The mock American Mah Jongg card is timeless and generic. This way, no matter when someone new to the game watches the video, they will have a stable reference as they learn how to play the game. To open or download the mock-American Mah Jongg card, look for a link in the video description by clicking "show more" above.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give such detailed explanations. I watched these first 10 videos before I went to my first Mahjong “Meet Up”. Your instructions helped me with my comfort level in being completely new to a complex game.
My pleasure and welcome to the game! I hope to see more of you in the future. I just added a Nitty-Gritty BASICS Let's Play Livestream on Monday mornings from 10-noon Eastern. If you can't make it, look for the repost so you don't miss anything :)
I have really enjoyed your style of teaching. You are clear, concise, and make watching all the fundamentals interesting. I have recommended your videos to our beginner group and they are really coming along! Thank you!
This is a delightful video. You are very good at explaining! I just started playing 3 weeks ago and I feel very confident because I’ve watched many of your videos. Thank you.
Thank you for your time answering all my questions. My wife and I just started playing after watching your videos a few times. Each time we play it seems we end up with a few more questions. Hopefully we got it now. May the Force be with you.
Don't hesitate to ask questions, I am happy to help. Consider joinng us at the Monday night Nitty-Gritty Let's Play Livestream from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Eastern. I do a presentation on a topic then do game-play with commentary. Tomorrow night's topic is "The Art of Hand Development." Here is the playlist of past topics; th-cam.com/play/PLLk097vMqukblwOl5hmY5r8-fWnpiF36g.html
As a true beginner, I found your first 8 "fundamentals" playlist extremely helpful. You're a great teacher, and your explanations are beautifully thought out. In both 9 and 10, however, the discussion of why tiles are kept or discarded is very difficult to follow. It would be very helpful to to focus on only the rack of tiles being played for each player, as well as projections of the specific hands on the card the particular player might be working towards. I know that would be technically difficult, but without strong visuals most of what you say and do in those two videos requires a photographic memory and a great knowledge of the hands! But otherwise, thanks for getting me started with these great lessons!
Welcome to the game, Bonnie. The purpose of #9 was to demonstrate the Charleston and #10 to demonstrate the pick and discard phase of the game. To get from the beginning to the end of each, I had to film the progression of the hands at a high level. The next playlist goes deeper into decision making, when I share skill builders. The playlist after that, dives into strategy.
Hi Again, I figured out how to take a screen shot with my iPad & then was able to print out large images of all three sections of the mock card. I was having trouble printing out one large enough to read. Now I’m set to play along with your videos.Thanks, Bea
I couldnt post this reply @Michele Frizzell awesome!!! I cant thank you enough. I started watching because I was staying in bed with possible COVID. The good news is I don't have COVID!! I'm still watching though. This is really helpful Thanks for explaining how to block your tiles from view if you dont have that helper thing for pushing out walls.
I have learned a lot from this lesson, thank you! One thing will help me more is that it will be nice if you show each player's tiles more while playing. Thank you!
I did not spend too much time on hand development because the focus of this video was on game mechanics. For videos on hand development, see videos in the Skill Builder and Strategy playlists - links are in the video description :)
I SO appreciate your videos. You are a fantastic teacher! I am trying to watch How to Exchange a Joker and am unable to find it. I am starting your next play list . . . THANK YOU
Hi Katy! I'm so happy to hear that my videos have helped you :) You can exchange a natural tile for a joker during your turn. Your turn begins when you either pick a tile from the wall or claim a discard then make an exposure after which you can ask for one or more joker exchanges. The exposure made just prior to a joker exchange cannot be modified by the newly obtained joker. Your turn ends when you discard.
You did a phenomenal job with this video! Must have taken you many hours to film and then edit. I got a bit lost keeping track which hand you were doing, But I still learned a lot. I moved from my phone to laptop so I could get a better look at the tiles. I made sure to watch some of the TH-cam videos (shorter ones), to support you
Thank you! I didn't focus so much on what hands were being played because the purpose of the video was to teach how the game works from start to finish. The strategy playlist is a deep dive into hand development :)
In the American Mah Jongg lesson videos, I mention the hands so if you have the mock card in front of you you should be able to find it. In recurring skill builders, I am using captions when I mention hands.
Once you have placed an exposed PONG on your board, can you add to that PONG during another play later in the game to make it a KONG? And I don't mean swapping out a Joker. I know you can do that. I think you said once anything is exposed on your board you can't add anything to it. But I want to make sure I was understanding this correctly.
If a block of tiles is exposed after claiming a discard and it includes a joker, and later in play, you had mentioned you could take that joker if you have a like tile to replace it with. My question is, the tile you are replacing the joker with has to come only from the tiles you pick up right-not from the discard pile or the tiles you already have on your player rack?
