Welcome to The Canasta Connection! We are Massachusetts based mother-daughter duo Emily and Bev and we would love to teach you Canasta and American Mah Jongg. We created a highly visual curriculum where we play, play, play! We use a step-by-step approach to help you increase your confidence and master the game! We are known for our handouts and cheat sheets that break down the game. We want to make every lesson a fun, accessible, and high quality experience.

Upcoming Open Play + Events

  • Mahjong and Canasta Social Play

    Monday May 12th 7-9pm

    Donut Villa (Arlington, MA)

    Choose to play mahjong or canasta. Must have basic knowledge of rules. We provide all materials, supervise play and organize tables by level. Win fun prizes and connect with the mahjong and canasta community! Supervised play and connection with the canasta and mahjong community.

    Register Here

Upcoming Classes

  • Beginner Mahjong

    Watertown, MA

    Saturdays 9:30am-12:30pm 5/3 and 5/10

    AND Includes a ticket to Mahjong and Canasta Social Play at Donut Villa Diner on Monday May 12th from 7-9pm

    $140 per person + purchase a 2025 NMJL card

    Register Here

  • Beginner Canasta

    JCC of Greater Boston (Newton)

    Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm

    5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29

    Class FULL, Join the Waitlist

    Register Here

  • Beyond Beginner Canasta

    JCC of Greater Boston (Newton)

    Mondays 9:30am-12pm

    4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19

    Class FULL, Join the Waitlist

    Register Here

  • Beginner Canasta-Cape Cod

    Orleans, Ma

    June, 2025

    Class forming now, dates in June based on mutual availability.

    Click Here

Find local canasta games in Massachusetts

Join Our Facebook Group:

The Canasta Connection

Find local games and connect with other canasta players in the Greater Boston Area and on Cape Cod.

Testimonials

  • These two, the mother and daughter dream team, are hands down the most incredible teachers out there. Not only are they seasoned pros, but their classes are an absolute blast!

    Karen R.

  • Emily, thank you so much for teaching us Mahjong! I loved each lesson. You were so clear explaining the game and built each week on the prior week’s teaching! You made it fun and not stressful and allowed us to ask so many questions. Your printed instructions are a huge help now as we continue to play.

    Kathy D.

  • My husband and I are enthusiastic and committed to mastering this game, and your patience in helping us understand strategy, rules, etc were only eclipsed by your obvious love of the game, terrific teaching skills, and sweet demeanor."

    ~P.W.S

  • Having Bev teach Canasta on Cape Cod has been a gift. She taught a group of us to play Canasta. We enjoy playing so much that we committed to a weekly group. It is the lessons and the connections with friends that makes the experience so special. I recommend expanding your life with The Canasta Connection. Thank you Bev!

    -Elaine