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The Red Dragon & The West Wind

The Mah-Jongg Q&A Bulletin Board


Hi. I'm Tom Sloper. Welcome to my bulletin board. Here you can ask questions about Mah-Jongg and get answers, usually the same day! But before you email, please check out the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

  • The price of the information I give is that it is given only in this public forum.
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  • Scoring disagreement (Australian/Western/British rules)

    On Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 10:54:11 PM EST, Dianne R wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Hi Tom
    I live in New Zealand and I am currently playing in one Mahjong group. My friend and fellow starter of our new group in our retirement village plays in two other groups but we both play by very similar rules in the groups that we play in outside of the village. We use the Mahjong Players Companion by Patricia A. Thompson & Betty Maloney. We have been teaching several new players who are keen to learn Mahjong. We have insisted that all new members that want to learn have to use the above book. However, there are different interpretations of some of the rules and I think we need to make some rules that everyone can adhere to in this group. The two groups that me and my friend currently play in don't score so we will continue with that meantime. Both my friend and I in our other groups understand that the Red Dot hands are the points for scoring but we have both been taught that the red dots on the various hands also mean that you can only pung those hands, not all the hands in the book. We ae now finding that new players do not agree that this is correct and we should be able to pung any appropriate hand in the book. Are you able to clarify for me so that we can put this argument to rest. Your interpretation would give us a clear understanding and as it is early days for this group, now is the time to have a clear indication of what hands can be punged in the book we use.
    Kind Regards and thanks in advance.
    Dianne, Auckland NZ

    Hi, Dianne!
    Of course you always consult page 4 whenever you have to discuss what the red dots mean in the Companion? But maybe the concept of "exposed" and "concealed" is not discussed as fully in T&M's Companion as it is in their main book, The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated. In my opinion, the real definitive work by T&M is their Illustrated book. The Companion is meant to be only just that, a "companion" or supplemental book. If you only use their Companion without also having Illustrated on hand, you're playing without full details on the rules of Australian (or "Western") mah-jongg.

    When making a Concealed hand, one is not allowed to call a discard and make an exposure of a pung, kong, or chow. This isn't an arbitrary rule Thompson & Maloney made up to discourage or confuse new players. Concealed hands are supposed to be harder to make, otherwise the game is too easy, and other players who are working on high-scoring hands rarely get a chance to score big.
    Another way Australian rules prevent too-easy wins is by limiting the number of chows an ordinary hand may contain to one.
    I hope I've been helpful? I really recommend that your group rely on more than T&M's Companion book, to also include The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated, so as to arrive at Consensus on the rules of Australian/Western/British mah-jongg.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    December 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Do you think they were made in China? (part 2)

    On Monday, November 25, 2024 at 03:34:41 AM EST, Lisa J wrote:
    Re: Question for you
    Hi! I have another set, if you could take a look. I think these are also made in China, not sure about how long ago. All of the tiles are in the set. I appreciate your knowledge in this area.
    Lisa
    image0.jpeg
    Sent from my iPhone

    On Monday, November 25, 2024 at 03:36:21 AM EST, Lisa J wrote:
    Re: Question for you
    This pic is a little better.
    image0.jpeg
    Sent from my iPhone

    Yes, the set was made in China. About 100+/- years ago.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What is the oldest NMJL card, part 2

    On Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 01:37:39 PM EST, Theo P wrote:
    Subject: Re: Old NMJL cards
    Tom,
    Thank you for publishing the question and your response! I also only had cards going back to 1941, which is why I jumped on the opportunity to buy this set of 4 1940 cards in very good condition. Please feel free to add this to the post, as others may be interested to know there was a card published in 1940.
    -Theo

    Cool, Theo. That might be the first NMJL card in card form. If you're a Facebook user, you might want to post in some of the mah-jongg groups, where you may get in touch with other collectors, who can share their experience with early cards. Good luck!
    May the cards be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    11/24/24
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What is the oldest NMJL card?

    On Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 10:36:54 PM EST, Theo P wrote:
    Subject: Old NMJL cards
    Hi, Tom!
    I am collecting vintage NMJL cards. I have all but a dozen years now. The question I have is what is the oldest card? I have seen a set of cards from 1940 that look different than the cards from 1941 on through today’s modern cards. I know the NMLJ was founded in 1937. Do you know if they published cards in 1937 1938 or 1939?
    Thank you,
    Theo P

    Hi, Theo!
    As far as I know, for the first few years of the League's existence, the hands were not written in "card" format, but instead were listed in Viola Cecil's "Maajh; The American Version of an Ancient Chinese Game," pictured here.