Only the last discard can be claimed for a new exposure or mah jongg. Previously discarded tiles cannot be used for any reason. If you pick a tile from the wall or if you have a tile in your concealed hand, you can use it to exchange a joker in any exposure on your turn.
Michele Frizzell Ok just to be sure I understand, it can also come out of your hand to replace someone’s exposed joker besides if you pick it up on the wall? Thanks so much for your quick response and answers.
In your video, you say “nobody can take a white dragon” when discarded. Is that the same idea as not being able to take a Joker? I’ve not heard of that rule. I believe it’s at the 13:16 time stamp in the video. Thanks…love these videos.
The only discards that can never be claimed for an exposure are jokers. All the other tiles can be claimed if the player has the tiles (i.e., natural, jokers) to complete a block of three or more identical tiles (i.e., pung, kong, quint). After I discarded the white dragon I said "nobody can take it" because they didn't have the tiles to complete an exposure :)
What if 2 people want the same discarded tile? (Sorry if a dumb question) :). And I cannot thank you enough for these videos! I just subscribed to your channel I am enjoying them so much!
That is a great question... for American mah jongg, when two players want the same discard for the same reason, the player next in turn gets the tile unless the other player has started exposing their tiles.
@@ruthanneroth6986 This is a touchy subject that I have strong feelings about... Per Mah Jongg Made Easy (page 19, #13a) "When two players SIMULTANEOUS call the same tile for an exposure, the player nearest in turn to the discarder gets the preference, unless the other player has started to expose their tiles." The other rule is posted on the NMJL/FAQ page #3 (prior to 10/31/2019) stated "When two players want the same tile for Mah Jongg, player next in turn to discarder has preference EXCEPT when other caller has started to expose tiles." Caps for emphesis. These simultaneous call rules (i.e., slapjack, slamming) have been in place for years but have become controversial just recently. There are rarely problems when players are peers. The problems arise when there is a game with players of varying degrees of experience and physical or mental abilities. It has been said that these rules were put in place to protect fast players but that makes no sense because when two players simultaneously call the same discard, both players are outed regardless of who exposes tiles because those tiles will be the same as the discarded tile. Clearly the player next in line wants the tile and they are the rightful heir. This should be the process for claiming a discarded tile: 1) Call to announce intent. PAUSE to give next in line the opportunity to claim the discard. 2) Pick the discarded tile from the table and place it on the flat portion of the rack to validate the tile. 3) Expose tiles from the rack to complete the move. The rules as they are now give players a license to act aggressively which can negatively affect not only the atmosphere of the game in play but the integrity, reputation, and culture of the NMJL and its membership. In a regular game, sportsmanship is more important than speed. Which is why most groups, including mine, ignore these rules altogether.
When it's your turn and you swap an exposed joker do you need to place the joker on your rack with a combination? I love your MahJongg lessons. Thank you
I''m so happy to hear you enjoy my videos :) You do not need to use an exchanged joker in an immediate exposure. In other words, the exchanged joker goes in your rack with the rest of your concealed tiles until needed for an future exposure or mah jongg :)
Thanks for your video series. It is very helpful for someone just getting into Mah Jongg. I noticed you used the term "not ready" when the rack to the right wanted to call the 3 crak tile (happens at 25:54). If you call a discard and expose a Pung, are you unable to convert the Pung to a Kong later?
At 25:54, the player with FF113355 cracks had potential for either the 3rd hand down from the top or the 2nd hand from the bottom where they needed kongs of 1s, 3s, and 5s so they were not ready to call for the 3 Crack when it was discarded. When a block of tiles is exposed after claiming a discard, it is locked in place and cannot be extended to a smaller or larger block of tiles.
@@MAHJLIFE Thanks for the explanation. My wife and I recently started watching your videos and we shared with our friends as we are all learning this game together.
When you call for a tile and make a exposure and accidentally exposed a kong instead of a pung can you change the number of tiles by putting one back on your rack before you discard? You called for a tile and made someone miss their turn because you thought you needed 4 and exposed them; then decided you only need three. So is it OK to put one back on your rack. (The NMJL told me if you rack a called for tile, you cannot return it to the table if you change your mind "You rack it, you keep it" was what they said)
When you call a tile and rack it, you have to use it. The number of tiles you expose can be modified until you discard to end your turn. After that, the exposure is locked in.
My American mahjongg set (just purchased) has 4 flower tiles numbered 1 through 4 and 4 season tiles numbered 1 through 4. The mock card has pairs, pongs and kongs listed in BLUE (because they are suit neutral). FFFF for example. Can I use any combination of flowers and season tiles to make the FFFF or must I only use the flower tiles. (And of course, a joker or two as long as I have 2 natural tiles in the block). If I can't use the season tiles with the flower tiles, how are they used?
