wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Tom, Player A discards a tile. Player B calls the tile. Before Player B can reach for the tile, Player C or D slides the tile closer to Player B. Sometimes Player B cannot locate the tile since it was moved from original location. Sometimes the tile is even stood up on the wall. It seems to me players should keep their hands behind their walls and not touch the tiles of other players. Is there a rule covering this? Thank you, Linda
Hi, Linda! There's no specific rule that says "players should not touch the tiles of other players," but it is a widely understood breach of manners to touch other players' tiles or racks or card or beverage or whatever. You say player B often scans the table looking for her claimed tile? When I see a player doing that, I reach and point right at the tile. I never touch it.
There's also no rule that says "a discard may not be stood up on the wall," but there's absolutely no rule permitting it, either. The rule on page 14 (MJME 2023) says the "tile is discarded face up," which clearly indicates that the tile is supposed to be discarded horizontal, face-up, flat on the table.
So, to sum up:
1. Etiquette says players ought not touch anything that is in the purview of another player.
2. Discards are to be placed face-up on the discard floor, per the rulebook. Not standing on the wall.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 20, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 6
On Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:11:02 AM EDT, Sarah L wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
On the 2025 card, hand 13579-4, can the one in the “10” be either suit different from the 1111 and 9999 or must it be a dot to match the soap/white dragon? (We have a difference of opinion among those I play with.). Thank you.
Sarah L
Hi, Sarah!
As I wrote in FAQ 19:
Remember that (like it says in red text at the top of the card) when used as zero, soap is "suitless." So the 1 in the "ten" part of the equation can be any suit that you don't use for the "one plus nine" part.
Therefore: the one can be dots but it doesn't have to be.
FAQ 16 link
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 19, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 5
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 06:29:17 PM EDT, Mich R wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
2025 card Winds - Dragons
FF 123 DD DDD DDDD
Do the 3 consecutive numbers have to match the 4 dragons? I feel since it doesn"t match the kong.
thanks for help, Michele
Hi, Michele!
As I wrote in FAQ 16,* the parenthetical says the three numbers can be in "Any 1 Suit." The phrase "Any 3 Dragons" makes no literal sense (since there are only 3 different dragons) but the League has long used that phrase to mean "the dragons can be in any order." So this means that the "123" can match ANY dragon, the pair or the pung or the kong.
*
FAQ 16 answers the most frequently asked questions about the 2025 NMJL card.
FAQ 16 link
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 15, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I claim a discard without any matching tiles, part 2
On Friday, April 11, 2025 at 07:21:53 PM EDT, Julia S wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Hello Tom,
I'm confused about your answer to Janice G (copied below).
The question said that she has jokers to make the Pung or Kong. And your answer says that jokers are regarded as being identical to any non-joker tile. So why can't she pick up a discard to display with jokers?
Thanks,
Julia S.
囧
You know what? I totally misread the question. I thought she had nothing to expose. Thanks for the heads-up, Julia. I'll edit the post.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 11, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I claim a discard without any matching tiles or jokers?
On Friday, April 11, 2025 at 02:15:58 PM EDT, Janice G wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Can I pick up a discard that I need but do not have one in my hand, but I have jokers to make the Pung or Kong?
Thank you,
Jan G
Sent from my iPhone
囧
Revised answer. I previously misread the question. I thought there were no matching tiles and no jokers.
Yes, you can, Jan. You do not need to have a natural in hand to call a discard. Jokers will do fine. See FAQ 19L1, "Can I claim a discard with just jokers?" Sorry for misreading the question the first time.
No. You can't afford the price. (You don't have the prerequisite other tiles.)
A discard may not be taken unless it can be used immediately to complete a set of tiles, such as a pung for instance - and the set completed by a discard must be immediately exposed for all to see. As I wrote in my book:
58. Any player may claim the current live discard to make an exposure, provided that certain prerequisites are met:
a. The player must have enough other identical tiles (jokers are regarded as being "identical" to any non-joker tile) to form a complete set of the amount of tiles as appropriate for the hand(s) being targeted;
b. The size of the set being completed must be at minimum three identical tiles;
c. The set completed by the discarded tile must be exposed to the view of the other players.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 11, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I call for a discarded redeemable tile?
On Friday, April 11, 2025 at 12:16:40 PM EDT, kathy m wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Player A discards a tile that could have been used to replace a joker on another player’s rack. Since Player A didn’t notice that possibility, another player called the discarded tile and replaced her exposed joker to claim the discarded tile for her rack and gets to keep the joker on her rack. Is this allowed?
Sent from my iPhone
No.
See FAQ 19-G2:
Once a redeemable tile has been discarded, it can only be taken to create a new set for exposure or mah-jongg. It is NOT permitted to take the tile in order to redeem it for a joker.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 11, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 4 (continued)
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at 10:58:50 PM EDT, Sandy W wrote:
Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Thanks, Tom!
Sent from my iPad
You're welcome, Sandy!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Fully racked and fingers off, part 4
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at 09:20:05 PM EDT, Cathy B wrote:
Subject: Re: Racking
I read your response Tom, and thanks! Is there more to the letter that I am not seeing? I do not see the word finger(s) in the letter at all. My take is that it is possible to have your fingers on the tile, but only a corner of the tile resting in the rack (thus touching the bottom) as opposed to having your fingers on the tile and it be fully seated (sitting in the sloped portion of the rack) thus the reason for the leagues distinction. Perhaps it’s time to get a more definitive clarification from the league. I’ll work on a letter.
Warmly,
Cathy
Sent from my iPad
The letter doesn't use the word "fingers," that's true. But it says "A is holding onto the tile." It stands to reason, does it not, that the only way she can hold onto a tile is with her fingers? If she's holding onto the tile, what else could she use to hold onto it, but her fingers? I would welcome seeing the response you get from the League.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Fully racked and fingers off, part 3
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at 06:39:05 PM EDT, Cathy B wrote:
Subject: Rackin
Hi Tom. Regarding Section AD 1 on Racking. You posted an update as of
December 4,2024. I went back and found the letter posted by Ronda Brooks on November 26,2024 in the “Maj Jongg, That’s It” Facebook group, and I do not see anywhere where it says the player’s fingers must be off the tile. That may be an interpretation, but those are not the words I read. What I read is that the League distinguishes between touching the bottom of the rack and fully seated. It is possible to fully seat the tile with your fingers still on it. Your thoughts? Thanks!
Warm Regards,
Cathy B
Let me explain my interpretation by following the scenario painted in the League's letter:
1. Player A picks a tile from the wall.
2. Player A brings the tile to her side of the table.
3. Player A lowers the tile onto the bottom of the sloped part of the rack, with her fingers still holding the tile. (Repeat: her fingers are still holding the tile. The letter says "A is holding onto the tile.")
4. Player B calls for the current live discard.
5. The League says Player A must relinquish the tile so Player B can have the discard, because Player A did not cause the picked tile to sit "in the sloped portion of the rack along with the player's other tiles." The letter says that the reason the tile is not "sitting along with the other tiles" is because Player A is still holding onto the tile.
I agree with you that "It is possible to fully seat the tile with your fingers still on it," but the letter from the League says "This is not considered racked." I don't like the rule and I disagree with it, but the League is the arbiter of NMJL rules. Until the League withdraws the rule as stated in this letter, a player's fingers are required to be removed from the racked tile before it is considered racked.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 4
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at 06:04:27 PM EDT, Sandy W wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is: 1) winds & dragons #2
FF 123 DD DDD DDDD
Can joker be used in 123?
Can 3rd number be picked from discards
and exposed immediately? Or must you wait until calling MJ?
2). Consecutive Run #7. .. 112345 1111 1111
Can jokers be used?
In 112345, can a discard be picked up and all 5 #s be exposed?
Thank you ??
Sent from my iPad
Hi, Sandy!
1) No, a joker cannot be used in a group of singles. See FAQ 19-E2. The rule is also on the back of the card:
1) No, you can never call a batch of single tiles for exposure. See FAQ 19-E1.
1) Yes, you have to wait until ready for mahj. See FAQ 19-E3.
2) Yes, you can use jokers in the kongs.
2) No, you can never call a batch of single tiles for exposure. See FAQ 19-E1.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 3
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at 05:46:21 PM EDT, pamela greenleaf wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is: 13579 #4,
Any two suits, these numbers only. Can the 1111 be bams, the 9999 be dots, and the 10, be dots? I believe that would be 2 suits also. Another words, we do the 1111 and 9999 have to match? Shouldn’t it say that Kongs must match like it does in any like numbers #2, where it says pairs must match?
Thank you for answering my question. And thank you so much for what you do for Mahjong.
Pamela
Hi, Pamela!
1. No, the ones and nines may not be made in different suits. Look at the colors. The ones and nines are green - that means definitively that they must be the same suit.
2. There's no rule that the League set for itself as to how every parenthetical should be written. I suppose the League believes that most of its members can see that the 1111 + 9999 is one color and the 10 is a separate color, and have read the back of the card where it says that 2 colors means 2 suits.
Besides, the flowers are also a kong, and flowers are suitless, so it would be a very lengthy parenthetical which would have to be printed in very small text.
I'll add your question to FAQ 16.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Why do un-American variants require a pair to go out?
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at 04:28:40 PM EDT, Jared M wrote:
Subject: Why do Mahjong games usually have a pair to go out?
Do we know why winning hands are always 3k + 2 tiles with that pair? Why wouldn't it just be some number of triples?
囧 I don't know, Jared.
You might as well ask why fourteen tiles, or why are there 136 or 144 tiles (depending on whether flowers are used or not), or why there should be 4 players. I can't answer those questions, either.
Assuming you might enjoy my conjectures as to the answer to your question:
1. Because all triples would be too easy;
2. Because the difficulty of obtaining a pair balances the challenge of making a complete hand;
3. Because the numbers (three players holding 13 tiles and one player holding 14 tiles, from a total of 144 or 136 tiles) balance out to a nice challenge and a fairly short game of around 10-15 minutes...
I cannot know why most hands in most mah-jongg variants follow the "four sets and a pair" format, but you might enjoy learning that there actually is a twelve-tile variant. Amy Lo discusses it in her book The Book of Mah Jong; An Illustrated Guide. But you might be disappointed - the hands are not just "four sets without a pair." Rather, they are "twelve tiles plus an invisible 13th tile."
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Estimate of number of American Mah Jongg players, part 2
On Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:38:59 AM EDT, Ray M wrote:
Subject: Re: Estimate of number of American Mah Jongg players
Thanks Tom for your reply. I'm just a curious person. I teach Mah Jongg in a Retirement community and I try to recruit more men, as all of the experienced players are women. I am seeing more and more counterfeit cards. I never let a student use a knockoff card, I require them to use only the official NML card. When placed side by side it is an easy sell due to the bright colors of the real card vs the dull green and red on the Chinese printed illegal cards.
Regards,
RayM Austin, TX
Good luck with that, Ray.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
What year did the League change the timing, part 2
On Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 07:44:31 AM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
Subject: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Meg A
Hello Thomas Sloper,
Donation Received
This email confirms that you have received a donation of $10.00 USD from Meg A
You can view the transaction details online.
Donation Details
Total amount: $10.00 USD
Currency: U.S. Dollars
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Thank you, Meg!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 2 (continued)
On Friday, April 4, 2025 at 09:50:07 PM EDT, Jan H wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Hi -
Thank you for your response. I found the board and found the answer to my question. The board is a great source of information … Love the game, the strategy and the details!
Thanks again, Jan
Sent from my iPad
You're very welcome, Jan!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
What year did the League change the timing of the "Year" section of the card?
On Friday, April 4, 2025 at 02:01:52 PM EDT, Meg A wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Hi Tom
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I treated myself to a 1955 mah Jongg card and was surprised to see the year hand was 1954.
What year did the league change the year issued to include the matching year?
Thanks
Meg A
囧
Well, that's hard to say, Meg. My card collection has gaps...
1940s cards -
- 1941-42 card had no "year" hand.
- 1948 card had no "year" hand.
1950s cards -
- 1955 card, as you said, a "1954" hand.
- 1958 card had a "1957" hand.
1960s cards -
- 1962-63 card had two "1962" hands. I don't know if I've gotten to the answer you seek (and I haven't yet gotten to newer cards named for a single year), so... continuing:
- 1969-70 card had several "1969" hands.
1970s cards -
- 1973-74 card had five "1973" hands.
- 1977-78 card had five "1977" hands.
1980s cards -
- 1983-84 card had four "1983" hands.
- 1985-86 card had a "1985" section.
1990s cards -
- 1990-91 card had a "1990" section.
- 1993-1994 card (note the longer name) had a "1993" section.