    In all forms of mah-jongg except American, special hands were and are listed in a book, not on a card. American is the exception. My earliest card is the 1941-42 card.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 23, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Are you able to date or locate, part 4

    On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 05:17:29 PM EST, steven k wrote:
    Subject: Set number 3

    Steven, I think these tiles are small (not as large as 30x20x12mm). The "stick" bams together with the small size suggest these tiles were made in the 1930s, give or take. The box looks suspiciously newer, though. If the set is original to the box, it could have been made in the 1960s. It's again notable that the 1-bam "bird" tiles have worn down because the carving is shallower than the carving on the other tiles. I think it's likely that all three sets of tiles are the same age, anywhere from the 1930s to the 1960s. In China, bad luck at mah-jongg renders a set of tiles as "cursed," which is why it's hard to find old sets in China.
    All in all, I would say there's nothing remarkable or interesting about these three sets. If the two wood-backed sets' tiles are of similar size and color, you could "Frankenstein" one complete set from them. But it looks like the colors of the backs are too different.
    By the way, those blank tiles are the white dragons. They fill the gap between the Norths and green dragons.
    This was interesting, Steven. And well done on the photographs.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Are you able to date or locate, part 3

    On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 05:15:51 PM EST, steven k wrote:
    Subject: Set number 2
    Téléchargez Outlook pour iOS

    Hi, Steven. There are tiles in the box that are not in the first picture. I have to assume you intentionally left those out because they don't match. I see a couple of "stick" bams in the box. Those and the two yellow tiles and the hand-drawn 4-dot tile were surely intended as replacement tiles by a previous owner.
    This set looks like the tiles are smaller than 30x20x12mm, making me think this set is from the 1930s or later. You previously said these tiles' backs are darkened bamboo, but I don't think so. I think they're made from a dark wood. The box could be original to the set. Since mah-jongg was frowned upon as a gambling game, the box's plainness is intentional.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Are you able to date or locate, part 2

    On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 05:14:05 PM EST, steven k wrote:
    Subject: Set number 1
    Hi Tom,
    I took some times to take the different pictures and tried to follow your display but couldn’t reach it perfectly.
    The second and third set haven’t been cleaned yet, at least on 5 sides. For the box it is exactly what I have collected when I bought them.
    Below are set number 1 pictures.
    BR,
    Steven
    Téléchargez Outlook pour iOS

    Hi, Steven. Too bad so many tiles are missing. As I said yesterday, I can't tell you which part of China it came from. Telling its age is a bit tricky, because mainly of those 1-bam (bird) tiles. The designs of the bird don't seem to be carved, certainly not as deeply as all the other tiles. That makes me think those tiles were marked later, by an owner of the set, to look like a bird. Possibly four of the blank tiles (white dragons) were used to make those bird tiles.
    Based on the "leaf" bams as opposed to the "stick" bams, it would seem this set may have originally made for domestic sale approximately 100 years ago, give or take. This set was definitely not made any earlier than the 1910s, although it would be necessary to see what the original 1-bam (bird) tiles looked like before somebody decided to make new bird tiles.
    Also, "leaf" bams are not a sure indicator of earlier manufacture, especially given the usual style of the Fa and Chung tiles (dragons). I'm guessing that these tiles are fairly small? Not the typical size? Typical bone tiles of the 1920s measured about 30mm x 20mm x 12mm. Are these tiles more like 26mm x 20mm x 12mm, or even smaller? If so, they are probably of later manufacture (late 1920s or 1930s, maybe even later).
    You said that the backs are made of ox horn. I'll have to take your word for that. The Playboy box doesn't help us age the set, of course.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Are you able to date or locate

    On Monday, November 18, 2024 at 06:33:51 PM EST, steven k wrote:
    Subject: Fw: old time mahjong investigation
    with pictures in the core email
    From: steven k
    Sent: Monday, November 18, 2024 11:13 PM
    To: MJ@Sloperama
    Subject: old time mahjong investigation
    Hi Tom,
    I am a mahjong lover, playing with my family in law, located in China, and I'm really fascinated by the beauty of this game.
    As I am also passionnated with antiques, I've been searching for old mahjong sets since years (I've been leaving in China during 10 years, since 2001).
    I found some interesting sets (never paid attention to the one dedicated to export), not properly complete for most of them, but for which I'd be curious to know if you'be be able to date or locate them.
    2 of them are made of bone and bamboo (quite dark/reddish) and the last one is made of ox horn instead of bamboo (never managed to find another set like this one).
    They are all quite worn out, with extremely smooth round corners and with simple/basic carving.
    I can provide more detailed pictures if needed.
    Thanks for your help,
    Steven

    Hi, Steven,
    Interesting. I am interested in this question, but yes I would need different pictures.
    The way you arranged the tiles in the photos is perhaps pleasing to you (aesthetically or numerologically), but that arrangement obscures the completeness of the set. I would need the tiles to be arranged in 9x4 blocks, as shown in "Do I have All The Tiles I'm Supposed To?" (FAQ 7b). The set will consist of four 9x4 blocks: one block for the dots (arranged numerically), one for the bams, one for the craks, and the fourth block for the winds, dragons, and flowers. Any extra blanks should be displayed to the side, as seen here. (It is not expected that your sets have any jokers or 100 uses tiles, of course.)

