American Mahjong Lessons in St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay

Beginner classes, private lessons, and welcoming open play across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties

Teaching since 2023 ‍ ‍3,000+ women taught ‍ ‍Certified Instructor ‍ ‍5-star reviews

AS FEATURED ON FOX 13 | ST PETE LIFE MAGAZINE

NICE TO MEET YOU

Hi, I’m Gaia, Tampa Bay’s favorite beginner-friendly mahjong instructor

I help new players learn American Mahjong in a way that feels fun, stylish, and totally stress-free. With my Mahjong Made Simple method, you’ll go from “I’ve always wanted to learn…” to “I can actually play!” faster than you think.

I've been teaching since 2023, and in that time I've helped more than 3,000 women go from nervous to confident at the table. 

I am a proud member of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild. The badges symbolize my dedication to teaching with accuracy, integrity, and respect for the game’s official guidelines and rules.

And yes, I’m a Certified American Mahjong Instructor, which means you’re in wonderfully capable (and patient!) hands.

Gaia Banovich teaching American Mahjong to beginners in St. Petersburg.
MahJ Life Founding Guild member badges.
Logo for Oh My Certified instructor Mahjong.
Logo for Oh My Certified instructor Mahjong.
  • "If you want to learn Mahjong in a way that actually makes sense, you have to take a class with Gaia."

    — Wendy

  • "Gaia was engaging and made learning Mahjong easy! Such a fun experience."

    — Lianna

  • "Gaia is a wonderful teacher! Also, she is the epitome of a welcoming hostess at every open play setting."

    —Bonnie

  • "Gaia is a wonderful instructor with great open play sessions around town! Highly recommend!"

    —Sarah

A colorful indoor scene with a game of Mahjong in progress on a floral-patterned tablecloth. Mahjong tiles are arranged around the table, with some stacked and others laid out for the game. In the background, there are drinks and bowls of snacks.

Learn

New to the game? Start with a fun, beginner-friendly lesson in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Clearwater, Tampa, and the greater Pinellas & Hillsborough counties.

Close-up of a table with a floral tablecloth, playing Mahjong tiles, a bowl of colorful M&Ms, a small jar, a card with printed game rules, and some bingo markers.

Play

Already know the basics? Join our welcoming mahjong community and enjoy relaxed open play and social events.

A Mahjong game in progress with tiles arranged on a table covered with a colorful cloth featuring a tropical leaf pattern. There are some snacks and a glass of drink nearby.

Improve

Build confidence, sharpen your strategy, and keep learning with helpful resources and practice tools.

Most beginners are told American Mahjong is hard. I disagree. With Mahjong Made Simple, you'll be playing a real game by the end of your first 2.5-hour lesson. No cramming, no overwhelm, no being the slowest one at the table. Just tiles, laughter, and the kind of confidence that makes you want to play again next week.

Think mahjong looks too complicated? Try one tile.

Four women sitting around a table outdoors playing a game of Mahjong. They are smiling and engaged in the game. The setting is a backyard with a wooden fence, some greenery, and outdoor furniture.

Mahjong is more than a game.

It's a reason to gather. A weekly anchor in your calendar. A room full of women who got their joy back. Come see what I mean.

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