2000 card had a "2000" section.
So it looks like the answer to your question is "sometime in the nineties." (Depending on your interpretation of the data above.)
Wishing now that I'd worked the question in reverse chronological order... :p
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 4, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 2
On Friday, April 4, 2025 at 01:36:45 PM EDT, Jan H wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
In the new 2025 card - Any Like Numbers line 2. For the 2 pair I used a Kong and 1 joker. Is that not permitted? Does it have to be 2 matching pairs and use a joker only if you have Maj Jong. I was told I had a dead hand. Please advise.
Thanks, Jan H
Sent from my iPad
Hi, Jan! Two pairs does not make a kong when there are pungs between the two pairs. It should be self-evident that the League wanted the pairs to be separate - not smacked together, much less used with jokers. See FAQ 16, the 2026 NMJL card.
You cannot use a joker with two pairs. NEVER. Not even for mahj. Your hand was correctly called dead.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 4, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Estimate of number of American Mah Jongg players
On Friday, April 4, 2025 at 12:24:24 PM EDT, Ray M wrote:
Subject: Estimate of number of American Mah Jongg players
Hello,
I am curious as to the number of active American MahJongg players. For instance, any guess and the number of NML cards sold in a full year - say 2024. I'm assuming if someone paid for a card, they probably are players.
Regards,
RayM Austin TX
Hi, Ray. Yes, the number of cards sold tells you the number of players who bought a card. But it’s important to also consider the number of people who copy someone else’s card, or download a scan from the internet. And there are even more players who play on counterfeit cards bought on the internet from elsewhere than the NMJL store. The number of cards sold is probably "under half a million." For the number of active players, my guess is “over half a million.” I discuss this in more detail in FAQ 23. So, now I'm curious as to why you ask?
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 4, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Column
#812, part 2
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 04:15:32 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Catherine F
Hello Thomas Sloper,
Donation Received
This email confirms that you have received a donation of $10.00 USD from Catherine F
You can view the transaction details online.
Donation Details
Total amount: $10.00 USD
Currency: U.S. Dollars
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Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
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Thank you, Catherine!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 1, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Column
#812
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 01:38:08 PM EDT, Catherine F wrote:
Subject: Column #812 (2025 NMJL card)
Hi Tom,
Thank you for the breakdown of the 2025 card!
You mention only one hand repeats from the 2024 card, but I believe 369 #2 on the 2025 card is the same as 369 #3 on the 2024 card.
They added a “+” and “=“ in the line, but otherwise identical as far as I can see.
Thanks,
Catherine
囧
You are right, Catherine! The pie chart should show 2 instead of 1 in that slice.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
April 1, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Seeking a set of these
On Monday, March 31, 2025 at 02:55:16 PM EDT, casey wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Hello,
I have been given this beautiful single tile of a bamboo flower. It is made of black plastic and the design is recessed. Despite it's singularity, I have had no luck tracking down the full set or a similar set based on this tile. Do you have any advice or leads?
Many thanks,
casey
(she/her/hers)
sowe.li
Hi, Casey! I assume you're wanting to acquire a set like that.
I have a list of vendors in the Mah-Jongg MERCHANDISE Sites in FAQ 4B, but it's been a while since it was updated. You might sooner join some mah-jongg or mahjongg or mahjong groups on Facebook and ask around. Shouldn't take long to get more leads. Good luck!
May the tiles be with you... Literally, ha ha!
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 31, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2025 NMJL card, part 1
On Monday, March 31, 2025 at 01:29:49 PM EDT, Joanne Moreau wrote:
Subject: 2025 large card, consecutive run line 7
I am having trouble interpreting consecutive run line 7 on the 2025 large card. My card shows 112345 in green, a red kong, a black kong and the explanation (Any 5 Consec. Nos., Pair Any No. in Run, Kongs Match Pair). Does this mean that the consecutive numbers are not really all the same suit--that you put a pair in that matches one of the kongs?
112345
1111
1111 (Any 5 Consec. Nos., Pair Any No. In Run, Kongs Match Pair)
Hi, Joanne!
Coincidentally, I just now added this hand to FAQ 16!
As to your question, the answer is no. Since 112345 is all in green (no other color interspersed in the run), those tiles must all be the same suit. Now notice what number is paired in that example: the number one. Now notice what number is used in the two kongs: again, the number one. "Kongs Match Pair."
The pair does not have to be the first number in the run ("Pair Any No. In Run"). And the run does not have to be 12345. It could be 45678, for instance. "Any 5 Consecutive Numbers."
Whatever number in the run is paired, you have to use the same number for the two kongs. "Kongs Match Pair."
See if FAQ 16 is helpful or not. I hope it is!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 31, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Dating and possibly valuing, part 2
On Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 01:42:42 PM EDT, S, Kimberly wrote:
Subject: Re: Mahjong set
thank you!
Best,
Kimberly S
You're welcome, Kimberly!
Dating and possibly valuing this set
On Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 12:39:57 PM EDT, S, Kimberly wrote:
Subject: Mahjong set
Hi, Tom:
I'd love some help dating and possibly valuing the mahjong set I inherited from my grandmother. From your website it looks like it's a 1920's era Chinese set, but wanted to make sure I didn't mess up dating it. Answers below in green.
1: Write a factual detailed list of all the contents of your set. 36 dots, 8 blanks, 36 bams, 36 craks, 16 winds, 8 dragons, 8 flowers, 2 small dice, small box with 4 miniature dice, four wind discs and a cylindrical container (Mingg), 10 wooden one red dot sticks, 11 bone one red dot sticks, 30 bone two black dot sticks, 1 bone two no color dot stick, 21 bone ten black dot sticks.
2. IMPORTANT: Describe the condition of all the components of the set. Describe the condition of the case, the paper materials, and of course the tiles. Are they clean and attractive, like new, or are they dirty, mildewed, smelly? All defects of the set must be noted and described, in order to achieve the most accurate valuation. I would say 90% of the tiles are in very good and 10% in good. A few seem to have the writing being rubbed off from usage.
3. What are the tiles made of ? (See our FAQ 7c .) Seems to be bamboo and bone.
4. Describe what you know about when the set was made or purchased, if you know. Describe the history of the set to the best of your knowledge. See our FAQ 11 before you make any unsupportable claims (such as "this set is over a hundred years old!" or "this set is from the Qing Dynasty!"); the knowledgeable collectors can see through claims that are ignorant of the actual history of the game. All I know is they belonged to my grandmother who passed away in the early 90s. They traveled a lot due to grandfather being in the war (lived at bases in Japan and Hawaii).
5. What are the dimensions of the tiles? Use either inches or metric (one or the other, not both - doesn't matter which; just be precise). Height, width, depth. If the tiles are bone & bamboo, give thickness of the bone portion. (Same goes for ivory & bamboo tiles.) Tiles Height is 1.1, depth is 2.8, and width is 2.0, all in centimeters.
6. How many tiles are there in the set? 148
7. What other pieces (besides tiles) are included with the set? Give descriptions and exact counts. If you do not know what to call the pieces, see our FAQ 7d . NOTE: If you already listed, counted, and described all other pieces in #1 above, then there's no need to do it twice. See 1 above.
8. What kind of container does the set come in? If it's wood, is it one of those flat boxes with a sliding top, or is it one of those squarish boxes with drawers, and if so how many drawers? Provide a picture that shows the set as it sits in the container, so that I can see how the tiles fit in it. Square wood container with 5 drawers. Photo attached.
9. What condition is the container in? If it has brass doodads, is the brass all there and in good condition? Wood container seems to be in good condition.
10. Does the set have any paper materials -- a manual, a label, anything at all? What's the condition? No.
11. Which kind of craks are in this set -- the older kind or the later kind? Take a picture to provide to the appraiser. Photo attached. Think older.
12. Provide a picture of the One Bams . These tiles can sometimes tell a lot about which part of China the set came from. Photo attached.
13. Provide a picture of the dragons too. These tiles can sometimes tell a lot about which era of mah-jongg history the set came from. Photo attached.
14. And provide a picture of the flowers /seasons. These tiles are sometimes exotic and can enhance the set's value. Photo attached.
15. How many jokers (if any) does the set have? Zero.
Best,
Kimberly S
Hi, Kimberly! Your questions are about dating and possibly valuing this set.
The set has all the hallmarks of a 1920s set. I note that the drawers in the box have wood drawer pulls rather than brass, and to be honest, I don't know what might signify. I assume some sets were made with different hardware, but I don't know if it might be a pricing issue (different hardware used depending on the intended retail value) or a dating issue (maybe the hardware was changed after some parts were no longer available, or if it might indicate different makers). It might mean later manufacture, later in the 1920s perhaps.
As for value, condition is extremely important. You say the tiles are 90% VG and 10% G. You say the box is also just G, but you didn't describe the box's flaws. I'll just have to take your word for it that the box is just Good.
The original dice, dice coffin, wind discs and wind jongg are all present, but any paper materials the set might have contained are not present. Some of the chips are wood rather than bone – but the chips are not hugely important to a set's value.
I conclude that the value for a Good 1920s set is appropriate. 20 years ago, it would have been worth around $100, give or take. But the dollar is worth less now. Your set might go for as much as $180 today, based on the changing value of the dollar, but I'd expect it to go for less, say around $150.
Lastly, your photos show that your four white dragons are grouped together with your four blank tiles in the Dots drawer. I would place four of the 8 blanks (white dragons) in the drawer with the flowers and winds, and the other four (blanks) in the bottom drawer with the chips and dice.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 30, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Shuffle, turn down, build... right?
On Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 01:04:24 PM EDT, Patricia P wrote:
Subject: Turning tiles over
We have a new player from China in our Chinese mahjong group and a question came up. Normally our group shuffles the tiles and turns each one face down before building the walls. The new gentleman shuffles and then turns over any upright tiles AS he builds the walls. I like it because it’s much quicker, but it caused a small tempest at one table. Are there any rules about that, or is it just house rules?
Thank you for all you do.
On Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 01:05:54 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
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Thanks for the donation, Patricia!
The most logical and tempest-free shuffle process is:
1. Turn the tiles face-down first. This raises the difficulty of remembering which tiles are where, especially since you're going to...
2. Shuffle second. This greatly increases the difficulty of remembering which tiles are where.
3. Build walls third.
Rulebooks may not say to do it this way; it's just common sense. (Note: the American rulebook does say to turn down first, then shuffle.)
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 29, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Oops, a player was skipped.
On Friday, March 28, 2025 at 09:43:10 AM EDT, Roni L wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Player R’s turn is inadvertently skipped, player S takes their turn and player T is in the middle of their turn when that is realized.
Does it just continue forward or does it rewind back to player R?
Thanks
RONI
Sent from my iPhone
Roni, it does NOT continue forward. The real question is: Throw it all in and do over? Or Rewind? IF you can rewind, that would probably be the most popular answer among your players.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 28, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2024 NMJL card, part 17
On Friday, March 28, 2025 at 09:37:37 AM EDT, Sharon C wrote:
Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Hello, it’s Sharon, your Canadian friend :-)
My group has another question. This is with respect 369–4. The question is whether the first pong must be three’s and the second groupings can be two groups of either sixes or nines as long as it’s different suits or am I misinterpreting?
Looking forward to you reply and thanks
Sharon
Hi, Sharon,
As I told Dianna S in "The 2024 NMJL card, part 16" on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 12:34:38 PM (below), "It has to be threes OR sixes OR nines."
The first pung does NOT have to be threes. The other pung has to match the number of the first pung. Threes OR sixes OR nines, like it says in the parenthetical on the card.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 28, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Seeking others I'm in league with
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 03:06:14 AM EDT, Re vu <jp86work wrote:
Subject: Newly made
Hi Tom, hope this email finds you well. Your website is great place for info.
I’m an artist from down under and have appreciated your website these last few months - thank you.
I’ve recently completed a set of newly made Bone and Bamboo tiles and am wondering if you know of anywhere who creates newly made bone and bamboo sets?
I know there are low quality sets of this material(ish) from a couple of makers but these are stamped and printed, the craftsmanship of ye old days is what I’ve tried emulate with engraving and painting.
Any advice of others I’m in league with would be appreciated.
Kind regards.
The GameMaker.
Hello Re vu the GameMaker,
I suggest you look up Tony Watson on Facebook. He uses old tiles to make new sets. I don't know of anyone who uses cow shin bones and bamboo to create new sets from scratch.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 26, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I need instructions for making a card in Shanghai: Second Dynasty
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:50:13 PM EDT, Chris W wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A re: Shanghai Dynasty
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Hello, Tom. Some time ago, you posted how to input a new card into Shanghai Dynasty. I happen to have this game. I tried to find it on the Sloperama site, but I don't see it. Could you please tell me where I can find it on the site, and if it's not there, could you please send me the instructions? I promise I will print them out. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Chris W
Hi, Chris!