    I should also see pictures of the container the tiles are in – what it looks like empty and what it looks like, open, with the tiles in it. And one showing the container closed. And a separate photo showing what the backs and sides of the tiles look like.
    Since there are three sets, you should send me pictures of each set separately. Mixing pictures of multiple sets would overly complicate the examination.
    I can make guesses about which decade a set was made in, but I don't know enough about regional carving differences.
    By the way, your peacock tiles are upside down in the set with the 2-dot at upper left corner (the one on the left).
    Standing by for those pictures...
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Multi-table seat rotation

    On Monday, November 18, 2024 at 09:46:40 AM EST, Joyce C wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    If we have two tables of four and exchange East each time from both
    tables, we don't get to play with everyone. We always change tables
    with the same person. How can we do it so we get to play with
    everyone? Thanks.
    Joyce C

    囧 Hi, Joyce! Sorry, but your question goes beyond my expertise. The official rules don't discuss how to equitably rotate seats with multiple tables. However, I have frequently gotten readers writing in with their table rotation solutions, so I suggest that you check out FAQ 27 and see if you can get any helpful ideas from there. Good luck!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    The proper way of displaying a concealed kong

    On Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 07:11:18 PM EST, joni.m wrote:
    Subject: Minor questions about melding a kong
    Hi Tom—our mahjong group here in Pullman, WA, is putting together a handbook for us and newbies that are joining us to play. We play Classic Chinese style and have learned the most about the game from Millington’s The Complete Book of Mah-Jongg: The Rules, Strategy, and Philosophy of the Classical Chinese Game.
    My question is simple: When a player is dealt four of a kind, and she melds it as a concealed kong, does she place all of the tiles face down? Or does she place two of the outer tiles face down and the two in the middle face up?
    Millington’s book says that concealed kongs are melded with two outside tiles face down, two inner tiles face up. I have seen it represented by others who say that initially dealt kongs are melded all face down while kongs subsequently constructed by drawing from the wall are shown by the two-tiles-outside-face-down and two-tiles-inner-face-up.
    I hope my question makes sense. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Joni M
    P.S. Personally, I like melding initially dealt kongs face down and subsequently constructed kongs with the outer tiles facing up and the inner tiles facing down. In this case, I’d be able to make the distinction between kongs created with initially dealt tiles or those that were constructed with tiles subsequently drawn from the wall.

    Hi, Joni! The reason for more than one way of displaying kongs is to clearly indicate how those kongs are to be scored. There are only two ways to score a kong: concealed and made by discard. There is no scoring difference between a concealed kong that came into the hand in the initial deal versus a concealed kong that came about by picking from the wall. So there doesn't need to be a different way of displaying a concealed kong made by one way or the other, since they are scored the same. I've checked several authors (including Millington) to be sure, and I find that they all agree that a concealed kong shows the two middle tiles face-up, whereas an exposed kong shows all tiles face-up.

    In my brief check, I didn't find any examples of all-face-down displays of a concealed kong. That doesn't mean there isn't an author out there somewhere (or in my bookshelf) who espouses face-down kongs. But, assuming that whenever anyone melds a concealed kong, they show the faces of all four tiles before turning any of them face-down, you could turn them all face-down, but that could result in a player forgetting what those tiles are and making a mistake waiting for one of those. So it could be seen as either "unfriendly" to turn them all face-down, or a test of how good all players' memory is. In my opinion, it's best to go with what Millington says: two face-up or four face-up (and not four face-down).
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    How old and how much, part 2

    On Friday, November 15, 2024 at 09:50:16 AM EST, Kevin W wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you so much Tom! Wishing you well from Stratford-upon-Avon!
    Kind regards
    Kevin
    Sent from my iPhone

    You're welcome, Kevin.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    How old and how much?

    On Friday, November 15, 2024 at 08:18:38 AM EST, Kevin W wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have an old Mahjongg set how can you guess it’s age please from the set and the box? Is it of any value too. The handwritten notes are fascinating - there are 144 pieces plus 4 blanks.
    1 instruction says Made in China
    1 instruction says Jaques & the doubling & score cards say Chad valley!
    Apologies I haven’t seen one like it & need to start researching, nor have I ever played - I am at a loss where to start and your website seems to be most helpful.
    Kind regards
    Kevin W
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Kevin,
    Age: most likely 90-100 years.
    Value: probably US$90-190. I doubt anyone would want to pay US$200 for it, but the handwritten(?) sheet is intriguing, although it may not be mah-jongg-related. The paper materials do factor into this valuation. The awl or clay tool (?) is not mah-jongg-related and should be removed from the set.
    Cheers. May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    No Subject

    On Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:46:32 AM EST, John Doe <john.doe@clonemailsieure.com> wrote:
    Subject: (No Subject)

    Reply: (No Reply)*
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"

    * It happened once before.


    Scoring flowers in Chinese mah-jongg

    On Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 01:30:07 PM EST, linm wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jong scoring
    Hi Tom, my sister Dawn B referred you to me. I have a group of 12 ladies that play Chinese Mah Jong once a week. Everyone loves playing! We occasionally have a scoring question that comes up. I'm hoping you have the answers.
    1. On the score sheet you have under flowers and seasons grounded and in hand. When are they considered in hand?
    2. When you have all one suit , no winds, dragons or flowers. Scoring shows 3 doubles, why include flowers when no part of hand.
    3. It shows on scoring under pairs 4 Points for each flower or season, but it also shows at top of scoring for 3 flowers grounded 12 points and in hand 24. So if we scored 4 for each totaling 12 under the section pairs, do we again get to score from the scoring up above for three flowers or seasons is 12 grounded and in hand 24 or is that double dipping? Also when are they in hand, which you may have answered in question number 1.
    Thanks so much for your help.
    Linda B
    Sent from Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