All mahjong sets come with Flower tiles. There are two sets of Flowers, Seasons (1 SUM, 2 SPR, 3 AUT, 4 WIN) and Flowers (1 PLUMB, 2 ORCHID, 3 CHRYS, 4 BAMBOO). For Asian styles, the Flowers are bonus tiles and are not part of the 14 tile hand. If a player has a Flower and it is the same number as their seat for any given hand (1 EAST, 2 SOUTH, 3 WEST, 4 NORTH), they will get additional points if they win. For American mah jongg, the Seasons and Flowers together are called "Flowers". The numbers and letters on the Flowers do not matter. If a hand calls for a Flower, indicated by an F, any Flower tile will do. Many times, sets will come with extra Flowers, Jokers, and blank tiles. Just be sure that you use only 8 Flowers and 8 Jokers.
Yes, here they are: How to Pick a Hand - Strength th-cam.com/video/T3ba3Hxjg3o/w-d-xo.html How to Pick a Hand 3 Ways th-cam.com/video/KY9MJ--xtc4/w-d-xo.html How to Pick a Hand 3 Ways Solitaire th-cam.com/video/3TWLWCiZIP0/w-d-xo.html How to Pick a Hand 3 Ways Solitaire Wall Game th-cam.com/video/d-CqTx94qL0/w-d-xo.html
HELP! I have to teach new players and I got confused. 1. Giving tiles out which way? 2. Which wall gets used next? 3. Which player goes next after East? I am teaching this Wednesday. HELP!
Everything in the game goes counterclockwise except pushing out the walls. Feel free to contact me directly for instructor support michele@mahjongcentral.com
During one of your plays you discarded a N winds. You said no one can pick up that tile. Is that because NEWS is considered single tiles or because no one had the E and W and S tiles. needing the N winds to complete their block?
th-cam.com/video/BFwTYnDbxTE/w-d-xo.html After the Charleston, Player 1-East discards to start the game so after that is when they have 13 tiles just like everyone else.
If you discard a tile then the person across from you calls the tile. They then discard one of their tiles. Who plays next. The person to your right or the person to the right of the person who called the tile?
So in the case of switching a tile with a joker in someone’s exposed tiles, I understand that. The question is: can a player do that for his own exposed hand?
Question: In A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg it says you can change or correct your Exposure if you have not discarded (pg. 93, pg. 106 no. 16 answer). This is also what I am told by other players. So if I call and make an exposure and DO NOT DISCARD, can I change exposure or put it back on my rack and return called tile to table?
It is true that a player can change their exposure as long as they have not discarded. If they racked the discard or exposed tiles from their hand, they are committed to the discard. If a player calls a discard and they do not rack it or expose tiles from their hand, the player can change their mind..
When there is an exposure with a joker, any player with the natural tile can ask for an exchange after they start their turn by either picking a tile from the wall or claiming a discard and completing an exposure.
I am a new player. I have a 2024 card so I am unable to follow because you're using a much older card. If I subscribe or join will I get more current instructions?
I use a timeless mock American mah jongg card in any video that contains the word “lesson.” For videos using the current card, visit mahjlife.com/wiki/direct-links-to-nmjl-lessons-on-youtube-article-192/ for recorded skill builders and mahjlife.com/wiki/amj-s2-matrix-article-210/ for livestreams.
Turns go counterclockwise from East > East, South, West, North. I am standing at East. To East's right is South. Across from East is West. To East's right is North.
The table is set up as if Far East is referred to not the East of Eastern Coast of North America. I think Far “East” from North America and that is where the sun sets (in China) not the “West” Coast. Sorry if I am not explaining clearly.
If you are using a mobile device, look for "...more" under the video title. Here is the link for convenience: Mock American Mah Jongg card goo.gl/MqqaUb
Any block with singles or pairs (I.e., 11, 2023, NEWS) must be completed by picking tiles from the wall. The only exception is if you are ready to win and in that case, you can declare mah jongg if you winning tile is discarded regardless of the black it completes.
If you are playing two years under the singles and pair’s category, can you pick which years you want played or do they both have to be the actual present year. For instance, since it’s the year 2020, would they both have to be played as 2020 or can one be 2020 and another 2019; or 2018 and 2019?
One year should be used in a given game. For the timeless mock card, use the current calendar year. Some American mah jongg organizations releaswe their annual card in January but the NMJL releases their annual card in April.
No. For 2020, the tiles are considered singles like NEWS so these must be self-picked. The exception is that you can claim a discard to complete a block of single tiles if you are ready to win.