I don't care if you print it out. https://sloperama.com/shanghai/Images/mjamer-5.htm
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 25, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Did we violate one or more of the MCR combinatory rules of scoring?
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 12:43:31 PM EDT, Susan S wrote:
Subject: Re: Yet Another Question
Hi Tom,
This is a question about scoring that came up in our weekly game yesterday. A player had all craks: 123 123 456 789 99. We scored this as 24 points for a Full Flush plus 16 points for a Pure Straight plus 1 point for a Pure Double Chow. Were we correct? If not, which scoring rule(s) did we violate? My group appreciates your help very much.
Yours,
Susan S
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Susan!
There's nothing wrong with your scoring.
I suppose you're concerned that you might have run afoul of the
Prohibition against repetitive set usage ("combine-just-once") principle. But you're safe. See rule 64 on page 139 of The Red Dragon & The West Wind; especially rule 64(e). You can combine a set in your Pure Straight to form Pure Double Chow. There's nothing wrong there. And yes, it's also obviously Full Flush. You might also have other points to add, depending on how the winning tile came into the hand and how many flowers might be involved.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 25, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Chicken Hand question
On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 03:06:19 PM EDT, Susan S wrote:
Subject: Chicken Hand
Hi Tom ??
My question is about a chicken hand in Chinese Mahjong. In your book you define it as a three suit hand with an honor pair waiting on a two-way call. I’m confused about the two-way call. For example, here is my hand:
123 dots (c)
456 bams(c)
333 craks (m)
Pair White Dragons
88 dots waiting on third 8 dot for pung (not the case tile)
I pick up the 8 dot I need by discard. Chicken hand or no? Isn’t this a one way wait? Is there something I don’t understand about a two-way wait?
Clearly befuddled,
Susan S
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Susan!
No, it's not fan #43 Chicken Hand, because you weren't waiting with an incomplete 2-ended chow. You were holding two pairs and could have won on a white dragon or an 8D, neither of which would fit the definition of Chicken Hand. The two-way wait is illustrated in the book – the 3-4 bams is a double-ended chow, waiting for either 2B or 5B.
The double-ended chow is strategically useful in other situations, but not as the wait in Chicken Hand.
On a related note, see fans 77, 78, and 79. #77 Edge Wait is when you hold a 1 and 2, waiting for the three, or you're holding a 9 and 8, waiting for a seven. #78 Closed Wait is when you have the two ends of a chow, waiting for the sole number in the middle. And #79 Single Wait is when you are holding one tile, waiting for its mate to form the pair. You can see how those are difficult to make but the two-way wait is much easier, thus the two-way wait is suitable for the Chicken Hand.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 24, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Is their discard able to be called, part 2
On Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:48:59 AM EDT, Barbara W wrote:
Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
I found the answer in the 2022 NMJL bulletin so thank you for your time.
Sent from my iPhone
囧
I saw that on Facebook. It was someone else who pointed out the answer in the 2022 bulletin, which is what made me change the answer I gave.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 21, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Is their discard able to be called?
On Friday, March 21, 2025 at 09:40:56 AM EDT, Barbara W wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
If a player discards before picking, their hand is dead ( too few tiles). My mah-jongg question is: Is that tile able to be called? Thank you. Barbara
Sent from my iPhone
Yes. If it wasn't, there would be a rule in MJME.
Correction: Q&A 8 in the 2022 NMJL newsletter/bulletin says No. You may not call a tile that was discarded before picking.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 21, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
A player's hand went dead on an exposure containing jokers...
On Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 08:58:40 AM EDT, Gayle R wrote:
Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is: when a player calls a tile and makes an exposure and is immediately called dead and is verified dead - whose turn is next? Are the jokers that were just exposed in the exposure that caused the hand to be dead available for exchange
Sent from my iPhone
Gayle
Hi, Gayle!
1. The player to the right of the now-dead player plays next. The dead player made a play (took a turn). Turns always proceed counterclockwise. Always. See FAQ 19-BP.
2. No, those jokers were exposed in the commission of an error, making the hand go dead. That exposure must be returned to the sloping front of the player's rack. See FAQ 19-P.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
Vernal equinox, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Multiple pairs hands in Majiang Competition Rules
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 09:50:49 PM EDT, Susan S wrote:
Subject: Chinese Official Mahjong Multiple Pairs
Hi, Tom. My group relies on your book for our games of Chinese Mahjong. My question is about hands which allow multiple pairs. Recently it dawned on me that because a mahjong is made with 14 tiles, multiple pairs hands could only be made with 7 pairs or 4 pairs. The 7 pairs hands are obvious from the fan descriptions. The 4 pair hands not so obvious. For example, the description of Fan no. 52 All Types seems to imply that this fan could include 4 pairs and two triplets, as does Fan no. 3 All Green, no. 64 All Terminals, no. 11 All Honors, and no. 18 All Terminals and Honors. But is that a correct interpretation? And what about a full flush? And the fans made with upper, middle, and lower tiles? These descriptions do not say you can use multiple pairs, but nor do they say you cannot. Is there a rule to follow here or some definitive list of the hands where 4 pairs and two triplets are permitted. I apologize if you have answered this question before. I searched your board but didn’t find anything that helped. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Susan S
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Susan! Nobody has ever asked me this before. Rule 23 on page 132 (a translation from the Chinese original) defines the permissible hand structures. None of them is four pairs with two pungs or chows or knitted sets.
23. A complete hand may be structured in one of the permissible ways, as follows:
a. Four sets and a pair, in which the term "set" is used to mean a chow, pung, or kong...
b. Seven pairs;
c. Thirteen single honors and terminals plus a duplicate of any;
d. Fourteen single unconnected tiles (the special hands of the Knitted category).
So four pairs and two pungs or chows is not a "permissible" hand structure in MCR rules. When the descriptions of the fans you cited mention pairs, they're talking about structures "A" (four sets and a pair) or "B" (seven pairs).
But your thinking is sound. The Taiwanese game, which is played with 17 tiles rather than 14, does include at least one hand that mixes pairs with a pung. Since 17 is an odd number, the Taiwanese equivalent of "seven pairs" is seven pairs and a pung.
May the tiles be with you, Susan!
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
Vernal equinox, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Two players called the tile for mah-jongg...
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:07:02 PM EDT, Beverly B wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
A flower is thrown a player calls the tike for Mah Jongg. The player who is next in turn says they are are taking the tike and exposes the tike then exchanges a tile from their hand for a joker which gives them mah Jongg. So there are two parts of their turn to get mj but the other person called the tile for MJ. I have played a little g time and I was interested when I saw this and thought I’d ask.
Bev
Gee, Bev, that's very similar to this post I just saw on Facebook:
Mah Jongg, That's It!
Janet Gallaher · Mar 18 at 9:30 pm
Player across from me discarded a flower which I needed for mahjong. I called mahjong.
Player to the right of her (whose turn was next) said she was calling it, picked it up, laid down the 4 flowers, and said now I’m replacing her joker (player also had 2 dragons with a joker exposed) for mahjong.
Discussion ensued.
I contend she did not call the flower for mahjong as I did. She called the flower giving her the needed kong for the hand she was playing then replaced the joker which then gave her mahjong.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
The answer is the same for both cases.
The player who had to redeem a joker after the call was not ready for mahj, so her call is trumped by the call by the player who needed the discard for mahj without needing to also redeem a joker.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 19, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Questions, part 2
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 12:17:02 AM EDT, adam k wrote:
Subject: Re: Inherited mahjong set questions!
thank you :D
sorry for the flowers confusion, this is very new to me!
You're welcome, Adam.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 19, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Questions
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 08:32:17 PM EDT, adam k wrote:
Subject: Inherited mahjong set questions!
Shortly before my grandfather passed, he gave me this non-descript white briefcase and said it was his "Chinese backgammon" set (he was very wrong). Some friends know how to play and are fairly serious about it, and are going to teach me how, but I'm also very curious as to its age!
If it helps, my Grandfather was born in 1935 and I think he said he bought it while he was doing Navy service but also this was 10+ years ago so I could be wrong.
1) first picture is Everything included in the set. 5 racks, 4 trays, direction indicator, 2 dice, bag of chips, direction booklet, case, and tiles as listed later;
2) there's no names or dates in this book whatsoever
3) I'm not too sure, outside of "the material is incredibly uniform and smooth and decently shiny, and has some weight to it". They've stayed very white as well. Maybe reconstituted fish bone or some old plastic? They're also embossed/engraved.
4) oops, i put this bit in the intro!
5) About .5in thick by 1.25in tall and 14/16ths of an inch wide.
6) 164 tiles total by my count? It seems like an odd total
-36 each of bamboo, characters, and dots
-4 of each dragon, 12 total
-8 seasons
-10 jokers
-8 flowers total? That's the only part I'm unsure of! 4 of them are nature scenes.
-2 blanks
7) plain white shiny briefcase, with green felt lining.
8) modern craks!
9-11 attached in images
12) 10 jokers. Embossed, all the same design. 8 flowers?
Hi, Adam! Your questions are:
I'm also very curious as to its age! – Answer: later than 1971.
Maybe reconstituted fish bone or some old plastic? – Answer: plastic.
164 tiles total by my count? – Answer: I concur.
8 flowers total? – Answer: I count 16 flowers total. 8 "flowers" and 8 "seasons" all add up to 16 flowers.
8 flowers? – Answer: no, 16 total flowers in the set.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 18, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2024 NMJL card, part 16
On Monday, March 17, 2025 at 12:34:38 PM EDT, Dianna S wrote:
Subject: Card
In 369 4 down can it be 333DDDD and999DDDD? Or does it have to be all 3 or all 9
FAQ 16 link
Hi, Dianna! It has to be threes OR sixes OR nines.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 17, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
How do I update my contact info
On Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 10:58:22 AM EDT, Sandbuckee <sandbuckee
aol.com> wrote:
Subject: How do I update my contact info on Sloperama.Thanks
Stefanie Buckley [tel. no. omitted by webmaster]
Hi, Stefanie! Here's how:
1. Go to the place (the web page) where your contact info is visible.
2. Copy the web address of that place (that web page).
3. In an email, paste the web address.
4. In that email, tell me what change(s) you require.
5. Send the email to me.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 16, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Later realizes she had a 3rd 3 dot on her rack
On Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 02:52:32 PM EDT, Jane S wrote:
Subject: Question
A player plays 2 jokers with 2-3 dot. Later realizes she had a 3rd 3 dot on her rack she had missed. Can she at that time replace a joker with that 3 dot. OR can she only exchange for the joker if she subsequently draws the 3 dot.
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Jane! If she hasn't discarded yet, she can exchange the concealed 3-dot for one of the jokers. If she discarded and ended her turn, then on a subsequent turn (after first bringing a 14th tile into the hand), she may make the exchange. For more details on the "can I change my exposure if I haven't discarded yet," see FAQ 19-AF. I also touched upon "can I redeem a joker atop my own rack, FAQ 19-M3.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 15, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
what is my set worth?
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 09:59:47 AM EDT, Adam S wrote:
Subject: what is my set worth?
Good morning,
I recently acquired a set from my aunt and uncle (collectors of everything from art deco and wurlitzer to jewelry to cats) and I have no idea if it's worth a million, or if my wife and I should start using it. Can you help? I've included photos of everything (and can certainly send more or closer up shots). I've never played, and have no idea what to call the pieces, so hopefully the photos will suffice. The large page and 1985-1986 rule book were also in the box. Also, it's all still shrink wrapped, so it appears like it's never been used.
Thanks so much!
Hi, Adam! Sorry for the delay in responding, but your email wound up in my spam folder, and then I had a frustrating experience with a Windows update.
You want to know what it's worth. The good news is that since the tiles are shrinkwrapped, the condition of the tiles is basically between these (from FAQ 7H):
FINE or EXCELLENT - Item has only very minor defects which only a purist or expert would notice or care about. These defects must be described in detail.
AS NEW or MINT - Item looks the same as when it came from the factory. No defects of any kind (your description should so state).
It's possible that the plastic wrap might have discolored the tiles, which is why I allow the possibility of condition that's less than New/Mint.
But as to the condition of the cloth-covered case, I have no clue. If a corner is scuffed, or if one of the latches is in less-than-mint condition, that would make the case less than New/Mint condition. As I wrote in FAQ 7H, condition is everything.