    Hi, Linda! There are several Chinese variants, and I don't know which one you're playing. You say there's a scoresheet, and you seem to be saying I had something to do with that scoresheet? I suppose it's possible it could have come from my "downlode" folder, where I've made reader-submitted documents available for download. But I think I can help with your questions:
    1. I call flowers and seasons just "flowers." The difference might be simply that four of them have red numbers and four of them have green numbers (some variants award points for having all four red ones or all four green ones, usually called a "bouquet"). In the context of your questions, it's clear to me that "grounded" flowers have been exposed or laid down flat, face-up on the table for scoring purposes (and are no longer concealed within the standing tiles of the hand). In the Chinese variants I'm familiar with, it would be unusual to keep a flower concealed within the hand. The only reason I can think of to keep a flower in the hand is because Singapore-style flower-capturing is part of the play. Or because non-winners can score points for concealed flowers.
    2. I assume this 3-doubles score requires that no flowers be laid down face-up at the winner's side of the table, because it's a little difficult to not get any flowers (because there are 8 of them in the set). (Note also that I'm assuming you're talking about a winner scoring the hand, not a non-winner.)
    3. You can't double-dip scoring the flowers. Either they're exposed (grounded) or concealed (in hand) and they're scored one time according to that difference.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is there a rule that says how loudly a player must name discards?

    On Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 09:35:06 AM EST, Sally C wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jongg Question
    One of the people in our MahJongg group always talks softly when placing her discard on the table. She is not a soft spoken
    person in general, only when she discards a tile. I have tried telling her that she must speak up when discarding but she
    continues to do this. Perhaps it is part of her strategy. I know MahJongg is a looking and listening game, but if you can't hear
    her it makes it difficult to look down at your hand as I must always be looking at what she discards. Is there any kind of a rule
    that says she must enunciate her tiles so we all can hear?
    Sally C

    Hi, Sally! The rule on page 14* only says, "[The] tile is discarded face up, calling it by name." It doesn't say "whisper," it says "call," and in my opinion that reasonably implies saying the name in such a manner that it is audible to others at the table. I agree that it could be a "strategy" of sorts, and I have encountered players who deliberately say the tile's name quietly in hopes that doing so will result in it not being claimed by someone else.
    To reiterate: In my opinion, "calling it by name" does imply that the tile's name should indeed be audible.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 12, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"

    * That's a reference to the League's official rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy.


    Threw to three exposures – pay for the party?

    On Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:23:37 AM EST, <andrea.r wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: When there are 3 exposures on the rack and another player throws the winning tile to that player (even if it is only for a pair), does the player that threw the winning tile pay for the entire table?  Thank you in advance.

    Hi, Andrea. They do if that is your group's table rule. But if your group plays strictly by the NMJL official rules, then no. In a tournament, there is a penalty for throwing to three exposures, but that is not part of the official rules. To learn more about the misunderstood "pay for the party" rules, see FAQ 19-Y.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 11, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Any chance for a revision?

    On Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 12:41:26 PM EST, Elizabeth U wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Tom, any plans to update and reissue your book, ‘The Red Dragon and the West Wind’?
    I see a continual and growing interest- in both, the American Mahjong version and in the MCR version- where I live.
    I hope to teach the MCR game soon and will suggest your book and website. My book is pretty tattered with errata points noted and corrections made.
    Would a few thousand ‘yes please’ votes from readers help you undertake an update?
    Thank you for your column and shared mahjong lore.
    Elizabeth U, Farmington, Michigan

    Let's put it this way, Elizabeth. A petition could help me make the case to the publisher, who still has not recouped on the royalty and is thus likely and understandably reluctant to put more work into it.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Can I ask you a question?

    Haruko Sakuragi
    You're not friends on Facebook
    1 mutual friend: N...
    Lives in Los Angeles, California
    10:26?AM
    Bring you my most sincere greetings
    ??I'm sorry to bother you, I saw your profile, can I ask you a question?
    If you reply, Haruko Sakuragi will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages.
    Block Delete

    囧 Well, if it's a mah-jongg question,* sure, go ahead. But please use email rather than Meta (Facebook) Messenger.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"

    *But if you just want access to my Meta (Facebook) friends list, or my phone number, well, I'm not going to reply to the message merely based on your having friended someone I worked with back in the eighties.


    I need to exchange a joker so I can call, part 2

    On Monday, November 4, 2024 at 09:00:24 PM EST, Connie V wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks for the info Tom. I appreciate it!
    Connie VP

    You're welcome, Connie!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    How to age this ivory and bamboo set?

    On Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 10:12:27 AM EST, Cynthia G wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Can you tell me where I can find out the age of this Ivory and bamboo set? Is there somewhere I can trade a tile for one I’m missing since you can’t sell ivory? I went through your description on your site. Yes they are translucent on the edges, yes they are individually carved. They however were not stored in velvet case. Stored in a wooden case. Inherited from a 99 year old woman 20 years ago from Green Bay Wisconsin. 
    Thank you,
    Cynthia 

    囧 Hi, Cynthia! Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I just now found your email in my spam folder.
    I might be able to tell you how old your set is (and whether or not it's made of ivory) if I could see it. Care to send me some pictures? Make them clear and large. Too many people send me tiny 320x240 pixel pictures, can you imagine? Pictures should be "large" or at least one megapixel in order to be useful.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Monday, November 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I need to exchange a joker so I can call a discard.

