Hidden Gems: Meet Avery Burns of Rocky Mountain Mahjong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Burns

Hi Avery , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to Mahjong began in an unexpected way. In December 2020, while living in Houston and enjoying a fulfilling life surrounded by a wonderful community, I suddenly lost my vision due to a rare eye disease. After undergoing multiple surgeries to regain my sight, it became clear that I would need additional support. With my family working in healthcare and living in the mountains of Colorado, I made the life-changing decision to move to Denver—sight unseen.

As my vision gradually returned, I found myself in an unfamiliar situation: trying to make new friends as an adult. While dating apps made it relatively easy to meet men and build friendships that way, connecting with like-minded women was far more challenging, especially in 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions were still in place. Around this time, my friends in Texas were raving about a game they were playing at Jewish community centers and country clubs—Mahjong. Curious and eager to build connections, I posted on my condo’s message board that I wanted to start a Mahjong group and offered to teach anyone who was interested. The catch? At the time, I had never played Mahjong myself.

Much to my surprise, I received over 27 messages that first day, all with a similar sentiment: “I don’t know how to play, but if you’ll teach me, I’d love to learn!” Given my professional background—teaching surgeons how to perform new procedures—I figured, how hard could it be to learn and teach a game? (Turns out, it’s a really hard game, which is why most people hire an instructor)! I immediately bought a book, Mahjong tiles, cards, and plenty of snacks (because snacks always bring people back). Five days later, I taught a room full of strangers how to play. What they didn’t realize then—but now know—is that their first time playing Mahjong was also my first time.

From there, I set a weekly game night, using an app to manage sign-ups since my demanding full-time job required structure and efficiency. As more people asked to learn, I recognized a deeper need—people weren’t just looking for a game; they were searching for a sense of community. That realization led me to launch an LLC, transforming this passion into a thriving business.

Through countless early mornings before my “real job” in urology, I’ve built a vibrant community and taught thousands of people how to play Mahjong over the last three years. I believe it has flourished because of three simple yet firm rules I set on that very first night:
1. Be kind to everyone.
2. Be welcoming to everyone.
3. No discussions about politics—ever.

These boundaries have created a safe and inclusive space, allowing people from all walks of life to connect, learn, and form lasting friendships. Ultimately, this journey has shown me that people are longing for connection—they just need the right space to find it.

nterview:

In an interesting twist, I discovered that my near-eidetic memory was an unexpected advantage in Mahjong. With hundreds of rules and intricate strategies, the game can be overwhelming for many, but my ability to quickly absorb and retain information proved invaluable. As my students progressed, some began asking about tournaments. Though I had no prior experience with competitive play, I decided to sign up for one—I’ve always believed the best way to learn is through firsthand experience.

It turns out that tournament Mahjong was something I had a natural talent for. In my first major competition, the Mahjong World Championship in Las Vegas, my only goal was to finish in the top half. To my astonishment, I placed second out of hundreds of players. That moment not only solidified my love for competitive Mahjong but also opened new doors.

Soon, I began receiving requests from players and teachers across the country, eager for advanced lessons and strategic coaching. Teaching Mahjong had started as a way to build community, but it had now evolved into something much bigger—a mission to help players at every level refine their skills and deepen their appreciation for the game.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, building this business has not been without its challenges. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and the ability to learn from every misstep. Balancing my Mahjong business with a demanding full-time career required me to establish firm boundaries. For months, I was working from 3 AM until 10 or 11 PM every day, and I quickly realized that pace was unsustainable. I had to learn to say no to opportunities, even when they were tempting.

To maintain focus, I got a separate phone solely for my Mahjong business, allowing me to be fully present in my day job without constant distractions. I also had to recognize when to ask for help, learning how to hire and manage employees to ensure the business could continue to grow without overwhelming my personal and professional life. As much as I love Mahjong, I’m incredibly fortunate to love my career with Olympus even more, and finding a way to balance both has been one of my greatest lessons throughout this journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Rocky Mountain Mahjong, is a premier destination for enthusiasts of American Mahjong. Founded by me (Avery Burns), a self-taught player who remarkably secured second place at the 2024 Mahjong World Championship just two years after learning the game, my organization is dedicated to fostering a vibrant Mahjong community. 

Rocky Mountain Mahjong offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to both beginners and seasoned players:
• Lessons: Private and group sessions designed to teach the fundamentals and advanced strategies of American Mahjong. 
• Leagues and Tournaments: Regularly scheduled events, including the “Monday Mahj Club,” provide players with opportunities to engage in friendly competition and enhance their skills. 
• Community Engagement: We have an incredibly engaged community that also comes together to help others. Through my 501(c)(3) initiative “Mahj Moves Mountains,” we host tournaments to raise funds for Colorado non-profits, exemplifying our commitment to community service and giving back to others.

What sets Rocky Mountain Mahjong apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and kindness. If you have a willingness to learn and play Mahjong, we welcome you with open arms.

At Rocky Mountain Mahjong, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Our community welcomes people from all walks of life—men and women of all races, religions, backgrounds, and the LGBTQ+ community—who come together to share their love of Mahjong. No matter who you are or where you come from, when you sit down at our tables, you will be welcomed with kindness, treated with respect, and embraced as part of a community that values connection, camaraderie, and the joy of the game. 

The brand takes immense pride in its rapid growth and the strong community it has cultivated. Teaching over 3,100 students since its inception, Rocky Mountain Mahjong has become a cornerstone for Mahjong enthusiasts in the region. 

Whether you’re new to Mahjong or looking to refine your skills, Rocky Mountain Mahjong welcomes anyone to join our vibrant community. With a variety of lessons, events, and tournaments, there’s something fun for everyone.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Whether you’re new to Mahjong or looking to refine your skills, Rocky Mountain Mahjong welcomes anyone to join our vibrant community. With a variety of lessons, events, and tournaments, there’s something fun for everyone. Discover more and get involved by visiting our website or following our engaging Instagram account.

Website: rockymountainmahjong.com

Instagram: @rockymountainmahjong

Pricing:

• Private Beginner lessons for 4 people start at $450
• Advanced player lessons start at- $50 per person

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.RockyMountainMahjong.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockymountainmahjong
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocky-mountain-mahjong/
• Other: https://rocky-mountain-mahjong.square.site.square.site/s/shop

Image Credits
Chris Gillett- Houston, Texas