Kate Heyer
Mahjong Instructor, Birmingham
How did you get into Mahjong?
I grew up in Birmingham but moved to San Antonio in 2015 after getting married. While in Texas, I learned to play Mahjong and completely fell in love with the game.
How did you become an instructor?
When we moved back to Birmingham in 2022, I was surprised how few people knew how to play. My background is in education, and I quickly found myself teaching friends and family. Word spread, and I realized how many others were eager to learn. I connected with Mahjong Molly and The Mahjong Line and officially got started as an instructor.
Tiles of choice:
The Mahjong Line tiles are my favorite. Right now, I’m loving the cephalon blue minimal line tiles.
Blanks:
I always teach National Mah Jongg League rules (without blanks), but I’m not opposed to playing with them sometimes.
Looking forward to on the 2025 card?
While I’ve loved the 2024 card, I’m a girl who loves to change things in my house on the reg, so I’m super excited to get to play with a new card.
Favorite section:
369 or Any Like Numbers.
Dream player:
Hoda and Jenna. I don’t know if they play, but I think they’d be a real fun time.
Favorite memory:
Recently, my family and I returned to South Texas to the ranch where I first learned to play. Four of my best Texas girls and I set up a table on the property and played Mahjong surrounded by the most beautiful setting. A full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
Rachel Mazer
Director of Retail, Oh My Mahjong
How did you first fall in love with Mahjong?
I’ve heard the clacking of the tiles and the words “dot, bam, crack” since I was a little girl. Both of my grandmothers played, and I always knew Mahjong was in my future.
What led you to teach?
I became an instructor because I never had enough people to play with. I started teaching friends, my kids, even my husband, and it took off from there. I now work full time for Oh My Mahjong as their Director of Retail. If you see OMM in a store near you, or want to, reach out to me!
Tiles of choice:
Anything Oh My Mahjong, but our Heritage tiles are my favorite at the moment.
Blanks:
I never learned to play with blanks, so I don’t teach with them. I think it’s best to learn National Mah Jongg League rules first, and then incorporate house rules later.
Looking forward to on the 2025 card?
Anything! After teaching over 800 students since June, I am ready for a new card.
Favorite section:
Consecutive Run because it’s the most pivot-able.
Dream player:
My grandma Dottie. I have her tiles from the 1950s and her last Mahjong card from 1989. She passed away when I was ten.
Favorite memory:
Anytime I play with my boys and my mom. Three generations around the Mahjong table. It doesn’t get better than that.
McCauley Adams
Mahjong Instructor
How did you get into Mahjong?
Some friends introduced me to Mahjong during a beach trip, and from the very first game, it just made sense. The concepts clicked, and I fell in love with the thrill of uncovering patterns and sequences. A few weeks later, I took my first lesson and that was it. I became completely hooked.
What made you start teaching?
In some ways, I stumbled into it. I kept thinking, “This is how I’d teach if I ever became an instructor.” I ended up teaching my daughters, ages 9 and 6, and even my 9-year-old’s friends at slumber parties. Their excitement inspired me and the rest is history.
Tiles of choice:
For teaching, I love the Oh My Mahjong Limoncello tiles with the Green Birdie mat. For personal play, I’m obsessed with the Bam! Let’s Mahjong Grandmillennial set. Blue backs, chandelier bams, cheetah jokers. It’s a hot mess that somehow works.
Blanks:
I teach National Mah Jongg League American Mahjong, so no blanks allowed, but I’ll play with them socially. They’re a glimmer of hope… or chaos. If you end up with too many early on, it’s like staring at a mystery puzzle.
Looking forward to on the 2025 card?
New challenges. Uncovering fresh sections and patterns is like opening a surprise gift every year.
Favorite section:
Odds. But I also love addition. Seven has been my lucky number since high school, though I’ve yet to win with a seven hand.
Dream player:
Dorothy Meyerson, National Mah Jongg League pioneer. Or Sarah Jessica Parker, especially if a closet raid is involved.
Favorite memory:
Teaching my daughter’s slumber party crew. The next morning, they woke up begging for “just one more round.” No screens, just laughter around the table. Pure joy.