    On Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 01:03:17 AM EDT, Connie V wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I want to pick up a discard but also need to exchange a tile for a joker to use with the discard. My understanding is my turn starts when I pick up a tile, whether from the Wall or a discard. Does this matter in this situation?
    Thanks, Connie

    囧 Hi, Connie! Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I just now found your email in my spam folder.
    The answer is no, you can't first redeem a joker before you can call a discard. You have to call the discard, make the COMPLETE exposure (without using that redeemed joker in the exposure). For more detailed information on this rule, see FAQ 19M.2..
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Monday, November 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I can’t understand why they would want to but is it legal?

    On Friday, November 1, 2024 at 09:25:19 AM EDT, Barbara W wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    This was asked on Modern Mahjong. I can’t understand why they would want to but is it legal? My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have a question based on my understanding that you can only call another player dead based on exposures and discards that are visible to all, not anything in your own hand (on the sloped part of the rack). Is it allowed to expose without calling a discard so that I can prove another player is dead? I might want to risk other players intuitung my hand for the advantage of increasing my odds of drawing needed tiles.

    No, it's not allowed to expose without calling a discard (except for mah-jongg by self-pick).
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    November 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Clockwise, counterclockwise? Let me see if I have this right...

    On Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 05:30:46 PM EDT, Karen E wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Which direction, right or left of East, do the sets of four tiles get distributed?
    I am aware that each player can take her own sets of 4 × 3 + 1( and East +2) I know the walls come out to the left of East, but I thought the dealing is to the right, that's counterclockwise. At least that's how I've been playing for the past 6 years!
    Thank you,
    Karen

    Hi, Karen!
    After East takes her own tiles, the player to her right (counterclockwise) takes her four tiles. Those tiles come from the left (clockwise) of the gap where East took her tiles. The players take turns going to the right (counterclockwise). The tiles come off the wall to the left (clockwise).

    Does that match how you've been doing it? If this diagram doesn't do it for you, I have more diagrams on what I call "the deal" (the term "dealer" is a misnomer, the diagram should say "East" instead), at FAQ 19Q.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Halloween, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Oopsie! Do-over?

    On Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:17:17 AM EDT, barbara w wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: if a player declares mah jongg and is paid but then realizes they were jokerless, do they get paid double?

    No, Barbara. Once the winner has requested and received payment, there are no do-overs. She gets no more than she asked for and was already paid. For more details on the rule, see FAQ 19-W.5.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 31, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Are all the jokers in the exposed dead hand now free to be exchanged, part 2

    On Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 06:43:24 PM EDT, Carmen S wrote:
    Re: Follow up info on jokers in a MJ error
    Thank you so much. I appreciates your timely response. We’d never encountered that particular situation before and have been playing every Monday for three years!!
    Carmen

    You're welcome, Carmen!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper


    Are all the jokers in the exposed dead hand now free to be exchanged?

    On Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 03:18:25 PM EDT, Carmen S wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Please clarify…
    We had a player declare an exposed MJ hand, then another player noticed that a unit exposed was to be all 8 cracks BUT one tile was actually a 6 crack. Dead hand…?
    Does the person who declared MJ leave her tiles exposed now… and are all the Jokers in the exposed hand now free to be exchanged by the remaining players…
    ( unless a Joker was with the “8 crack grouping” ???)
    Thank You
    Carmen S

    On Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 04:46:31 PM EDT, Carmen S wrote:
    Follow up info on jokers in a MJ error
    Just told that when the MJ was declared , the whole hand was not exposed before another player noticed the grouping error of cracks.
    Some jokers in groupings had not yet been displayed in the declared MJ error.
    Are the Jokers in the hand not yet displayed stay concealed or are they to be displayed at this point???
    Thank you…
    Carmen S

    Hi, Carmen!
    The rule is stated in FAQ 19P, "Can I redeem a joker from a dead player's rack?" When a dead player has jokers exposed on her rack, some of her jokers might be redeemable, and some might not, depending on whether the joker was exposed properly or not. In the case you cited, some groupings (but not all) were exposed along with the mah-jongg declaration. You didn't mention whether any groupings had already been exposed prior to the mah-jongg declaration (if there were, those groupings remain atop the rack). All groupings exposed contemporaneously with the mahj declaration, however, were in error because of the "8 craks" exposure that was actually 6 craks. As stated in FAQ 19P, all portions of the hand exposed erroneously are to be returned to the sloping front of the rack, including and especially the jokers. The official rule is stated in MJME 2023, page 22, rule 4 (b). That's "Mah Jongg Made Easy," the League's official rulebook. Every table should have a copy.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Mah-jongg tiles for the blind

    On Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 12:42:27 AM EDT, Donna A wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q A
    My mah-jongg question or comment:
    Good Evening Sir,
    To your knowledge has there ever been an adaptation of American Mah Jongg for the blind? And if so, where would I find such an adapted set?
    Sincerely,
    Donna A

