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WEEKLY MAH-JONGG


By Tom Sloper

January 14, 2007
Column #301

American Mah-Jongg (2006 NMJL card). Ambiguous exposures.

1. Could be one of two hands: 2006 #3, or Consec. #5. You can't be sure which unless you see three or more soaps out, or unless one of the winds is dead. If it's a Consec. hand, it could be any two consecutive numbers. Play accordingly.

2. It's a 13579 hand, but which one? #2 or #3? If ones and/or threes in both of the other two suits are dead, then it can't be #3, but could still be #2. Play accordingly.

3. Could be 2006 #2, 2468 #1 or 3, Consec. #4, 13579 #4, 7, or 8, or Winds-Dragons #2 or 5. That's about as far as it can be narrowed down.

4. Could be 2006 #4, 2468 #1 or 3, Consec. #4, 13579 #4, 7, or 8 only (narrowing it down slightly more than the previous puzzle).

5. Could be 2468 #5 or Consec. #1a. Ain't it good when there are only two possibilities?

6. Could be Lucky 13 #3 or Consec. #5. Don't throw any ones, threes, or flowers.

7. Could be 2468 #4 or Consec. #3. Hot tiles are threes in all suits, or sixes and eights in craks.

8. Could be Winds-Dragons #1 or #2. Don't throw any other winds, and best not to discard flowers or dragons without careful thought!

9. Definitely Consec. But is it #2 or #4? Check the discards and exposures. If you see the 6s and 7s of both other suits dead, then it's #2. If the pungs are higher than 6s and 7s, then it can't be #2.

10. Could be 13579 #7 or 369 #3. For clues, check discards and exposures for dead 1s, 5s, or 6s.


Thanks to sharp-eyed reader Gail B. Smith!

麻雀

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Haven't ordered the 2007 NMJL card yet? Read FAQ 7i.

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© 2007 Tom Sloper. All rights reserved.