So You Want to Play Mahjongg?
Hello Friendies!
Today, I want to talk about one of my latest southern lady obsessions…the game of Mahjong or Mahjongg or Mahj if you will. A game played for centuries in China and retirement centers across America has found a new generation of devotees thanks to Instagram influencers like Mahjong Molly (Hardy). Creators like The Mahjong Line, Oh My Mahjong, and The Bam Bird Boutique have created a modern aesthetic around the highly addictive game. I’m going to share some of my best do’s and don’ts that I used to get our group started…because nothing will turn you into a crabby old bird than some mahjong drama. I’m not going to lie, we have had to put some people on unofficial secret probation. What will put you on probation? More on that later. Ready to get dealt in? Here we go…
Step 1 Grab Your Friends and Take a Lesson
The first step to becoming a mahjongg mama is to take a lesson with your friends and a lively teacher. Find someone who can make learning enjoyable, turning the experience into a social event. Learning together creates a camaraderie that makes the process both entertaining and memorable. While there are some complicated rules, the game is pretty easy to pick up with some practice.
Step 2 Equip Yourself with the Essentials
Purchase a card from the National Mah Jongg League. A new card comes out every year. You can preorder your card, and new cards will be mailed in April. All the sections remain the same, but the combinations of winning hands changes annually. If you are still looking for a 2023 card, they can be ordered here. Purchase a set of American Mahjong Tiles.
Step 3 Make a Weekly Commitment
Consistency is key. Make a commitment to play mahjongg weekly with your friends. This not only enhances your skills but also strengthens the bond within your group. Set a specific time and day to ensure everyone can participate. Four players is preferable, but you can also easily play with three. Playing with 2 players is called Siamese Mahjongg and is a fun and challenging variation.
Step 4 Embrace Online Practice
In the age of technology, why not leverage it to enhance your mahjongg skills? Practice online to sharpen your strategy and familiarize yourself with different scenarios. It's a fantastic way to build confidence and try out new techniques. My personal favorite is ILOVEMAHJ.com. You can play with one of their free practice cards while you wait for yours to arrive. There are also drills you can do to select lines and practice the Charleston.
The Do's and Don'ts of Mahjongg Etiquette
I have picked up a few of some etiquette rules of the game…there are other rules but here are a few I picked up as a beginner.
Do's
Do learn the basics of game etiquette. It's essential to play with respect for the game and your fellow players.
Do partner with a friend if you're not comfortable playing alone. Mahjongg is all about camaraderie.
Do have fun! Enjoy the game and the time spent with friends.
Don'ts
Don't expect someone else in the group to teach your friend. Invest time in learning the game before joining the group.
Don't order your cards from Amazon. Support The National Mah Jongg League or reputable online stores to ensure authenticity.
-Don't use bootleg cards. Respect the league and maintain the integrity of the game.
Don't ever put a joker with a pair. Remember, a pair should consist of two identical tiles of the same suit. that’s actually a rule but bears repeating. You also can’t call for a pair unless it’s for Mahjong.
Mahjongg is not just a game; it's a social experience that brings people together, is great for brain health, and is lots of fun. So, dive in, enjoy the learning process, and may your mahjongg adventures be filled with laughter and friendly competition.
Until next time, happy mahjongging, friendies!