It's a plus that you have the folded paper, even though it's in Chinese. Too bad someone wrote on it. That's a flyer for the company that sold the set. The 1985-86 NMJL card has value on its own. You can leave it in the set, but although the set has enough tiles to play National Mah Jongg League rules, the tiles are not marked with Western indices. Players would have to be able to distinguish the numbers on the Crak suit, and to distinguish the wind directions on the Wind tiles. The fact that the set is not made for the Western market reduces the set's value.
I like these sets myself, but the American value isn't that great. I have a couple of Westernized versions of this set, that I bought in Los Angeles' Chinatown in the 1990s. I've seen those sets marked as low as $59.95 and as high as $99.95, but that was 20 years ago, and the dollar is not worth as much today as it was then. Your set is less valuable than the Westernized sets I saw in Chinatown. My valuation is just a guess. I'd say this set falls into the low range. The low range runs from US$40-140, the high range from US$300-1000, the medium range being in between. I would say your set, because it's made for the Asian market,
we're looking at the middle of the low range: somewhere between $60 and $80. It's a fixer-upper for an American player, who would want to get the tiles engraved with Western indices and to buy a set of racks with a carry sack or something, to make a nicely portable Americanized set. The NMJL card might be worth $10 on its own, but it's useless by itself as part of the set, but if there were four, they could remain in the set. There are collectors trying to own a complete set of yearly cards, so it could be sold on eBay.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 13, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Something I [myself] was [not really] told, part 2
On Monday, March 10, 2025 at 08:47:48 AM EDT, Sheila S wrote:
Subject: Re: Help
Sorry that I posted from Facebook I didn't know. I won't do that again
Sent from AOL on Android
Sheila, what I minded was that you didn't TELL ME that you were sending me a question from Facebook. By simply copying/pasting somebody else's question, you're making it sound like it's YOUR OWN question.
Just TELL ME when you're repeating a question from social media, okay?
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 10, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Something I [myself] was [not really] told today that's hard to believe...
On Monday, March 10, 2025 at 07:12:03 AM EDT, Sheila S wrote:
Subject: Help
Sent from AOL on Android
Ok.
This one is real doozy!!!
Here is something I was told today at a Tourny… please please tell me if this is correct….
Here’s the scenario:
Player 2 throws a 5 bam - no one calls it.
Player 3 throws a joker and says “same”
Player 4 since she missed calling the 5 bam says “call for maj” and takes the joker for a win.
Lady who tells us this story says she called the national mahjongg league and was told this was a correct move.
Since player 3 did not designate her joker verbally as a joker but instead said “same” the joker then became a 5 bam.
I said I had never ever heard this was allowed.
I was told absolutely no joker that hits the table can be called.
Some one out there in mahjongg land that can advise on this one please?
It’s really bothering me and I want to know the exact rule … if there even is one.
Thanks!
Sheila
Hi, Sheila! Yes, that is a confusing ruling, isn't it? It's what engineers call an "edge case." (A problem or situation that happens at the extreme limits of what's normal or expected.)
There is only one situation that permits calling mahj on a discarded joker. But I don't like the example you gave. ...
And that's not all I don't like. Since you said "some one out there," I assume you are asking others as well, or maybe you reposted something you saw on Facebook? I go to Facebook, and... Yep, there it is. Right at the top of Mah Jongg, That's It!, posted by Pam Pruitt McGeary:
Sheila, I wish you would have mentioned that you were sharing a question from Facebook,
Especially one that already has 148 comments. You did this to me on February 21st as well (below).
I'm not going to read all 148 comments. But I am scanning them, and I found two written answers by the League, which are backed up by what Jan Egri wrote in response to Pam Pruitt McGeary's question:
That is not correct. The person that needed 5 bam needs to wake up. By calling the joker same does not entitle the player to get the joker. It’s a dead tile and closed off the time frame to call for the first 5 bam. The one thing I do want to clarify is that when a person names a joker by anything other than joker, same, or the same name as that previous tile, it is then considered a misnamed tile and if that tile was needed for a Mahj, the player gets the joker now as that miss named [sic] tile. IE the player throws a five bam. The next player throws a joker and calls it a flower. A flower was needed for a Mahj, and she calls Mahj on that misnamed tile and gets it. That’s the only time a joker can be called for Mahj.
To further state "the one situation that permits calling mahj on a discarded joker," see these identical letters from the League (which were posted in the Facebook thread that follows Pam Pruitt McGeary's question):
Those letters illustrate the one situation that permits calling mahj on a discarded joker. Do you think maybe Pam Pruitt McGeary's question fits with what those letters say? I'd love to hear your own opinion on how it might not fit.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 10, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
A discard was misnamed and somebody said "mahj"...
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:05:38 PM EST, Carolyn G wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
An 8 dot was dropped and called an 8 crack. Some one called Mah Jongg they exposed their hand and in doing so picked up an 8 crack from the board and put it in their hand. They had exposed 3 (5) cracks, 3 (6) cracks, (4) seven cracks, and held 2 jokers and (1) 8 crack in their hand but when they exposed they picked up and 8 crack from the board that had been previously dropped and put it in their hand for exposure, which showed 2 jokers and 2 (8) cracks.
Does the person who missed called the 8 pay 4 times? Is it 4 times 25 or 4 times 50?
Carolyn T. G
Hello, Carolyn!
All that stuff that happened after an 8D was discarded but named 8C by the discarder does not matter. The damage was done by the player who misnamed the discard. The penalty is due to the player who misnamed the discard. See "A discard was misnamed" (FAQ 19-AY). The player who claimed mah-jongg with the misnamed tile is paid 4 times the value of the hand by the discarder (2x for their discarding the winning tile, plus the single value that would be paid by the other two players). Since you're indicating that it was a 25-cent hand, that total would be one dollar.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I redeem a joker atop my own rack?
On Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11:00:59 AM EST, Karen V wrote:
Subject: Question
If I have exposed a pung with a joker but I had the natural tile in my hand that I overlooked can I on my next turn exchange the joker on my rack with the natural tile? KV
Yes. See FAQ 19-M.3.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Changing exposures once exposed
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 07:40:06 PM EST, Joanne C wrote:
Subject: Re: Changing Tiles Once Racked
Thank you so much Tom : )
I did not know that!
image0.jpeg
Thanks!
All best,
Joanne
You're welcome, Joanne.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom
Is Marvin still around?
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 05:03:01 PM EST, Francine Kaplan wrote:
Subject: Marvin Backerman
Hello,
Quick question….I bought a mah jongg set around 15 years ago from Marvin Backerman (the mah jongg maven from Brooklyn).
Just wondering…is he still around?
Thank you.
Fran Kaplan
I'm wondering that too, Fran. (Now that you mention it.)
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 6, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Changing exposures once exposed
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 02:09:22 PM EST, Joanne C wrote:
Subject: Changing Tiles Once Racked
Hi Tom,
I am wondering if there’s ever a situation when you change your tiles, once racked? For instance. If you racked a block of three and one joker. Can you then “call” a tile (or pull one from the wall) and “add” that to your block and use the joker somewhere else? Like a “self swap.”
Thanks!
All best,
Joanne
Hi, Joanne!
Once you have made an exposure and discarded to end your turn, that exposure is locked in. The only change that can be made to it is to replace a joker in it with a natural tile that matches the exposure. This rule has some more details to it – please read FAQ 19-AF.
And yes, you can redeem a joker on your rack, or anyone else's at the table. See FAQ 19-M3.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 6, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
What gives, part 2
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:24:53 AM EST, Chris and Wanda B wrote:
Subject: Re: 2024 Card
Wow, lesson learned! Fake card....thanks very much for the response! Wanda B
You're welcome, Wanda!
Tom
What gives with this card?
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:28:52 AM EST, Chris and Wanda B wrote:
Subject: 2024 Card
On the first line under Any Like Numbers, there are only 13 characters listed instead of the 14 needed. Please advise. Thanks.
囧
Chris and Wanda, I'm sorry to inform you that you have been swindled. That's a counterfeit card! You must have bought it from Amazon, or maybe Temu. NEVER buy a card from EITHER of those sources. The NMJL does not sell cards through those sites.
It's too late to buy a 2024 card from the League. The 2025 card (if you ordered it in January) should be coming around the end of the month.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 6, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I had a change of heart.
Can I have a do-over?
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 04:32:39 PM EST, elaine l wrote:
Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is: Once you discard a tile can you change your mind and retrieve it if the next player has not started her turn?
Sent from my iPad
No, elaine. If you have touched the discard to the table OR said its name, it's too late to have a change of heart.
You can only take it back if your
have NOT said the tile's name or touched it to the table.
If you'd like to know more about the "change of heart" rules, see FAQ 19-AM.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I would like to know the rule for conflicting claims for exposure.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 10:48:36 AM EST, Elinor G wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is: The rule for “who gets the discarded tile if two players want it” states that the player who needs it for mahjong gets it or if not, the player next in rotation to draw a tile gets it.” But, what happens if one player calls it and picks it up but does not rack it and another player (next in line to draw) finally realizes she needs it (either for or not for mahjong) and calls it?
We have had several incidents where one player calls quickly and wants it and another player calls after a few more seconds and wants it. This is a home game and we would give that second caller the tile if it was for mah jongg. But I would like to know the official rule, especially for “not mah jongg.”
Sent from my iPad
Hi, Elinor!
You asked, "what happens if one player calls it [not for mah-jongg] and picks it up but does not rack it and another player (next in line to draw) finally realizes she needs it ... and calls it .. for "not mah jongg"?" In other words, "what happens if not-next-in-line calls a tile for exposure... and hasn't put it atop her rack, and hasn't exposed tiles atop her rack ... but before she places it, next-in-line also calls the tile for exposure?" The answer is, "next-in-line gets the tile." If you have more scenarios for conflicting claims for a discard, see FAQ 19-H.
I recommend you purchase a copy of the National Mah Jongg League's official rulebook, "Mah Jongg Made Easy." And keep it at the table as you play. That's where I got the rules that I cite in FAQ 19.
FAQ 19 link
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Mystery flowers questions, part 2
On Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:17:12 PM EST, P.C. F wrote:
Subject: Re: Mystery tiles question
Thanks so much for the information! I don't see a way to reply on the bulletin board so I just wanted to thank you for your comments, even though they disqualify all our guesses! Hahahah! I didn't know what the name "perching pheasant" referred to, but you are absolutely right--that's what appears on the one bamboo. I'm not with my set now or I'd send along a picture. We chose those four occupations for the other tiles because we found them in a book and assumed that's all there were. Now I'm realizing there are a lot more than four occupations represented on various flower tiles. Is there a list of all the occupations somewhere? Thanks again for your help and quick reply. We are getting closer to understanding our set. What a pleasure! :)
~Patsy
You're welcome, Patsy!
For a partial "list" of long-ago Chinese occupations and legendary figures and historic figures that wind up engraved on flower tiles, these books are listed down near the bottom of FAQ 3:
- A DICTIONARY OF CHINESE SYMBOLS: Hidden Symbols In Chinese Life And Thought, by Wolfram Eberhard. ISBN 0-415-00228-1.
- OUTLINES OF CHINESE SYMBOLISM AND ART MOTIVES, by C.A.S. Williams. Dover Publications, ISBN-13: 978-0486233727.
- DICTIONARY OF SYMBOLISM: Cultural Icons & the Meaning Behind Them, by Hans Biedermann. Meridian Books, ISBN 0-452-01118-3.
Happy reading!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
Now March Forth to the rest of 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
P.S. You did find out how to reply to bulletin board posts: by emailing me. I'm not a programmer and this is the spambot-avoiding method of which I'm technologically capable. - Tom
Mystery flowers question
On Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 04:16:11 PM EST, P.C. F wrote:
Subject: Mystery tiles question
Hi Tom,
I have a wonderful old set and my sisters and I puzzled long and hard over the flower tiles trying to identify them. We came up with a system to use for play, but I fear we misidentified some. No harm was done, but I’d still like to know what’s what! :) I looked at all the pics in your Mystery Tiles FAQ, but didn’t see mine. In searching online, I saw one set like mine that the seller called a “TYL Perching Pheasant” style set. Again, IDK if that’s correct, or what TYL means. Can you help us identify these tiles? Here’s what we came up with, with our very limited knowledge.
Patsy
On Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 04:36:24 PM EST, P.C. F wrote:
Subject: Re: Mystery tiles question
P.S. I meant to say I looked at all the pictures in your Flower Mystery Tiles FAQ and didn't see my set there... Thank you for any help you can provide. I'm excited to have found your bulletin board! I've spent way too much time on this already! Hahahah!
Hi, Patsy!