Mock American Mah Jongg card goo.gl/MqqaUb For future reference, there is lots of information including the link to the mock card in the video description. Click "show more" if you are on a PC or cllick "more" if you are on a mobile device.
Is it not smart to use a joker right out of the gate to expose a pung? Feels like it’s risky putting out a joker that early on for the taking. Or is it worth it if it furthers your hand?
When to expose, with or without a joker, is situational. One must consider the progress of the hand being played and assess the potential to win based on discards and exposures on all racks.
If I have an 8 of DOT and a Joker in my hand and another player discards an 8 of DOT. Can I pick up (CALL) the discarded 8 of DOT and put it with my Joker and my 8 of DOT as an exposed PONG?
Yes. You can complete a block of three tiles by calling a discard. Anytime a discard is used, the block must be exposed and cannot be changed after discarding.
Would you keep the joker for later use? Or would you expose it for kong if your card says so and then have to allow someone else to substitute and take away the joker? If I draw another 8 dot can I myself substitute it and take back the joker?
When you need singles like 2021 or NEWS or NNNN - can you pick up a discard to expose these groups? Like if you have NEW and S is discarded, can you pick it up and expose? Or 222 can you pick up white dragon for the 0? I know is has to be pung or above, but are these considered kongs or singles.
Any block with singles or pairs must be self-picked unless you are ready to win. When you are ready to win, you can declare mah jongg regardless of the block that tile completes, for example, 2021 or NEWS.
Any player can call a discard to complete a block of three or more identical tiles. For example, if you have NNN and someone discards a N, you can say, "call" then place the N on your rack and add your three Ns to expose a kong (four of a kind).
A link to the mock card is in the video description. You can find a link under downloads in this wiki article mahjlife.com/wiki/american-mah-jongg-article-162/
All these lessons were filmed using a mock American Mah Jongg card (goo.gl/ykAzEY) so they are timeless and generic. This winning hand is the concealed hand under the 2468 category.
Michelle, I enjoy listening to your instruction. I have played, instructed, and loved the game of Mah Jongg for about 40 years, and find your videos and live stream play informative and simply fun to watch! Thank you for mentioning that a player somehow call for a discarded tile they want, rather than just scooping it up and doing their exposure. Even though the NMJL has added this on the back of the card now, some players still neglect to do it. Also, It's my understanding that during a joker exchange you hold the tile out for other player to take and make the exchange "in hand". If the tile is placed on table for the exchange, it's a dead tile. As during play, the rule is "down is down". Michelle, I'm so happy to have discovered your channel! You are such a generous and giving lady in sharing your knowledge and passion for MJ. You are a delight! Hope to see you soon on Mah Jongg Time!
Flowers are used in nearly half of the hands on the card, so they are risky to pass. If you have tiles that can use flowers, consider focusing on hands that use them or hold on to them and discard them in the begin-game (e.g., first 5 discards after the Charleston).
The mock American Mah Jongg card is timeless and generic. This way, no matter when someone new to the game watches the video, they will have a stable reference as they learn how to play the game. To open or download the mock-American Mah Jongg card, look for a link in the video description by clicking "show more" above.
Michele Frizzell I do have a copy of your mock card.
I need one of these cards
I need all of your cards I am a beginner and I am getting overwhelmed
Thank you so much for taking the time to give such detailed explanations. I watched these first 10 videos before I went to my first Mahjong “Meet Up”. Your instructions helped me with my comfort level in being completely new to a complex game.
My pleasure and welcome to the game! I hope to see more of you in the future. I just added a Nitty-Gritty BASICS Let's Play Livestream on Monday mornings from 10-noon Eastern. If you can't make it, look for the repost so you don't miss anything :)
@@MAHJLIFE l reading hands 0:00
I have really enjoyed your style of teaching. You are clear, concise, and make watching all the fundamentals interesting. I have recommended your videos to our beginner group and they are really coming along! Thank you!
This is a delightful video. You are very good at explaining! I just started playing 3 weeks ago and I feel very confident because I’ve watched many of your videos. Thank you.
Thank you for your time answering all my questions. My wife and I just started playing after watching your videos a few times. Each time we play it seems we end up with a few more questions. Hopefully we got it now. May the Force be with you.