    Hi, Donna! I discussed braille tiles in FAQ 7S but at the time I wrote that, there were no braille tiles to be found (other than in a museum). Just now, since you asked, I Googled "braille mah jongg" and found https://64ouncebraille.com/products/braille-mahjong-tile-set and other links too.
    I'm updating FAQ 7S accordingly.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Scrubbing Bubbles

    Ruth S
    You're not friends on Facebook
    Sat 7:04?PM
    Hi Tom – regarding cleaning instructions for my heirloom mah-jong set. If you use the scrubbing bubbles on the case and the tile boxes, how do you rinse it off. It seems like it’s cardboard or pressboard that it’s made of.
    Thanks for your help.
    If you reply, Ruth S will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages.
    Block Delete

    囧 Hi, Ruth!
    You should NOT use Scrubbing Bubbles on a case or box or anything cardboard or pressboard. Especially in combination with water!!
    I'm adding this advice to FAQ 7o, where Sandy Beach suggested using Scrubbing Bubbles to clean racks (maybe that's where you got the Scrubbing Bubbles reference?). Good luck cleaning your set.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Can somebody claim that redeemable tile to redeem a joker with it?

    On Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 01:35:24 PM EDT, Cheryl M wrote:
    Subject: A Mah Jongg
    Good afternoon, Tom! My Mah Jongg group has a question for you. One player had a Kong of three 9 craks with a joker included. Another player, failing to see the opportunity to exchange the nine crak she had just drawn for the joker, laid the 9 crak on the table. Can the player with the Kong already exposed pick up that 9 crak and exchange it for the joker?
    Sent from my iPhone

    No, Cheryl. A redeemable tile can NOT be claimed and used to redeem a joker. For a more detailed answer, see FAQ 19-G.2..
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 23, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Do you think they were made in China?

    On Monday, October 21, 2024 at 05:04:21 AM EDT, Lisa J wrote:
    Subject: Question for you
    Tom,
    Hello! I have a new set of tiles, and I was wondering if you could maybe date them. The set is complete, except one flower is missing :(
    I didn't send a photo from the side, but they are dovetails - bamboo and bone. Do you think they were made in China?
    Thank you,
    Lisa

    Yes, I do. About 100+/- years ago.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I know the rule, but show me the rule, part 2

    On Friday, October 18, 2024 at 08:38:45 PM EDT, betsy n wrote:
    Subject: Re: Hi Tom,I know the rules but need an impartial ruling.
    Thanks Tom
    Thank you,
    •* *~
    Bettyann S
    .• * *~:
    'The happiest of people don't necessarily
    have the best of everything;
    They just make the most of everything they have!

    You're welcome, Bettyann!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Oopsie! Backsies?

    On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:15:55 PM EDT, Carolyn wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: one of our players declared mahjong. As he started his exposure he realized he didn’t have it. He did not expose all his tiles. Is his hand dead even though he did not expose all or can he put them back in his rack and continue to play? Thanks, Carolyn
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Carolyn! See FAQ 19-AM.5. If he put any tiles atop the rack, that's an unretractable move. If he can make an exposure from the discard (if he didn't put up any tiles that don't match the discard), then he can change his call from mah-jongg to exposure. Otherwise, he may have shot himself in the foot. (I mean, if he can't change his call to one legal exposure, his hand is indeed dead.)
    This answer is adapted from the official rulebook, MJME2023, p.20, rule 3.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Confused by MCR scoring, part 2

    On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 03:42:18 PM EDT, Deb Q wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mahjong scoring
    Thank you!

    You're welcome!


    Confused by MCR scoring

    On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 02:19:47 PM EDT, Deb Q wrote:
    Subject: Mahjong scoring
    Hi Tom,
    I am new to mahjong, and I am playing with my two friends whose mother played competitive mahjong. They are much more familiar with the game, but we are struggling with keeping score accurately. We are playing Chinese mahjong.
    We all bought your book the red dragon and west wind, but we are still confused when we try to score.
    Our questions is: Is there an app that we can use to help is score accurately?
    Thank you for your time.
    Deb

    Hi, Deb! Thank you for purchasing my book. I'm sorry if the description of scoring starting on page 174 is confusing in any way. If you would like, you can send me an example of a hand you had difficulty scoring and I can walk you through it.
    But you asked for an app. I checked FAQ 5 just now, the MCR section (there are many Chinese mah-jongg variants, and the one I describe in my book is MCR, Majiang Competition Rules): https://sloperama.com/mjfaq/mjfaq05.html#CO. I saw some scoring aids listed there, but they're old, so before I could tell you to check there, I needed to remove dead links and do a Google search for you, and update that FAQ. So I just added/updated these there:
    If you are an Android user, look for Mahjong Scoring MCR in the Google Play store.
    If you are an iPhone/iPad user, look for Mahjong Helper in the Apple App store.
    There is a scoring "tutor" for MCR online at mahjong-o-matic. It gives you a series of mah-jongg hands, and asks you if they are worth the minimum eight points. Don't click the "Discard" link at the top of the page there – it doesn't work anymore. Just now, Mahjong-o-Matic showed me that I've gotten very rusty at MCR scoring! It's been seven years since the last tournament I played in...
    Anyway, I hope this helps!