I can't help you identify the set's manufacturer or name, per se. I also can't guarantee what a flower tile depicts or what the Chinese writing on a flower tile says. But I'll give my best guess. But first: I believe "TYL" is a manufacturer name, and the Perching Pheasant part describes the One Bam, as you probably already knew. Did you find that information on CHarli's Mahjong Book site? [fingersnap] Oh, right, you said a seller was the source. eBay? Anyway, CHarli's site would be your best bet to "identify" your set.
When you say you've come up with a system to use for play, I take it that you play a Chinese variant, where the flower numbers or names determine who gets bonus points. Let's see how much damage I can do to your system, hahahah!
#1 Spring: the writing says "orchid." See the image sent in by Colin Bisasky in the Mystery Flowers FAQ (just search the page for "colin b").
#2 Summer: the writing says "plum" or "plum blossom."
#3 Fall: the writing says "chrysanthemum."
#4 Winter: the writing says "bamboo." Japan House Los Angeles says "Bamboo is often associated with spring..." The Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College says that pine, bamboo, and plum are "The Three Friends of Winter." Mandarinblueprint.com says "Bamboo, standing tall through the winter, symbolizes the ability to withstand adversity." (I did a Google search to see if winter is sometimes written as bamboo. I don't think so. I think bamboo is just bamboo.)
#1 Fisher: I don't know if the man with the banner is a fisherman. All I can tell you is that the writing says "six." Just look at a 6 Crak tile.
#2 Woodcutter: I don't know if the man? woman? behind the curtain is a woodcutter, and I don't know what that character says.
#3 Farmer: I don't know if the man on the chariot is a farmer or not. And I can't read that character.
#4 Scholar: I believe the man at the desk could be a scholar, but I think those are usually depicted with a scroll (book)? Could be a government official, or tax collector (just guessing here), but the Chinese character says "three." Three horizontal strokes. See a 3 Crak tile. Maybe a Level Three official?
That's all I can tell you, Patsy.
May the tiles be with you. (A slogan that arguably makes no sense in this context.)
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 2, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Call a Discard, Swap Your Joker, part 3
On Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 02:07:15 PM EST, Joanne C wrote:
Subject: Re: Call a Discard, Swap Your Joker
Hi Tom,
Thank you so much for clarifying that!
That’s what I thought because logically you can’t add or subtract once it’s been racked. I’ll let my friends know. We play every Wednesday night and while I am a newbie (15 months) I am addicted. And glad I found you.
image0.jpeg
All best,
Joanne
You're welcome, Joanne. I think you'll be even gladder to find mah-jongg Groups on Facebook, and a copy of the National Mah Jongg League's official rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy.
Every table should have an up-to-date copy!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 3, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Call a Discard, Swap Your Joker, part 2
On Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 10:28:01 AM EST, Joanne C wrote:
Subject: Re: Call a Discard, Swap Your Joker
Hi Tom! Thank you so much for answering my question—and so quickly. My only caveat (and I don’t know how to write this in the bulletin board) is that “the player did not pick ‘X’ tile from the wall and then redeem the joker from the Kong of Xes with the newly picked ‘X.’ The player “called” the ‘X’ tile from a discard.
I think the answer is the same thing: allowable.
Best,
Joanne C
No, Joanne. My fault: I didn't take the title of your email into account when answering the question in the body of your email.
It's not allowable to call a redeemable tile and use it to redeem a joker. Read FAQ 19-G.2 and see if that answers the question you meant to ask. It matters a good deal whether the new tile was picked from the wall or called from the discard floor.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 2, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
When playing with 2 people, how do you pay!
On Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 08:49:25 AM EST, Jeanne wrote:
Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
When playing with 2 people, how do you pay!
If one player has one mahj displayed, and the other goes mahj with both trays what does loser owe if hand worth 25…. Also, if lose threw tile making the mahj, does he play double for both trays or just one? Thanks
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Jeanne! It sounds like you are asking about Gladys Grad's "Siamese Mah Jongg" rules. I can tell you about National Mah Jongg League's 2-player rules, but I have never played Siamese, and have not taken the trouble to learn that variant's rules. Gladys lists her rules on her site, mahjongg.org: specifically, https://mahjongg.org/siamese-rules/. I could go there now and look up your answer, but I prefer that you go there and find your answer.
Sidebar: I understand why many women prefer to use the term "trays" when the correct term is "racks," but if we can move beyond the tittering, it's best to know that "trays" refer to open-top boxes within a mah-jongg case (to keep the tiles from rattling around during movement), and "racks" refer to the elongated slanty-front thingies we use on the table during play (to sort our tiles and make exposures). This is why you won't find the word "tray" on Gladys' site.
(P.S. Yes, the pun - if you caught it - was intentional. :p )
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 2, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Call a Discard, Swap Your Joker
On Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 01:46:51 PM EST, Joanne C wrote:
Subject: Call a Discard, Swap Your Joker
Thank you for answering this question.
With an exposed hand, can a player call a tile if they’ve already “racked” three of these tiles (along with a Joker to make a block of four). And then “swap” the exposed Joker with “two of a kind” in their (unexposed) hand to make a block of three, to make MahJongg?
Warm regards,
Joanne
All best,
Joanne
Hi, Joanne! Let me walk through this:
1. A player has a kong of "tile X" including 1 joker.
2. On their turn, the player picks an "X" from the wall, is that right? So they want to redeem the joker from the kong of Xes with the newly picked X...
3. And use that joker to declare mahj with a pung completed by the X joker (putting that up on top along with all the other tiles in the hand).
If that's what you're asking, yes, that is a legal play. It counts as self-pick. Double score from everyone.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 1, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I put my mahj tile IN the rack, before putting it up top?
On Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 01:48:42 PM EST, obythec wrote:
Subject: MJ Question
I know you can pick a tile for a MJ and put it IN your rack before exposing your MJ.
If you exchange a tile for a joker to call MJ, can you put the joker IN your rack before exposing your MJ or
do you have to put it ON your rack then expose the remaining tiles for your MJ.
Thank you!
Hi, obythec!
Just like when you pick a tile from the wall, you don't put a tile in the rack since you're just going to put it up top. But the League doesn't proscribe a penalty for putting it in the rack first (you're just not supposed to do it). A tournament would be more strict.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 1, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
"How much is my set worth?"
On Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 12:55:04 PM EST, Lucia G wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
"How much is my set worth?"
Dear Sir,
I am writing you from Italy, after discovering the Mah Jong set my grandmother kept in her home. I have been looking for some kind of expert in the matter, here in Italy, with little to no result. So, I would really appreciate your help in estimating the value of this set. I will follow your checklist.
1) The set comes with:
- scoring sticks
- 4 wind indicators discs + mine
- 4 dice + wooden box
- 144 tiles (+ 4 extras)
- A book: “A Complete Guide to the Fascinating Game From China”, published in October, 1923-24. By “East Wind”, London.
2) The condition of the different components is, I would say, good/very good - for what I suppose is an old set.
The major defect is the condition of the bone (the Harvesian canals are mostly visible and, in some tiles more than others, “greyed” - like, they show grey lines/dots. One WHITE DRAGON presents a very little chip, photo attached). The painted colors are still vivid in all the tiles, apart from one (WEST WIND, photo attached). There are no broken sticks. The discs and the dice are in good/very good condition (one die shows a little discoloring on one face). The set is not dirty.
3) The tiles are made, from what I understood, of bone and bamboo. My grandma stated it was ivory, but reading online I am pretty positive it’s not. Up to you to decide :-)
I also think there is no jade, just paint.
4) I think my grandfather purchased it in an antique shop in Italy. I don’t know when - but, maybe, the 70’s? The set, from what I saw online, it’s older than that - 1920s.
5) Each tile is: 3 cm long - 2,1 cm large - 1 cm high.
6) It’s a basic Chinese set: 144 tiles (+ 4 blanc extras): 36 DOTS; 36 BAMS; 36 CRACKS; 16 WINDS; 12 DRAGONS; 8 FLOWERS.
8) The container is made of wood, with 5 drawers.
9) The container is in good condition, with the middle drawer presenting 2 defects (broken wood). The drawers slide in and out without little resistance.
10) The set it’s provided with a manual, as I wrote before. The book is in very good condition.
11) The cracks are of the older kind - but I am not 100% sure. Picture attached.
12 - 13 - 14) pictures attached.
15) There are zero Jokers in this set.
I am extremely grateful for your help! I hope I haven't made too many mistakes :)
Best Regards,
Lucia G
Bon giorno, Lucia! I agree with your assessment that the set is G-VG condition (some parts being G but a fair amount VG). But, because of the Haversian lines, we know that the tiles are bone, not ivory.
So, we have a G-VG Haversian bone/bamboo set of tiles in a VG fancy box. The set's price falls into the medium range. I'd say the low range runs from US$40-140, the high range from US$300-1000. The medium range being in between. I would say your set, because of the chipping and paint loss on two or three of the tiles, we're looking at the low end of medium range: US$150-200. It's my best estimate, and doesn't count the book.
The newer book was not original to the set, of course. Its separate value is US$15-25.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
March 1, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
3 questions please.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 09:23:47 PM EST, Ilene wrote:
Subject: 3 questions please.
Thank you for taking the time to answer both these questions.
1. I've always played you can't throw out a joker. Period. Now I just played where they did.
Can you throw out (discard) a joker?
2. I've always played that you are allowed to pick up the discarded tile from the person to the left of you. You put it in your hand - you do NOT have to expose it. Is this correct? I just played a game with friends and you were not allowed unless you exposed the group.
3. I also have always played that you can pick up any tile from the person to your left. IF that person throws out a tile that can be exchanged for a joker on someones exposure, you could pick it up and replace the joker yourself. Is this correct?
I cant thank you enough for your time. Thanks so much.
Regards,
Ilene M
Thank
Hi, Ilene!
1. You can. It's sometimes strategically necessary, and it's a safe discard because nobody can claim a discarded joker.
2. No, that's not correct. Your friends' way is the correct way. But you can call ANYONE's discard, not only those of the player at your left. And exposing the now-completed group is the "price" you pay for taking that valuable tile into your hand. You should read page 15 of Mah Jongg Made Easy,
the official rulebook of the NMJL. It explains in detail how claiming a discard works.
This is the League's official rulebook. Every table should have an up-to-date copy!
3. No, that's not correct. See MJME2023, p.23, rule 5. Also see FAQ 19-G.2, which is just a brief answer to the question, without a lot of detail. Nobody can claim a discarded redeemable (for a joker) tile and use it to redeem a joker. A discard may only be claimed to expose a completed tile grouping or to declare mah-jongg.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 27, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I claim a redeemable tile and use it to exchange for an exposed joker, part 2
On Monday, February 24, 2025 at 08:13:38 AM EST, Mark P wrote:
Subject: Re: Amer Mahjong rules question
But in this case the player with the concealed hand did indeed have 13 of the 14 tiles needed for Mahjong. She only needed one more tile. She then called a discard out of turn, then immediately swapped the discard with another players joker, then used that 14th tile, the joker, to declare Mahjong.
I think this is not allowed because a player with a concealed hand cannot call a discard to perform a joker swap, she can only use tiles from her own rack or when drawing from the wall for a joker swap with a concealed hand.
Mark
I guess the wording I used in bullet point 1 of my previous reply didn't satisfy. I considered not numbering the two points, and I considered adding to the bottom of bullet point 1, "The reason is..." Maybe that would have been clearer? I was just up from bed, having my morning decaf, when I wrote my previous reply. It's possible my wording and the lack of the connection between the two points, was not up to snuff, or maybe it was.
You wrote:
"I think this is not allowed because a player with a concealed hand cannot call a discard to perform a joker swap..."
No. It is not allowed because ANY player cannot call a discard to perform a joker swap. Did you follow my link to FAQ 19-G2?
If a player is ready to declare mahj on the predicate that she has to get a joker, the only way she can win is to redeem the joker with a self-picked tile... because she cannot use a discard to redeem a joker.
Now I need to fix my breakfast.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 24, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can I claim a redeemable tile and use it to exchange for an exposed joker?
On Monday, February 24, 2025 at 06:51:25 AM EST, Mark P wrote:
Subject: Amer Mahjong rules question
Can a player with a concealed hand call a discard tile when it’s not her turn and then use that discard to redeem a joker from another players exposure, then immediately use that joker to call Mahjong?
Mark
The answer is no, Mark.
1. The hand is not ready to declare mah-jongg. The hand is not ready until it already has 13 of the 14 needed tiles. In the example you cited, the hand contained 12 of the 14, plus an unrelated tile.
2. AND it's not allowed to call a redeemable tile and use it to exchange for a joker. See FAQ 19-G2 (FAQ 19 has 3 parts, and you want the second part).