Don't hesitate to ask questions, I am happy to help. Consider joinng us at the Monday night Nitty-Gritty Let's Play Livestream from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Eastern. I do a presentation on a topic then do game-play with commentary. Tomorrow night's topic is "The Art of Hand Development." Here is the playlist of past topics; th-cam.com/play/PLLk097vMqukblwOl5hmY5r8-fWnpiF36g.html
Thank you for playing it that way. We are learning now and this was so helpful
Welcome to the game 🤓
As a true beginner, I found your first 8 "fundamentals" playlist extremely helpful. You're a great teacher, and your explanations are beautifully thought out. In both 9 and 10, however, the discussion of why tiles are kept or discarded is very difficult to follow. It would be very helpful to to focus on only the rack of tiles being played for each player, as well as projections of the specific hands on the card the particular player might be working towards. I know that would be technically difficult, but without strong visuals most of what you say and do in those two videos requires a photographic memory and a great knowledge of the hands! But otherwise, thanks for getting me started with these great lessons!
Welcome to the game, Bonnie. The purpose of #9 was to demonstrate the Charleston and #10 to demonstrate the pick and discard phase of the game. To get from the beginning to the end of each, I had to film the progression of the hands at a high level. The next playlist goes deeper into decision making, when I share skill builders. The playlist after that, dives into strategy.
Hi Again, I figured out how to take a screen shot with my iPad & then was able to print out large images of all three sections of the mock card. I was having trouble printing out one large enough to read. Now I’m set to play along with your videos.Thanks, Bea
I couldnt post this reply @Michele Frizzell awesome!!! I cant thank you enough. I started watching because I was staying in bed with possible COVID. The good news is I don't have COVID!! I'm still watching though. This is really helpful
Thanks for explaining how to block your tiles from view if you dont have that helper thing for pushing out walls.
My pleasure. I hope you feel better soon :)
I have learned a lot from this lesson, thank you! One thing will help me more is that it will be nice if you show each player's tiles more while playing. Thank you!
I did not spend too much time on hand development because the focus of this video was on game mechanics. For videos on hand development, see videos in the Skill Builder and Strategy playlists - links are in the video description :)
I SO appreciate your videos. You are a fantastic teacher! I am trying to watch How to Exchange a Joker and am unable to find it. I am starting your next play list . . . THANK YOU
Hi Katy! I'm so happy to hear that my videos have helped you :)
You can exchange a natural tile for a joker during your turn. Your turn begins when you either pick a tile from the wall or claim a discard then make an exposure after which you can ask for one or more joker exchanges. The exposure made just prior to a joker exchange cannot be modified by the newly obtained joker. Your turn ends when you discard.
You did a phenomenal job with this video! Must have taken you many hours to film and then edit.
I got a bit lost keeping track which hand you were doing, But I still learned a lot. I moved from my phone to laptop so I could get a better look at the tiles.
I made sure to watch some of the TH-cam videos (shorter ones), to support you
Thank you! I didn't focus so much on what hands were being played because the purpose of the video was to teach how the game works from start to finish. The strategy playlist is a deep dive into hand development :)
I have a PDF with direct links to American mah jongg videos. If you send me an email, I'd be happy to send it to you michele@mahjongcentral.com
This is excellent, thank you very much
Thanks, still confused but it would help if you ALWAYS say/tell the line or hands you are looking at for East , South , etc
As a total beginner I think it would be a little easier for me to follow if there could be captions showing which Hand is being played at each Turn...
In the American Mah Jongg lesson videos, I mention the hands so if you have the mock card in front of you you should be able to find it. In recurring skill builders, I am using captions when I mention hands.
@@MAHJLIFE great. I have the mock card, but wish i had written down potential hand for each player
Hi Michele,I would like to know when and how a player looses a turn after a call and exposure.Thanks Sandra V from Florida.
Once you have placed an exposed PONG on your board, can you add to that PONG during another play later in the game to make it a KONG? And I don't mean swapping out a Joker. I know you can do that. I think you said once anything is exposed on your board you can't add anything to it. But I want to make sure I was understanding this correctly.
Anytime a discard is used, the block must be exposed and cannot be changed after discarding.
🗣I thought she said once it’s exposed that’s it but I would like to be sure also😂good question👍🏽
🗣I just read what she told you. Well now we know for sure.👍🏽👍🏽
If a block of tiles is exposed after claiming a discard and it includes a joker, and later in play, you had mentioned you could take that joker if you have a like tile to replace it with. My question is, the tile you are replacing the joker with has to come only from the tiles you pick up right-not from the discard pile or the tiles you already have on your player rack?
Only the last discard can be claimed for a new exposure or mah jongg. Previously discarded tiles cannot be used for any reason. If you pick a tile from the wall or if you have a tile in your concealed hand, you can use it to exchange a joker in any exposure on your turn.
Michele Frizzell Ok just to be sure I understand, it can also come out of your hand to replace someone’s exposed joker besides if you pick it up on the wall? Thanks so much for your quick response and answers.
It is hard to understand the strategy of what to keep and then discard without a visual of each hand you are playing .
