group size and location.
Request received
Thank you!
We'll follow up within two business days with available dates and a quote for your group.
Back to mahjong
Pull up a chair.
Reservations open soon
We're setting the table!
We're finalizing the next round of lesson dates. Join the interest list, and you'll be the first to know when seats open.
Reserve a seat
Lessons and open play
No experience required, and no need to be nervous; we're here to have fun! Tell us your comfort level so we can seat you with players at a similar pace. It takes about two minutes.
- Two lessons: $50
- Four lessons: $90
- Open play: $10 a night, by waitlist
We use your details to confirm your seat, send reminders before each session, and seat tables. We never sell your information, and we hate spam as much as you do. We promise to only send you what you need to know.
Draft preview · this is what players will see
Almost there
Your seat is on hold.
Venmo
@Summer-JacksonCash App
$SummerRJacksonPayPal
summerrjackson@gmail.comPlease send payment within 24 hours to hold your seat. After that, the seat goes to the next person on the waitlist. We’ve also emailed these details to you from mahj@thehobbyistky.com.
Add this note to your payment so we can match it to your seat:
Back to mahjong
Interest list
Nosy? Same. Get the scoop first.
Join the list for the league, new lesson dates, open play, and mahjong events. No payment and no commitment; just first word when something's coming up!
You're on the list
Thank you!
You'll hear from us as soon as there's news on the things you picked.
Business · Dining
The Hobbyist|Etiquette
A custom session for professionals, students, and teams. You'll leave knowing what to do with your hands, your fork, and the conversation.
"Come to the table."What we cover
Which fork? The one farthest out. Now the harder part: the conversation.
First impressions
Introductions, handshakes, names, and the graceful exit.
Networking
Starting conversations, working a room, and following up the right way.
The business meal
The place setting, ordering, pacing, and who picks up the check.
Modern manners
Email, phones at the table, and virtual meetings with presence.
How a session works
We'll come to you.
Summer has led sessions across the region and the state, from chamber luncheons to university classrooms. Every booking starts with a pre-session planning call, so we know your group and make sure your goals are met.
We help plan the meal
We'll help with the catering, the table setup, and the details, so the meal itself becomes the lesson.
We just show up and lead
You handle the meal, and we lead the interactive mealtime conversation.
Sessions typically run 90 minutes to 2 hours. Expect table and dining etiquette, plus other modern etiquette tips and tricks.
Not someone who just knows which fork to use; a professional who likes to make an impression.
Who books it
Bring your team. We'll eat!
- Chambers of commerce and leadership programs
- Universities, high school student groups, career centers, and student organizations
- Corporate teams, small businesses and nonprofits, and onboarding classes
Speaking · Facilitation · Coaching
The Hobbyist|Professionalism
Facilitation, coaching, and panels on professional presence: how people show up, speak up, run the room, and make an impression.
"Show up like you mean it."Formats
Pick the format that fits the room.
Facilitation
Workshops and retreats
Hands-on sessions that get a group talking, practicing, and agreeing on what good looks like.
Coaching
One-on-one or small group
Focused coaching for new leaders, job seekers, and anyone stepping into a bigger room.
Signature topic
Running the room
Leading meetings, hosting guests, and steering a conversation with confidence; the skills that make people glad to be in the room you're running.
Panels
Panel discussions
A panelist who brings practical advice on professional presence, etiquette, and making an impression.
How it works
Built around your goals.
Whether it's moving from digital communication to real conversation, growing your soft skills and professional etiquette, or getting ready for your next interview or presentation, every session starts with a prep call. We'll learn about your group and shape the session around what you want them to walk away with.
Not sure yet? Start with a quick consult.
Tell us what you have in mind, and we'll see if Summer can help. If she's not the right fit, she probably knows someone who is, and she'll happily share ideas and connections. The Hobbyist loves hobbies, but loves connecting people even more.
On stage
From the chamber room to the main stage.
Who books it
Bring your team. We'll bring the conversation.
- Chambers of commerce and leadership programs
- Universities, high school student groups, career centers, and student organizations
- Corporate teams, small businesses and nonprofits, and onboarding classes
Planning · Hosting
The Hobbyist|Events
We love a good plan A, a solid plan B, and the plan C we're quietly running while everyone thinks it's still plan A! Hosting, a good theme, and running the room are a few of our favorite things, whether it's a gala, a reception, a retreat, a fundraiser, a girls' weekend, or a mahjong night at home with friends. Our own upcoming dates are below.
"Set the table. Run the room."On the calendar
Upcoming dates.
Mahjong nights, special events, and community gatherings. Seats are prepaid, so sign up early!
DatesTBA
Mahjong lessons
Two-lesson and four-lesson packages at Harvey's on Main · New dates coming soon; join the interest list for first word
Jan · 2027TBA
League kickoff
Weekly play with points and standings
Do it properly. Have a good time.
Stay in the loop, or book us.
Join the list for new dates, league news, and events, or tell us about your group. One account, every service line.
Book a session
Spill the tea.
Etiquette workshops, speaking, and coaching: all the fun starts here! Share a few details, and we'll follow up with dates and options.
And if you ever spill actual tea, we can teach you what to do about that too.
Open the form Mailing listShort emails, worth opening.
Only when there's something worth showing up for. Unsubscribe anytime.
Join the list MahjongPull up a chair.
Mahjong lessons, open play, and events.
Tables, tiles, and Birdie Bams (IYKYK).
Reserve a seat
Back to Connect
Book a session
Spill the tea.
Etiquette workshops, speaking, and coaching: all the fun starts here! Share a few details, and we'll follow up with dates and options.
And if you ever spill actual tea, we can teach you what to do about that too.
Request received
Thank you!
We'll be in touch within two business days with available dates and options.
Back to Connect
Mailing list
Short emails, worth opening.
Only when there's something worth showing up for. Unsubscribe anytime.
You're on the list
Welcome to The Hobbyist!
Watch your inbox for the next round of dates.