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 24, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I am curious about how much, part 2
On Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 01:10:32 PM EST, Kathleen D wrote:
Subject: re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Tom--
Thanks for your quick reply. More information about my set.
1. Tiles are 1' x 3/4"
2. 140 Tiles total.
-Approximately 55 have the stripes that indicated bone.
-8 blanks.
-2 dice in a box
-9. 5 dot sticks
-36-1 dot sticks
-40-2 dot sticks
-31-10 dot sticks ( one broken)
The reason I didn't send larger photos is that often times larger files bog down emails especially if they are in the body of the email and not attachments. This necessitates multiple emails, making them pdf's, or using a transfer file system. I've resized them and will try sending again. ( The picture below is the only one that will send. If I add others, it surpasses the limit.) I'm okay with not getting a true vaInline imageluation if it isn't possible.
Yes, I know I can't play American Mah Jongg with this set and will read your FAQ sheet about obtaining jokers. I have another, newer Chinese set that my son brought me from Beijing so will look into getting jokers for that and not using the antique.
Thanks again.
Kathleen
Welcome back, Kathleen, and thank you for the tiny picture size explanation. Since you are apparently using an iPhone to take and send photos, that explains why one email can contain only one picture – especially at maximum size (14 megapixels!!!). Surely your phone is capable of more than just two sizes of pictures (320x240 or 14 megapixels). There must be several in-between size options. ONE megapixel would have been good enough. If those also run afoul of email size restrictions, send one at a time or as many as allowed at a time.
And you mentioned sending pix as attachments rather than embedded (inline). This one was embedded, but I can usually get those okay. Attachments are preferred.
I will reduce your new photo to one megapixel to display here (above).
Heh. One of my art programs crashed when I tried to resize it.
Now, to examine what else you wrote:
1. The tile sizes. I'm confident that you meant one inch, not one foot. (Darn the iPhone keyboard.) The width and height of your tiles are consistent with normal-size bone/bam tiles. I shall assume that the depth is, too. That increases the value.
2. You say you have 140 tiles, which would be bad if it were true, but your photo shows you have the expected 148 tiles. You have all your dots, bams, and craks (9x4=36x3=108). You have all your winds and dragons (16+12=28). You have all your flowers (8), and you have the expected four extra blanks. 108+28+8+4=148.
Oh. Now I see that you didn't count the 8 blanks in the tile count. Don't read the previous paragraph. :p
To obtain extra needed loose tiles is much easier now, thanks to the way mah-jongg collectors and vendors and players tend now to use Facebook to find one another. You want to go on Facebook and join the Mah Jongg, That's It! group. If Johni Levene can't help, there are others there and in other Facebook groups where you can find people to help you.
Thanks for telling me about one flaw you recognize in the tiles: the Haversian system lines on some of the tiles. In the small pictures you sent before, it looks like rather severe lining on some.
Your new photo shows me another flaw of the tiles: at least some of the dovetail joints are poorly made, low quality.
Are there any other flaws on the tiles? Chipped? Dirty-appearing? Washed-out, worn out, or smeared paint? Miscolored tiles?
Your different scoring sticks are not all divisible by 4. You are missing some. See the Bits & Pieces FAQ.
What is the condition of the little dice box? What Is the condition of the dice? G-VG? Better?
And I still need to know: what is the condition of the box? Is the finish still nice, pleasant to touch? Does the lid slide nicely into the open box? How does it smell?
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 22, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
How should this clusterflub be handled?
On Friday, February 21, 2025 at 03:37:23 PM EST, Sheila S wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
A very odd thing happened in a recent game. A player who apparently thought she was East discarded a tile to begin the game. Unfortunately, the next player, who was actually East, picked a tile and discarded before anyone said anything. We then woke up and realized an error had been made. According to the rules, the game does not officially start until East discards the first tile. So what should we have done? Put the 2 discards back in the appropriate place and start again? Call the hand of the person who discarded the 1st tile in error dead? Call the hand of the person who was East, who now had 15 tiles, dead? Or throw in all the tiles, rebuild the walls, and start again? This happened one other time when I was playing, but I couldn't remember what the resolution was that time.
Hi, Sheila!
No, the tiles can't be just put back. When East incorrectly played after another player had messed up royally, resulting in two players having the wrong number of tiles, the game has been ruined. Throw the tiles in and start over with the same player retaining the position of East. The official rule is given in MJME2023, page 14, the 9th bullet point.
When the wrong player threw out the first tile, without first picking, they could have taken it back and East could then proceed to throw the first tile to begin the game. But before that could happen, East killed themself (is that correct grammar?) by picking before discarding. Now two players had the wrong number of tiles. Play cannot continue. You really ought to keep a copy of MJME near at hand when playing so the rule could be found. See FAQ 19-CP.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 21, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
P.S. I found that Sheila's question was actually a question someone else asked on Facebook. - Tom
Somebody messed up when exposing their hand - can they fix it?
On Friday, February 21, 2025 at 05:19:43 PM EST, Jane S wrote:
Subject: Question
If someone Mahjonggs with NEWS and misspells it, is the hand considers dead?
Sent from my iPhone
Don't be silly, Jane. They can just rearrange the tiles and make it right. See FAQ 19-CN ("I messed up when exposing my hand - can I fix it?"). It's only a problem if the tiles cannot be rearranged to form the hand as per the card.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 21, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I am curious about how much it is worth.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 07:56:07 PM EST, Kathleen D wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is: Hi! My friends and I have begun learning American Mah Jong and I pulled out a set I had gotten at a Church fundraiser years ago. The priest said he had received it as a gift. I am curious about how much it is worth. From reading your column and helpful FAQ sheets, I’m pretty sure it is bone on bamboo. The box says made in China in 1923 which fits with the information also.
The set is in Good to Very Good condition according to your descriptions. It is complete and only has one broken 10 stick. Everything else is solid. The box is wooden with a sliding lid and the dice are the tiny hand carved ones with a red four in a little box with a sliding lid.
Any information would be appreciated. Thanks so much. Kathleen D
Hi, Kathleen!
Yes, the tiles are bone and bamboo. I'll have to take your word for the condition being G-VG overall, but you didn't state the details as to how you reached that conclusion, namely: What are the flaws of the box? What are the flaws of the tiles? You seem to have read some of FAQ 7h but not all of it.
I have to correct you on the conclusion you reached, that the set was made in 1923 – zooming in on the teeny tiny picture of the box bottom: it says that the set was patented in 1923. It could have been made years later.
I'm afraid I have bad news for you: I can't tell you its value because you haven't given me enough information. Flat slide-top boxes like yours commonly contained smaller tiles than the normal size tiles that came in slide-front boxes with drawers. So one thing I need to know is the tiles' dimensions (I can deal with fractions of inches or metric). And I need better pictures.
Please forgive me for saying this, but it frustrates me greatly that the majority of askers of value tend to send me the smallest possible images (240x320 pixels), which are never good enough resolution for me to try to determine condition. So permit me to ask: why did you send me such tiny pictures? If I knew why people send me itty-bitty photos like yours, maybe I could try to do something to try to improve the situation.
Lastly: you say you've been learning American mah-jongg. You didn't say that you understand that this set cannot be used to play American style, since you need four more tiles to sticker as jokers. Four of your blank tiles are your White Dragons, which leaves you only four tiles to sticker as jokers, and American rules require eight jokers.
If you send me the information I've requested herein, and better photos (at least one megapixel), then I can take a stab at valuating the set.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 20, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Is there any value to these racks?
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Tom
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I have recently acquired four tile holders and some other bits and pieces in a Hamley Bros box.
The box is extremely tatty but one of the tile holders has the Mah Jongg label to the front, the same as you have shown on your website. The other three holders have no
Are you able to tell me if there is any value to these tile holders?
Thanks
David
Sent from my iPad
First, David, they're called "racks." Tiles go on the sloping front, facing the player, during play. The pits at the top are for holding scoring sticks (chips). I've never seen any of these 1920s racks with chip holders but without a flat lid covering the pits, so that exposures (of tile groupings) can go up top, but the obvious solution to that seeming shortcoming is to place exposures on the table on the other side of the rack so other players can see them.
The picture is blurry but it looks to me like the "Mah-Jongg" label on the front is Babcock's (or Parker Brothers') logo. That adds to the value.
You have four racks all in the retailer's original box? That adds to the value.
So yes, they have value. I cannot tell you how much. If you are going to auction the set, make sure you use the phrase "Mah-Jongg™ racks" in the title of the sales pitch (and take better photos). Good luck!
P.S. Make sure you also show and mention the other "bits and pieces." Those also add to the value.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 19, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I've never seen this style of crak before
On Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 09:45:14 AM EST, Diane M wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I’ve never seen this style of crack before and wanted help to identify the manufacturer and approximate date? Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! image1.jpeg
Diane M
I can't help you, Diane. I've never seen that type of crak before either, and I do not know about manufacturers anyway. As for the set's age, I could maybe make a guess if I could see all the tiles (
the flowers and jokers).
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 15, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Whatever you can tell me about my 2 old sets with short racks.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 09:11:38 AM EST, iamschlanger wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I have 2 old sets and they both have shorter trays than newer sets. They only fit 18 pairs on the wall instead of 19(today’s trays).
Did they play with less years ago like 1950s or 1960s( when I’m sure my mom got the set)
They both are missing the part that allows you to push off the wall.
I appreciate whatever you can tell me
Alison
Sent from my iPhone
Download all attachments as a zip file
image0.jpeg 3.1MB
image1.jpeg 3.5MB
Hi, Alison!
I didn't need the photos to answer these questions. I haven't bought a new set in 20 years, so I don't know if any new sets come with racks that are 19 tiles long. Racks are almost always 18 tiles long. That "part that allows you to push off the wall" is usually called a "pusher" and THAT is 19 tiles long. But pushers are not usually included in modern sets (or they weren't the last time I bought an American set) – they're usually sold separately. Standing by in case you have any questions.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 12, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Does tapping close the window of opportunity, part 2
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 12:37:38 PM EST, Beverly D wrote:
Subject: Re: Mahjong
Thank you.
Sent from my iPad
You're welcome, Beverly!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Does tapping close the window of opportunity?
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:40:21 AM EST, Beverly D wrote:
Subject: Mahjong
I have a quick question about mahjong. You had previously answered one and I had your email.
Is there a rule when a player picks up a tile that they have to click it on their rack and until it’s done it’s open for someone to be able to pick up the previous tile played.
I could find nothing about that and think it’s a table rule someone made up.
Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Beverly!
No, there is no such rule. It's true that the window of opportunity for a player to call the most recent discard stays open until the next player in line closes the window, but tapping the tile on the rack does not do that. AND there's no rule that says you MUST rack the tile fully on the sloping front of the rack to close the window. See FAQ 19-C, which defines the "window of opportunity," and FAQ 19-AD, which defines "racking."
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 11, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The true value, part 3
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:25:07 PM EST, Claudia G wrote:
Subject: (No Subject)
Sent from my iPhone
Claudia,
This email was in my Spam folder, and I didn't find it until today.
I'm still waiting for pictures of the rest of the set (surely you have more than just the tiles), and the information called out in FAQ 7h, especially condition, condition, condition. I see you posted more pictures than these on Facebook, under another name.
Please read the FAQs, and please tell me what I need to know in order to answer your question(s). Pictures alone are not enough to determine value (assuming that's still your main question).
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 10, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The true value, part 2
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:24:57 PM EST, Claudia G wrote:
Subject: Set - I’m hoping this should be larger
Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
Claudia, I don't think you've had enough time to read those FAQs. I'm still waiting for pictures of the rest of the set (surely you have more than just the tiles), and the information called out in FAQ 7h, especially condition, condition, condition.
PLEASE read the FAQs! Pictures alone are not enough to determine value.
By the way, I don't see any mystery tiles in your set. All perfectly normal stuff.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 8, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The true value
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 09:15:55 PM EST, Claudia G wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I bought a set supposedly from the 1930’s and was hoping by emailing you pictures you can identify the true value. There are several tiles that I am unfamiliar with.
If you could help me identify I would appreciate it.
Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Claudia!
Sure, send pictures. But lay out the tiles and the set as shown in the "What's It Worth" FAQ, and send big pictures. Too many people send me tiny 240x320 pictures, the smallest images a digital camera will make. I need big pictures, at LEAST one megapixel (1024 pixels). And along with the pictures send the information requested in the FAQ. Especially condition, condition, condition.
As for your "mystery tiles," I have more FAQs you should scroll through. See
Mystery Flowers,
Mystery Jokers, and
Other Mystery Tiles, You'll probably identify your "unfamiliar" tiles.