In your video, you say “nobody can take a white dragon” when discarded. Is that the same idea as not being able to take a Joker? I’ve not heard of that rule. I believe it’s at the 13:16 time stamp in the video. Thanks…love these videos.
The only discards that can never be claimed for an exposure are jokers. All the other tiles can be claimed if the player has the tiles (i.e., natural, jokers) to complete a block of three or more identical tiles (i.e., pung, kong, quint). After I discarded the white dragon I said "nobody can take it" because they didn't have the tiles to complete an exposure :)
OK...after a while this game starts to play havoc with your brain. Thank you very much for the clarification.
What if 2 people want the same discarded tile? (Sorry if a dumb question) :). And I cannot thank you enough for these videos! I just subscribed to your channel I am enjoying them so much!
That is a great question... for American mah jongg, when two players want the same discard for the same reason, the player next in turn gets the tile unless the other player has started exposing their tiles.
@@MAHJLIFE So I should expose my tiles quickly then?
@@ruthanneroth6986 This is a touchy subject that I have strong feelings about...
Per Mah Jongg Made Easy (page 19, #13a) "When two players SIMULTANEOUS call the same tile for an exposure, the player nearest in turn to the discarder gets the preference, unless the other player has started to expose their tiles." The other rule is posted on the NMJL/FAQ page #3 (prior to 10/31/2019) stated "When two players want the same tile for Mah Jongg, player next in turn to discarder has preference EXCEPT when other caller has started to expose tiles." Caps for emphesis. These simultaneous call rules (i.e., slapjack, slamming) have been in place for years but have become controversial just recently.
There are rarely problems when players are peers. The problems arise when there is a game with players of varying degrees of experience and physical or mental abilities. It has been said that these rules were put in place to protect fast players but that makes no sense because when two players simultaneously call the same discard, both players are outed regardless of who exposes tiles because those tiles will be the same as the discarded tile. Clearly the player next in line wants the tile and they are the rightful heir.
This should be the process for claiming a discarded tile:
1) Call to announce intent. PAUSE to give next in line the opportunity to claim the discard.
2) Pick the discarded tile from the table and place it on the flat portion of the rack to validate the tile.
3) Expose tiles from the rack to complete the move.
The rules as they are now give players a license to act aggressively which can negatively affect not only the atmosphere of the game in play but the integrity, reputation, and culture of the NMJL and its membership. In a regular game, sportsmanship is more important than speed. Which is why most groups, including mine, ignore these rules altogether.
exce;;ent teacher, and I have subscribed
Thank you! WOOT WOOT
When it's your turn and you swap an exposed joker do you need to place the joker on your rack with a combination? I love your MahJongg lessons. Thank you
I''m so happy to hear you enjoy my videos :)
You do not need to use an exchanged joker in an immediate exposure. In other words, the exchanged joker goes in your rack with the rest of your concealed tiles until needed for an future exposure or mah jongg :)
Thanks for your video series. It is very helpful for someone just getting into Mah Jongg. I noticed you used the term "not ready" when the rack to the right wanted to call the 3 crak tile (happens at 25:54). If you call a discard and expose a Pung, are you unable to convert the Pung to a Kong later?
At 25:54, the player with FF113355 cracks had potential for either the 3rd hand down from the top or the 2nd hand from the bottom where they needed kongs of 1s, 3s, and 5s so they were not ready to call for the 3 Crack when it was discarded. When a block of tiles is exposed after claiming a discard, it is locked in place and cannot be extended to a smaller or larger block of tiles.
@@MAHJLIFE Thanks for the explanation. My wife and I recently started watching your videos and we shared with our friends as we are all learning this game together.
My pleasure. Don't hesitate to ask questions! You can also contact me directly at michele@mahjongcentral.com
When you call for a tile and make a exposure and accidentally exposed a kong instead of a pung can you change the number of tiles by putting one back on your rack before you discard? You called for a tile and made someone miss their turn because you thought you needed 4 and exposed them; then decided you only need three. So is it OK to put one back on your rack. (The NMJL told me if you rack a called for tile, you cannot return it to the table if you change your mind "You rack it, you keep it" was what they said)
When you call a tile and rack it, you have to use it. The number of tiles you expose can be modified until you discard to end your turn. After that, the exposure is locked in.
How do I get your info cards you mentioned in your video
The cards have been combined and improved in my first book mahjlife.com/books
I understand the switching of the joker for a tile on another players exposed hand, but can one do the same on one's own hand?
Was this question ever answered?