    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    In a concealed hand, can you claim a discard for mah-jongg?

    On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 09:19:19 AM EDT, PEG C wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    In a concealed hand … can you pickup a discarded tile for mah Jong ?
    Peg
    If history repeats itself, I am soooooo
    Getting a dinosaur.

    Yes.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I know the rule, but show me the rule!

    On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 12:01:24 AM EDT, betsy n wrote:
    Subject: Hi Tom,I know the rules but need an impartial ruling.
    1- If someone is about to throw out a one crak, says "one" but does not finish naming and the tile has not gone near the table at all...can they make the exchange, having caught themselves before fully naming the tile?
    2- where is that rule- do u have the link?
    3- Here's the tough one.....
    similarly..... there is a tile with a very short name ..."red" the person said "re" but never finished naming it.... arguably dependent on what the table thinks they heard..... or what they feel inclined to say they heard..... then what? The exchanger swore in a friendly / strict game.... she only began to name it.....
    This has been bothering me for awhile.
    Thank you,
    •* *~
    Bettyann S
    .• * *~:
    'The happiest of people don't necessarily
    have the best of everything;
    They just make the most of everything they have!

    Hi, Bettyann!
    1. Yes they can. That tile has not been fully named, and it has not touched the table.
    2. You can find that rule in these four places:
    a. FAQ 19.am.3.
    b. RDWW - p. 65 (rule 109), p. 99
    c. MJME2023 - p. 17 (rule 4).
    d. Column 499.
    3. She didn't say "...d" so she didn't name it completely. If somebody wants to argue against that, you're playing in an extra-competitive group!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Help date it please

    On Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 01:57:47 PM EDT, Lianne E wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have a mahjong set (for about 20 years).
    I’ve laid it out as you suggest and see a whole line missing. One blank piece has been used as 3 BAMS. It came in an old box which is falling apart and a lot of sticks and Dice. I’m not sure if the numbers have been written a few of them after the purchase or whether made that way.
    Are you able to help date it please and is there a whole line missing that I need to replace before I can learn the rules and start to play?
    Thankyou in advance

    Hi, Lianne!
    1. It's from the 1920s.
    2. You're not missing a row. Four of your blank tiles are actually White Dragon tiles.
    3. Leave out the fifth blank and the set is ready to play. You can play any Asian variant except Vietnamese. You can't play modern American (NMJL) rules with that set because it would also need 8 joker tiles.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 12, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What if no one had three tiles, part 2

    On Monday, October 7, 2024 at 05:41:28 PM EDT, Pat B wrote:
    Subject: Re: Charleston question
    Thank you so much. That makes perfect sense.
    Sent from my iPad

    Good, I'm glad!
    Tom


    What if no one had three tiles to start the last Blind Pass?

    On Monday, October 7, 2024 at 02:02:48 PM EDT, Pat B wrote:
    Subject: Charleston question
    On our last pass to the right, everyone was waiting to do a blind pass, but no one had three tiles to start it. What do we do? Everyone pass only two tiles? (This was not the optional across). Thank you
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Pat!
    Yes, everybody should pass their two tiles to the right. But then you should all pass one more to the right after receiving those two tiles.
    I came up with an "I.O.U." solution to this sort of Blind Pass quandary in 2012, and the League adopted it as a rule in 2020. See Column 534. In the NMJL rulebook (2023 edition), see the Note on page 13.
    Any way you can manage to have each player pass three tiles, even if not all three at the same time, solves the Blind Pass quandary.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    How should we rule this situation in our Super Joker table rules?

    On Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 01:14:05 PM EDT, Bev G wrote:
    Subject: Big/Super joker
    Hello Tom,
    Our group of three tables play at the public library in our small town.  A few years ago we added two blank tiles to our sets to use as Super Jokers which can be used in any hand on the card.  Our house rule, because it's fun.
     This dilemma actually came up this week. 
    Question:  I have three Bams displayed with one Super Joker to make a Kong, it's my turn to pick from the wall. If I were to pick another Bam I could use it to replace the Super Joker which I  would place  in my hand on my rack, but, my pick is a regular joker.  Can I exchange my newly picked (regular) joker, for the Super Joker and place the Super Joker in my hand ? 
    Thanks for your Mahjongg expertise.
    Bev

    囧 Gosh, Bev, like I wrote in FAQ 14, The Three Rules on Table Rules, since you folks made up your own rule, you need to figure out all its ramifications yourselves. But in this case, I think maybe I see something a little differently than the naysayers in your group do.
    We have to begin with the National Mah Jongg League's rules, as a foundation. Your Super Joker feature was built on that foundation.
    The NMJL's joker redemption rule is that an exposed joker can be redeemed with a natural tile that fits the exposure. Right?
    In your rules, you have two types of jokers: regular NMJL jokers and your custom Super Jokers. Both of them may be used in an exposure, which is how you came to your quandary. I assume in your rules, a Super Joker can be redeemed with a natural, are you with me, am I on track?
    A regular NMJL joker is a more powerful tile than the natural tiles. A natural tile may be used to redeem an exposed NMJL joker.
    A regular NMJL joker is, I assume, not as powerful as a Super Joker (because, you know: "Super"). I suppose the Super Joker has uses that regular jokers don't. Because it's Super.
    To me, it would be consistent (based on this hierarchy of tile power) to permit redeeming a Super Joker with an ordinary NMJL joker. The concept is the same: using a less-powerful tile to obtain a more-powerful tile, when exposed atop a rack.
    But the decision belongs to your group.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 6, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What's the make and model of this particular table?