PLEASE read the FAQs! Pictures alone are not enough to determine value.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 8, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Sloperama support-a-rama!
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:46:15 AM EST, service@paypal wrote:
Subject: whitmaneFL@ sent you money
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Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
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Thank you, Elizabeth!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 8, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Trying to get information
On Friday, February 7, 2025 at 07:32:32 AM EST, Carolyn B wrote:
Subject: Mah Jong Set Information
Hi,
I am trying to get information regarding this Mah Jongg set that belonged to my Grandmother. Here is what I know about the set:
I believe it was purchased at Fortunoff's in the NYC area
The set has 8 flowers. I think this dates the set to 1937 - 1942.
The jokers are blank tiles with stickers. My mother purchased the stickers recently.
It is in relatively good condition. Does not seem to be missing any pieces except for the chips.
In original case. But case is a bit musty. No identifying information on the case.
I am interested in knowing the manufacturer, material of tiles (I believe bakelite), date manufactured and estimated value. Thank you for your help.
Hi, Carolyn!
You asked for:
The manufacturer: Sorry, but I'm not the person to ask about manufacturers. Try asking in a mah-jongg group on Facebook.
Material: Yes, Bakelite, or actually Catalin. See FAQ 7c.
Date: I don't know. You say the jokers are all blanks. Are you positive there are no flower designs on those tiles? Where would anybody find Catalin blanks? I guess you've already seen column 509? If the set had 16 flowers, then it was made later than 1945.
Estimated value: You didn't give me enough information. See FAQ 7h. With more information, I can be helpful with this question.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 7, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Any ideas?
On Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 05:18:26 PM EST, Robert W wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I have a miniature or travel mahjongg set — never used - the tiles are still sealed in plastic
I can find no name/manufacturer, etc.
I don’t know if it is old or new
Box is about 8 1/2 x 6 inches
The instruction book is on brown paper and says Directions of Playing Man-Jongg “Chest Game of Four Winds"
Any ideas?
Penny W
Hi, Penny! I have very few ideas. It's the norm that there is no manufacturer name or brand name with Chinese-made mah-jongg sets. It's not old. The instruction booklet is not useful. The tiles cannot be used to play American (NMJL) rules. The set is cute but not valuable. If you want to know more, please ask specific questions and send larger pictures. 320x240 pixel images are next to useless.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 6, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Can jokers be redeemed from a dead player's rack? (FAQ 19-P)
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 04:44:47 PM EST, SheryL wrote:
Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Question/2 players
Hi MJ
When playing 2 people with 2 trays each, if one of the players declares Mah Jongg for -
1 tray and thus exposes this trays, is that hand dead (thereby jokers can no longer be taken from that exposed tray)?
Put Out,
Sheryl
Sent from my iPhone
Hi again, Sheryl!
I don't know if you're playing Gladys Grad's "Siamese" mah-jongg or if you just came up with a two-rack two-player variant. I'm going to give you the answer for the four-player game, because I don't know Gladys Grad's rules, and I never tried playing with two racks.
You're saying a player declared mah-jongg and exposed all their tiles. If the mah-jongg is proper, the player is not dead (the player wins). If the mah-jongg is improper, then the player is dead, and all the tiles that the player exposed together with the mah-jongg declaration must be returned to the sloping front of that player's rack. See FAQ 19-P.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
P.S., 2/6: Not sure what you mean by "Put Out," but I think I did? If it's a new way of signing off, then "Put Out" to you, too! I mean it only in the best possible sense, of course. - Tom
Is this considered "self picked"?
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 08:57:46 PM EST, Brenda N C wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Someone discards a tile. I call it and make an exposure. I have in my hand a tile to exchange for a joker on someone’s rack, after I called the afore mentioned tile and exposed. Is that considered "self picked". I didn't actually pick the tile that gave me MJ. TY for helping with this question.
Sent from my iPad
Hi, Brenda!
From FAQ 19-AN: If you win by redeeming a joker, you picked it yourself (everybody pays you double) - nobody "gave" you the joker (nobody discarded it - you TOOK it, with a tile you picked yourself). If you hold onto a redeemable tile in the hand and use it to obtain a joker as your winning move to score double from everyone, that's called a "finesse" play.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 4, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Question about "wait/take," part 2
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 03:19:44 PM EST, storycookfav wrote:
Subject: wait...again
Hi Mr Sloper,
I wrote you in June about "wait" vs "call" and now I have another question about the rule.
I know there is no rule as to how long play can be stopped when a player says "wait" or 'hold". But, if player A discards, and player C or D says "wait", what happens if player B draws and racks a tile while player A is "thinking".
Does the tile go back in wall and the wait continue? or Does the racking halt the waiting? Is the player who drew and racked the tile dead?
As always, thank you for your help.
Story
Hi, Story!
These questions are not answered in the rulebook, so we have to use common sense.
The player who disregarded the "wait" or "hold" was in the wrong. The tile they picked should go back on the wall. There is no death penalty for "not waiting."
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 4, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I can't stop collecting, part 4
On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 11:14:28 PM EST, Lisa J wrote:
Subject: Last set for tonight
Tom,
I purchased this set and I was told it was complete, but it is not. If possible, can you please date it.
2. H = 1 3/16
2. W = 7/8
3. D = 1/2
The Box = it is a faux alligator in cream with matching trays inside. There is a sticker with "Royal" on it, but I don't know if this is the original box
I would really like to replace the 3 missing flower tiles. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks! Lisa
Lisa M J
I can't tell you how old it is, because you didn't tell show me how many jokers are present. Follow this link and you can figure out for yourself its probable age. If it has 8 or more jokers, it was made after 1971.
And as for replacement tiles, see the Tiles Wanted board.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 3, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I can't stop collecting, part 3
On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 11:06:26 PM EST, Lisa J wrote:
Subject: Just a few more sets!
Hi, Tom!
I have another new set. I think I have all of the info you need to date it.
Bone and Bamboo with lovely dovetail
No Box
H = 1 3/16
W = 13/16
D = 7/16
Complete for Chinese play
Thanks! I appreciate your expertise.
Lisa
Lisa M J
Hi, Lisa,
It's a typical Babcock set from the early 1920s. See FAQ 7A and column 610.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
February 3, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
How old is it and what's it made of, part 2
On Friday, January 31, 2025 at 09:00:39 AM EST, Melissa W wrote:
Subject: Re: my Mah Jongg set
Hi Tom! Thanks so much for getting back to me. I have taken additional photos. The biggest clue may be the label inside the case. It says “Metro Games New York.” I have attached that photo too.
The tiles measure about .875” x 1.25”.
There are 20 Flowers and no Jokers. I added Joker stickers to the extra flowers. No dice, so I bought a set. There is a betting wheel and 5 racks with chips. The racks have some rust and the case shows some wear.
Thanks again! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
Melissa
Good morning, Melissa!
NOW I can tell you how old it is. It was made without any jokers, which means the set was made before 1960. Probably 1949 (click the link to understand why I say this).
Yesterday I told you the set was probably valuable. This confirms it. I don't know anything about set manufacturers (so the Metro Games name means very little to me). The thing that makes it valuable is that it's enrobed. I have never owned or bought or sold an enrobed set. The fact that it had enough flowers so you could sticker 8 jokers enhances its value, since the set is compatible with modern NMJL rules. Condition is another factor in a set's value. I don't know if the replacement dice detract much. That the case has "some wear" may detract a little, but the rust most of all. I suspect the set is worth more than $1,000, but to be sure you'd have to ask an expert collector/seller. (My expertise is in other areas.) You can find experts on Facebook. Congratulations on having a spectacular collector's piece!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 31, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
How old is it and what's it made of?
On Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 09:58:19 PM EST, Melissa W wrote:
Subject: my Mah Jongg set
Hello! I have my Great Aunt Pearl’s old Mah Jongg set, and was wondering if you might be able to tell how old it is and what the tiles are made of. The images seem to be “engraved.”
Thank you!
Melissa
Hi, Melissa!
I can tell you that the tiles are made of PLASTIC. If you want to know what TYPE of plastic, you can look in the "What's it made of" FAQ and also the "Plastics" FAQ. Hint: probably Catalin, encased in Bakelite or Catalin.
I can't tell you how old it is because you did not show me the complete set of tiles. I need to see all the tiles, laid out like the picture below, and the photo(s) need to be higher resolution than these 640x480 pictures you sent me. At least 1000 pixels wide.
I need to see ALL the tiles, laid out like this.
I can also tell you that this is what's called an "enrobed" set, and those are highly sought after. You have a real find. BUT how many flowers and jokers does it have? That's crucial information, not only to determine the set's age but also its value.
OH ... and your tiles are NOT engraved but rather stamped or molded.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 30, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Unique junk?
On Monday, January 27, 2025 at 05:56:30 PM EST, Diane M wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Do you know if the appearance of a Junk on the 3 Flower is unique to one manufacturer? Or not?
image0.jpeg
Diane M
Hi, Diane! In general, lots of makers use junks in their flower tiles. The particular junk design you photographed is indeed unique, to the one manufacturer that made your set. I can't tell you anything more. I see you also got a reply about that photo from Sophie He on Facebook, by the way.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 27, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
How many plays can you make during your turn
On Friday, January 24, 2025 at 03:12:08 PM EST, Patricia P wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
In my Chinese Mahjong group a question came up about how many “plays” you can make during your turn. Apparently, a player called pong and laid the tiles down. She already had another (different) pong showing. She then added a tile from her hand to make a Kong and get a tile from the flower wall before she discarded.
To me if you draw or pick up once and discard once anything in between is still your play, but this hasn’t come up before. Thank you for your answer and have a red dragon day.
Sent from my iPad
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On Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 02:25:12 PM EST, Patricia P wrote:
Subject: How many plays
In my Chinese Mahjong group a question came up about how many “plays” you can make during your turn. Apparently a player called pong and laid the tiles down. She already had another (different) pong showing. She then added a tile from her hand to that pong to make a Kong, got a tile from the flower wall and made her discard.
This seemed like two plays to some, but to me if you draw or pick up once and discard once, anything in between is still your play (not two separate plays). Thank you for your answer, and have a red dragon day. (Apologies if I sent this twice)
囧 My apologies, Patricia. I wrote a reply yesterday, but apparently I never posted it, and even deleted what I wrote!
This isn't really a "how many plays" question. It's a "how does kong promotion work" question. You said that after calling a discard and exposing a pung, the player "then added a tile from her hand to make a Kong and get a tile from the flower wall before she discarded." This is an illegal move. The definition of kong promotion states that a pung can be promoted to a kong only with a freshly-picked wall tile. If she already had that fourth tile in hand when she exposed the pung, the time to add that fourth tile was at the moment of exposure. If she picked that fourth tile subsequently, the time to promote that pung to a kong was at the time of picking it. She couldn't rack the tile and use it for promotion purposes at a later time.
So I haven't answered the "how many plays" question, because that's irrelevant to your actual question (to the situation you describe), and besides, I'm not sure how to answer that question except in terms of flower replacements that are flowers or can be used to promote another pung.
Lastly, thank you for the kind donation. Please don't feel that you need to donate each time you have a question. You're paid up well in advance!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 25, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I can't stop collecting, part 2
On Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 03:31:29 AM EST, Lisa wrote:
Subject: New Pics
Tom,
So sorry about the small pics. All of the tiles for Chinese MahJong are accounted for. Thanks! Lisa
Sent from my iPhone
I already knew all the usual tiles were present. The purpose of a larger picture is to see the detail. It looks like the tiles are approximately 1-3/16 high, by 7/8" wide; it's hard to tell from a photograph, due to parallax (much easier to tell if you just tell me). The dimensions of the tile faces reveal your set to be full-sized (per FAQ 7a), as opposed to the smaller bone/bamboo tiles that are also commonly found.
Since you don't have the original box, I have to guess that your tiles were made in the 1920s or 1930s.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 25, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
3 questions
On Friday, January 24, 2025 at 05:14:57 AM EST, Sheryl osmartalec wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A: 3 questions
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
1. B/c the Hands Cards do not specify consecutive runs as Ascending or Descending, can either be used?
2. Is NEWS a Kong?
3. Why do my odds of winning highly increase when I play this hand (FF NEWS 4x any # twice)?
Thanx
Sheryl
Sent from my iPhone
Hi, Sheryl!
That's great that you're learning American mah-jongg. If you don't have someone to teach you the details, I highly recommend you get a book. The #1 most important book is the National Mah Jongg League's Mah Jongg Made Easy.
There are other books, too. There's one by Gregg Swain, one by Debbie Barnett, one or two by Elaine Sandberg... and I wrote one, too. But MJME is a must-have. And there are other books coming out all the time. There are also several mah-jongg groups on Facebook where this sort of basic question is asked and answered all the time.