My American mahjongg set (just purchased) has 4 flower tiles numbered 1 through 4 and 4 season tiles numbered 1 through 4. The mock card has pairs, pongs and kongs listed in BLUE (because they are suit neutral). FFFF for example. Can I use any combination of flowers and season tiles to make the FFFF or must I only use the flower tiles. (And of course, a joker or two as long as I have 2 natural tiles in the block). If I can't use the season tiles with the flower tiles, how are they used?
All mahjong sets come with Flower tiles. There are two sets of Flowers, Seasons (1 SUM, 2 SPR, 3 AUT, 4 WIN) and Flowers (1 PLUMB, 2 ORCHID, 3 CHRYS, 4 BAMBOO). For Asian styles, the Flowers are bonus tiles and are not part of the 14 tile hand. If a player has a Flower and it is the same number as their seat for any given hand (1 EAST, 2 SOUTH, 3 WEST, 4 NORTH), they will get additional points if they win.
For American mah jongg, the Seasons and Flowers together are called "Flowers". The numbers and letters on the Flowers do not matter. If a hand calls for a Flower, indicated by an F, any Flower tile will do.
Many times, sets will come with extra Flowers, Jokers, and blank tiles. Just be sure that you use only 8 Flowers and 8 Jokers.
Michele, do you have a video that gives your detailed thought process for picking a hand and if so what is the name
Yes, here they are:
How to Pick a Hand - Strength th-cam.com/video/T3ba3Hxjg3o/w-d-xo.html
How to Pick a Hand 3 Ways th-cam.com/video/KY9MJ--xtc4/w-d-xo.html
How to Pick a Hand 3 Ways Solitaire th-cam.com/video/3TWLWCiZIP0/w-d-xo.html
How to Pick a Hand 3 Ways Solitaire Wall Game th-cam.com/video/d-CqTx94qL0/w-d-xo.html
HELP! I have to teach new players and I got confused. 1. Giving tiles out which way? 2. Which wall gets used next? 3. Which player goes next after East? I am teaching this Wednesday. HELP!
Everything in the game goes counterclockwise except pushing out the walls. Feel free to contact me directly for instructor support michele@mahjongcentral.com
How can you teach when you don’t know the rules or how to play!!!????
How do we get the mock card bec u talk about things that aren’t on the reg 2024 card
During one of your plays you discarded a N winds. You said no one can pick up that tile. Is that because NEWS is considered single tiles or because no one had the E and W and S tiles. needing the N winds to complete their block?
Michele can you comment on this please? I think I know the answer but would like to get your confirmation.
I missed where east with 14 tiles gets to 13 tiles? Thank you. When did or does it happen.
th-cam.com/video/BFwTYnDbxTE/w-d-xo.html After the Charleston, Player 1-East discards to start the game so after that is when they have 13 tiles just like everyone else.
If you discard a tile then the person across from you calls the tile. They then discard one of their tiles. Who plays next. The person to your right or the person to the right of the person who called the tile?
The player to the right of the player who discards last is next. Turns may be skipped when someone calls a tile.
So in the case of switching a tile with a joker in someone’s exposed tiles, I understand that. The question is: can a player do that for his own exposed hand?
Yes, any exposed joker on any rack can be exchanged for the natural tile :)
Question: In A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg it says you can change or correct your Exposure if you have not discarded (pg. 93, pg. 106 no. 16 answer). This is also what I am told by other players. So if I call and make an exposure and DO NOT DISCARD, can I change exposure or put it back on my rack and return called tile to table?
It is true that a player can change their exposure as long as they have not discarded. If they racked the discard or exposed tiles from their hand, they are committed to the discard. If a player calls a discard and they do not rack it or expose tiles from their hand, the player can change their mind..
Is the joker exchange only done by the player who pulled a tile on their turn or can it happen at other times by other players as well?
When there is an exposure with a joker, any player with the natural tile can ask for an exchange after they start their turn by either picking a tile from the wall or claiming a discard and completing an exposure.
I am a new player. I have a 2024 card so I am unable to follow because you're using a much older card. If I subscribe or join will I get more current instructions?
I use a timeless mock American mah jongg card in any video that contains the word “lesson.” For videos using the current card, visit mahjlife.com/wiki/direct-links-to-nmjl-lessons-on-youtube-article-192/ for recorded skill builders and mahjlife.com/wiki/amj-s2-matrix-article-210/ for livestreams.
This is confusing because East is on the far edge of the table with West in front. Then she says South is to our left.
Turns go counterclockwise from East > East, South, West, North. I am standing at East. To East's right is South. Across from East is West. To East's right is North.
The table is set up as if Far East is referred to not the East of Eastern Coast of North America. I think Far “East” from North America and that is where the sun sets (in China) not the “West” Coast. Sorry if I am not explaining clearly.
I'm not finding "show more". Would like to download the mock card to teach some friends.
