Mahjong, bridge and canasta lessons at home in West Orange, NJ

Starting a Mahjong or Canasta table

These two games are played by four people. You set up the table: maybe two neighbors from the street and a cousin. The pro brings the game and teaches everyone from scratch, including the scoring that confuses most beginners.

Since it takes a few sessions to learn, Mahjong and Canasta require booking at least 4 visits. By the end of four weeks, most tables are playing on their own and some keep the pro coming to sharpen strategy.

Early games are played with hands face up so everyone can see the choices and ask questions. By the third visit, the pro steps back and lets the table play, stepping in on tricky rules.

Bridge for beginners and returners

Bridge pros can start with the basics of bidding or help someone who played for years get back up to speed. If the group is a player short, ask the pro in a message whether they can sit in.

Good games tend to keep the week social, and the mental work of counting cards and planning hands is part of the appeal.

Between visits, groups often keep a simple notebook of rules and scoring the pro explains. It saves arguments and helps a new player catch up if someone joins the table later.

Chess: a real opponent every week

For chess, Home Happenings pros mostly just play. Someone who used to play at work or with a brother may not have had a real game in years. A pro comes the same day each week, plays a full game, and talks through the critical moves afterward. Some teach, if the player wants to get better.

After a game, a walk along Main Street or a drive up to the Eagle Rock overlook makes a nice way to round out the afternoon.

Players of all levels are welcome. A beginner who just knows how the pieces move can still get a good game with a pro who adjusts their play.

What it costs

Game pros set an hourly rate between $50 and $150. Visits run 1, 1.5 or 2 hours, and a $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee are added at checkout. Mahjong and Canasta need at least 4 visits booked, so most groups choose "4 weeks, same time" or "every week until I cancel".

Game pros are checked and vetted like every pro on the platform. You can message them first to ask which games and styles they teach. Cancellation is free up to 3 days before a visit.