I have FAQ 16, which answers questions about the 2024 card, and FAQ 19, which answers the most frequently asked questions about the NMJL rules.
FAQ 16 link
FAQ 19 link
Okay, enough about books and social media and online FAQs. Let's get to your three questions.
1. No. They have to be ascending consecutive runs.
2. No. NEWS and 2024 and 123 and 369 are groups of UNLIKE tiles. Look at the back of the card, upper left corner. It says a Pair is "2 like tiles." That means a pair is made of two identical tiles. Then it goes on to define pung, kong, quint, and sextet as increasingly large groups of LIKE tiles. For more on this concept, see FAQ 19-E.
3. You're asking about Any Like Numbers #3. I do not know for a certainty that your odds of winning DO "highly increase" on that hand. All I can tell you is that it's a fairly easy hand to make, because NEWS is not difficult to make (singles are easier than pairs) even though you can't use jokers in NEWS and even though you can't call a wind for NEWS unless it's for mah-jongg. The hard thing about that hand is the pair of flowers, but there are 8 flowers in the deck. Another hand that's easy to make is Consecutive Run #7, because it's so flexible.
May the tiles be with you, Sheryl!
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 24, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
I can't stop collecting MJ sets.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 04:48:20 AM EST, Lisa J wrote:
Subject: New Set of Tiles
Hi! Ok, I can’t stop collecting MJ sets. This is my latest and I was wondering if you could date it. The bamboo design tiles are my favorite. Thanks, Lisa
Sent from my iPhone
Sorry, Lisa, I can't help you without (1) bigger pictures of the tiles (at least 1 megapixel, that is 1024 pixels), (2) a picture of the box, (3) a picture or list of all the other bits and pieces, and (4) the dimensions of the tiles (height, width, and thickness). Please forgive me if you've heard this before, but 320x240 pixels is the very smallest size picture a digital camera will make. While a lot of 320x240 images look kind of OK on a website, that size is not helpful for doing any kind of evaluation or age assessment. Please have another look at FAQ 7G where I said that pictures should be no smaller than 1 megapixel (1024 pixels) and ideally no larger than 2 megapixels (2048 pixels).
Even with the requested info, my age estimate will be a range of one or more decades.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 23, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Found at collectors house today
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Juni L
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Also member of Mahjong Community, Mah Jongg, That's It! and 3 other groups
6:27 PM
Found at collectors house today
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If you reply, Juni L will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages.
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囧 I'm sorry, Juni, but I'm not able to help you via Facebook Messenger. If you want to email that picture to me, I'll be able to look at it, but I also need a focus (what about the picture is of interest, and do you have a question about it?).
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 20, 2025, 11:10 PM
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
This was a question on a Facebook page.
Subject: Claimed tile change of mind
From: Barbara W
To: mj@sloperama
On: Sat, Jan 18 at 5:10 PM
This was a question on a Facebook page. What would the correct answer be, please.
Download all attachments as a zip file
IMG_2171.jpeg 174.8kB IMG_2172.jpeg 116.6kB
The birdsegg blue quote is from FAQ 19-AM, but it only quotes a general principle with some unnecessary extra words. The actual answer is FAQ 19-AM.2:
A: 2. Calling a discard / making an exposure. You can touch it or move it and change your mind. But once you have either placed the taken discard atop the rack or exposed tiles from your hand, you have committed to making the play (then you have crossed the line, and you may not backtrack - it's too late).
The player who picked up the discard and tapped it on her rack committed to making the play when the tile touched the rack.
Consider her reason for tapping the tile on the rack: she did it to prevent anybody else from calling the same discard while she thought about what she wanted to do. But locking out anybody else from taking it also commits the player to taking it. No backsies.
MaryEllen is right that you have a right to change your mind – but when you have visibly started to take a discard and even touch it to the rack, that is a physical action, not just a fleeting thought in your mind. Actions weigh a lot.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 18, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Fully racked and fingers off, part 2
On Friday, January 17, 2025 at 09:36:38 PM EST, Melinda S wrote:
Subject: Re: NMJL Mah Jongg fully racked fingers off
Never mind, found it. QUite plainly in front of me.
Good, I'm glad!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom
Fully racked and fingers off
On Friday, January 17, 2025 at 08:55:01 PM EST, Melinda S wrote:
Subject: NMJL Mah Jongg fully racked fingers off
Hello Tom,
I saw a comment on Facebook, Mah Jongg That's It , that there was a reference in Sloperama to a ruling by the NMJL that for a tile to be fully racked the player's fingers have to be off of the tile.
I did search Sloperama and cannot find any commentary about this. When you have a chance can you tell me where to look?
Thank you,
Melinda S
Yes, Melinda. As I wrote in FAQ 19-AD.1., the NMJL wrote that rule in a letter to Ronda Brooks on Facebook (possibly Mah Jongg, That's It!) and I first saw that post last December.
I kept a copy of the letter. Here it is:
To be honest, I was surprised that the "fingers off" rule was added.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 17, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
The 2024 NMJL card, part 15
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 02:49:42 PM EST, Dianna S wrote:
Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A in consecutive run.When it says any 2 suits,any 3 consecutive runs,can it be 1 22 3333 and3 44 5555
Thanks for your answer.
You're welcome, Dianna!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom
The 2024 NMJL card, part 14
On Monday, January 13, 2025 at 06:59:56 PM EST, Dianna S wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A in consecutive run.When it says any 2 suits,any 3 consecutive runs,can it be 1 22 3333 and3 44 5555
No, Dianna. That would be 5 consecutive numbers. It says 3 consecutive numbers. You're talking about Consecutive Run #4, a 2-suit hand (since it shows 2 colors):
1 22 3333
1 22 3333. The color-coded numbers indicate a run of any 3 numbers in the first suit (green, to represent "suit #1") and then the same 3 numbers in the second suit (indicated by red). For more answers to the most frequently-asked questions about the 2024 NMJL card, see FAQ 16.
FAQ 16 link
May the tiles be with you, Dianna!
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 13, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
What variant uses this scoring system, part 2
On Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 05:05:45 PM EST, service@paypal wrote:
Subject: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Margaret K
Hello Thomas Sloper,
Donation Received
This email confirms that you have received a donation of $20.00 USD from Margaret K.
You can view the transaction details online.
Donation Details
Total amount: $20.00 USD
Currency: U.S. Dollars
Quantity: 1
Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
Contributor: Margaret K
Message: Thank you for your response to my recent question regarding the scoring system used on 1920’s Mah Jongg racks. I will try to follow up. Margaret K
PayPal
Thank you for the generous donation, Margaret!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 12, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
What variant uses this scoring system?
On Friday, January 10, 2025 at 08:15:21 PM EST, Margaret K wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Attached are photos of wooden racks that are with my mother’s Mah Jongg set from the 1930’s. The racks are 16 inches long and the top row of the scoring label continues to 72. I only play American Man Jongg and would like to learn the style of play that uses this scoring system, if it is still played. Can you direct me to a reference book? The tile set to which the racks belong also has betting sticks. The set is bone and bamboo.
Thank you
Hi, Margaret! That's the classic Chinese scoring system from the Roaring Twenties. Lots of reference books listed in FAQ 3, but my favorite is Millington:
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF MAH-JONGG | The Rules, Strategy and Philosophy of the Classical Chinese Game, by A.D. Millington, Wiedenfeld & Nicolson, 1987, ISBN 0-213-16951-7 (newer versions have different ISBN numbers -- ISBN 0297813404 and ISBN 0460813404; thanks to Michael Stanwick for this info).
See also just about any book on mah-jongg written in the 1920s. Of course those are now all long out of print, but can be found on auction sites and used book store sites.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 10, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Which is Heads and which is Tails?
On Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 01:22:57 AM EST, Petr M wrote:
Subject: Heads and Tails in Mahjong Suits
Hello, Tom,
There is a well-known fan in many mahjong variants: "Heads and Tails". It consists of pungs of terminal tiles and the pair in terminals. In MCR it is called just "All Terminals". I tried to figure out what are heads here and what are tails - and could not find any sensible information. My first suggestion was that "1s" are heads and "9s" are tails, but knowing that Chinese logic may differ from any other logic, I cannot be sure. They can be just the opposite: "1s" are tails and "9s" are heads. Please tell, do you know what is what?
With best regards,
Petr
Happy new year, Petr! I don't know, but my guess would be that "1s" are heads. I picture a snake, coming towards you. Which number would come to you first? One first, nine last.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 9, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Please explain how you identify tiles. 6B
On Monday, January 6, 2025 at 02:04:26 PM EST, suzanne d wrote:
Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I am new to your site, please explain how you identify tiles. 6B
Sent from my iPad
Sure thing, Suzanne.
F, J – Flower, Joker
1B, 2B, 3B, etc. up to 9B – suit of Bams (numbered 1 thru 9, pronounced "one bam," "two bam," etc.)
1C, 2C, 3C, etc. up to 9C – suit of Craks (numbered 1 thru 9, pronounced "one crak," "two crak," etc.)
1D, 2D, 3D, etc. up to 9D – suit of Dots (numbered 1 thru 9, pronounced, "one dot," "two dot," etc.)
G, R, 0, Wh – the Dragons. Green, Red, Zero, White ("Soap")
N, E, W, S – the Winds. North, East, West, South.
If anything else needs explaining, that's what I'm here for!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 6, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
Just wanted to show you a new set I found recently. Thank you for all you do!
On Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11:25:15 AM EST, Patricia P wrote:
New set
Just wanted to show you a new set I found recently. Thank you for all you do!
Download all attachments as a zip file
On Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11:26:11 AM EST, service@paypal wrote:
Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Patricia
Hello Thomas Sloper,
Donation Received
This email confirms that you have received a donation of $15.00 USD from Patricia P.
You can view the transaction details online.
Donation Details
Total amount: $15.00 USD
Currency: U.S. Dollars
Quantity: 1
Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
Contributor: Patricia P
PayPal
Thank you for the donation, Patricia!
I think you're on to something. A nice example of a
Chinese set made for the Chinese market.
The Chinese sets in my collection are frequently cheaply made, for low-price sales to players who will likely throw them away after a streak of bad luck.
This set, though, is not quite so cheaply made, and it's clearly for native Chinese speakers.
This set has some production quality. See the detail on the indices on the flowers/seasons, the colorful backs. I imagine the tiles have a pleasant heft. It's made more expensively than those in my collection, but not that expensively.
This set is in the middle range, of expense and of quality. Imagine the high quality sets used by Chinese millionaires and billionaires. They would have elegant tile sets, which would likely never be seen by any but the select few actually involved in a game.
So there is a wide range of quality and elegance of Chinese sets, worthy of collecting. May the tiles be with you!
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 5, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
How should conflicting claims work with blanks, part 2
On Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 06:43:35 PM EST, B B wrote:
Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
Thank you! They o lot even know what their own rules are. I play traditional rules with no blanks and this drives me nuts ???? Although, I love the group I play with so I put up with it.
You're welcome, B! You're right to just go along with their way of playing and enjoy their company.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom
How should conflicting claims work with blanks?
On Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 12:15:44 AM EST, B B wrote:
Mah-Jongg Q+A
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
I play in a few groups. The newest one learned playing with blanks, which I never did.
Tonight, a 3 Bam was discarded and I called it. At the same time, my opponent immediately threw out a blank and took the 3 Bam. Who should be entitled to the tile?
Thanks for clarification.
Happy new year, B!
囧 Blanks, hmm? Here's a problem: I'm more or less an expert on the official NMJL rules. I help people understand the fine points of the rules written in the official rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy, seen here:
The problem is that there's not one word in the official rulebook about this new viral thing, "playing with blanks." Not only that, each group who uses blanks probably has different rules. There is no one official set of rules for every group to govern how blanks are used. I'm not copping out here, I'm saying that I don't know what your group's blanks rules are.
I don't know how throwing out a blank overrides another player's claim for the live discard. And I don't understand throwing out a tile of any kind before taking a discard - in a brief interim, that player has too few tiles!*
Your group came up with this blanks feature, so only the group can determine what rule they want to use. See FAQ 14.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
January 1, 2025
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
*Update, 1/5/25. Guessing: the opponent threw the blank because it's used as a "reverse redemption" joker, or reverse joker. The opponent wanted that three bam but couldn't get it because they were not next in line to claim it, and didn't want it for exposure (just wanted the tile in hand). Used the blank as a swap for the live discard. But was that appropriate in a conflicting claim against an opponent who wants the tile for exposure? I don't think so, but I've not played this style. - Tom
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