If you are using a mobile device, look for "...more" under the video title. Here is the link for convenience: Mock American Mah Jongg card goo.gl/MqqaUb
I have no image showing whenever I use any browser to view that link
for the year card can you pick up from the discard pile to complete a section?
Any block with singles or pairs (I.e., 11, 2023, NEWS) must be completed by picking tiles from the wall. The only exception is if you are ready to win and in that case, you can declare mah jongg if you winning tile is discarded regardless of the black it completes.
If you are playing two years under the singles and pair’s category, can you pick which years you want played or do they both have to be the actual present year. For instance, since it’s the year 2020, would they both have to be played as 2020 or can one be 2020 and another 2019; or 2018 and 2019?
One year should be used in a given game. For the timeless mock card, use the current calendar year. Some American mah jongg organizations releaswe their annual card in January but the NMJL releases their annual card in April.
If I am playing for 2020 can a joker be used to complete the block?
No. For 2020, the tiles are considered singles like NEWS so these must be self-picked. The exception is that you can claim a discard to complete a block of single tiles if you are ready to win.
@@MAHJLIFE Thanks so much!! Love your Mah Jongg lessons!
I don't see a link in the video for the Mock Card. Can you email it to me?
Mock American Mah Jongg card goo.gl/MqqaUb
For future reference, there is lots of information including the link to the mock card in the video description. Click "show more" if you are on a PC or cllick "more" if you are on a mobile device.
Is it not smart to use a joker right out of the gate to expose a pung? Feels like it’s risky putting out a joker that early on for the taking. Or is it worth it if it furthers your hand?
When to expose, with or without a joker, is situational. One must consider the progress of the hand being played and assess the potential to win based on discards and exposures on all racks.
Is there an order or sequence that I should be following?
Please check the video description for the order 🤓
If I have an 8 of DOT and a Joker in my hand and another player discards an 8 of DOT. Can I pick up (CALL) the discarded 8 of DOT and put it with my Joker and my 8 of DOT as an exposed PONG?
Yes.
You can complete a block of three tiles by calling a discard. Anytime a discard is used, the block must be exposed and cannot be changed after discarding.
Would you keep the joker for later use? Or would you expose it for kong if your card says so and then have to allow someone else to substitute and take away the joker? If I draw another 8 dot can I myself substitute it and take back the joker?
When you need singles like 2021 or NEWS or NNNN - can you pick up a discard to expose these groups? Like if you have NEW and S is discarded, can you pick it up and expose? Or 222 can you pick up white dragon for the 0? I know is has to be pung or above, but are these considered kongs or singles.
Any block with singles or pairs must be self-picked unless you are ready to win. When you are ready to win, you can declare mah jongg regardless of the block that tile completes, for example, 2021 or NEWS.
Any player can call a discard to complete a block of three or more identical tiles. For example, if you have NNN and someone discards a N, you can say, "call" then place the N on your rack and add your three Ns to expose a kong (four of a kind).
I cannot find that Mahjong on my card?
I use a timeless mock card in lesson videos. There is a link to it in the video description.
Can't get to the mock card
A link to the mock card is in the video description. You can find a link under downloads in this wiki article mahjlife.com/wiki/american-mah-jongg-article-162/
Michele are you still giving out a complimentary code for Marjong Time. I can’t find your email address.
Were you able to find my email in the video description?
Where is the winning hand on the 2018 card?
All these lessons were filmed using a mock American Mah Jongg card (goo.gl/ykAzEY) so they are timeless and generic. This winning hand is the concealed hand under the 2468 category.
Michelle, I enjoy listening to your instruction. I have played, instructed, and loved the game of Mah Jongg for about 40 years, and find your videos and live stream play informative and simply fun to watch! Thank you for mentioning that a player somehow call for a discarded tile they want, rather than just scooping it up and doing their exposure. Even though the NMJL has added this on the back of the card now, some players still neglect to do it. Also, It's my understanding that during a joker exchange you hold the tile out for other player to take and make the exchange "in hand". If the tile is placed on table for the exchange, it's a dead tile. As during play, the rule is "down is down". Michelle, I'm so happy to have discovered your channel! You are such a generous and giving lady in sharing your knowledge and passion for MJ. You are a delight! Hope to see you soon on Mah Jongg Time!
Unfortunately I can’t see it there.
Here is my email address spelled out: michele at mahjong central dot com
Yes at 23:08 this video goes from west to south for the next wall. This video is flipped
Why do you want to hang on to the flowers?
Flowers are used in nearly half of the hands on the card, so they are risky to pass. If you have tiles that can use flowers, consider focusing on hands that use them or hold on to them and discard them in the begin-game (e.g., first 5 discards after the Charleston).