    On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 12:37:54 AM EDT, Albert G wrote:
    Subject: Q&A
    Hi, on your site where you talk about the various tables and autotables that exist, there's an image of a particular mahjong table. I was just curious if you have any other information as to where this particular table is from, such as a model number or any other images or materials.

    囧 Gosh, Albert, that photo is twenty years old, and so is that part of the Tables FAQ (I should really edit out the outdated information in that FAQ). That particular twenty-year-old table was made in Japan for the Japanese market; it's safe to assume that it's no longer being manufactured or supported.
    I don't know the make and model of that particular machine. So I'm sorry, but I can't answer the question you asked today.
    The situation with automatic tables has changed a lot since that FAQ was written. Back then, they were astounding exotic artifacts from across the sea. Today, there are hundreds of homes in America that have one. There are manufacturers who offer automatic tables in America today, and the prices are lower today than they were twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, tables of that sort were primarily manufactured for a limited market: commercial mah-jongg parlors in Japan and other parts of Asia. Today they're available for American consumers, and I recommend you look into modern machines and modern sources.
    Go for the low-hanging fruit rather than the twenty-years-gone chimera. As I mentioned to Dolores K on September 10, below, Frank Du represents a table manufacturer, and he is active on Facebook. You can just send him a friend request on Facebook and ask him questions. If you want to price-shop, you could check out the manufacturer listings in that FAQ, but it might be easier to join one or more mah-jongg groups on Facebook and ask around. Frank's Facebook profile is at https://www.facebook.com/rong.du2
    Albert, I'm sorry that my site is so bloated with old information, and that I'm not more gung-ho about modernizing it and cleaning out the cobwebs.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    October 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Clarification on "All Types"

    On Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 01:12:28 PM EDT, Sandi M wrote:
    Subject: Clarification of an "All Types" hand
    Dear Tom,
    Our Mahjong group uses "The Red Dragon & The West Wind" as our official Chinese Mahjong rule book. There has been confusion regarding what constitutes an "All Types" hand. Your rule book on pg 186 #52 All Types states: "Hand contains sets (including pairs) of each suit, and winds and dragons. May combine with Seven Pairs."
    Since your example only shows one pair, some in our group think only one pair can be allowed. The term using the plural (including pairs) is used, and the fact that it can be combined with Seven Pairs; others say you can have more than one pair in the hand.
    Your input will be greatly appreciated!!!
    Thanks,
    Sandi M

    Hi, Sandi! I understand the confusion, since my book only shows one illustration of each hand. For #52, All Types, I chose to illustrate it as the most common "shape" of a hand: four sets and a pair.

    In Chinese mah-jongg, there's no such thing as a hand with two, three, four, five, or six pairs. It's either one or seven!
    In Chinese mah-jongg, there are five types of tiles that can be used in the hand: dots, craks, bams, winds, and dragons. As long as the hand has tiles from each of those types, it qualifies. Here's an example of how Five Types could combine with Seven Pairs:

    So I help that satisfies the confusion! Keep on playing, and may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Backsies! Undo! Do-over! (FAQ19#undo")

    On Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 03:06:17 PM EDT, <kathleen.h wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jongg Question
    Hi Tom
    Our group was playing the other day. One person called for a tile. Put the tile up on her rack with her other tiles. Then she said she changed her mind and didn't want that tile, wanting to return it to the table. Once you call for a tile & place it on your rack it is a done deal, correct? I would like the official rule so I can show her. Thank You
    Kathleen

    You are correct, Kathleen. Show her FAQ 19-AM, the "change of heart" rules.


    FAQ 19 link

    If she won't take my word for it, either, then I recommend you buy a copy of Mah Jongg Made Easy, the official rulebook of the NMJL.

    The rule is on p. 18, rule 13.
    There's really no good reason why there shouldn't be a copy of the rulebook at every table.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I have been asked to find out any thing, part 6

    On Monday, September 23, 2024 at 10:38:13 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Re: Mahjong pictures
    Ok sir no problem , I know my mom is looking for a value and I’m not even sure if that is something you do, or maybe point me in the right direction to find someone to appraise it and if possible an approx year it was made we have a little documentation on it when the they came over from England to USA so I guess that would be a great help sir and thanks again Ronnie G

    Okay, so you want to know how much it might be worth. Value depends on completeness, condition, beauty/rarity, and demand (what the market will bear at the time of sale).
    Completeness? It has the tiles, except maybe one. It has most of the bits and pieces. I have to assume there's no coffin lid. I have to assume maybe one of the wind discs is missing or maybe a part of the black wind disc container (the "mingg"). The booklet is apparently not present.
    Condition? The tiles look like VG (Very Good) but pictures cannot tell me what condition the wood case is. I assume the front slide slides into place easily and slides out easily. I have to assume the box has the original handle.
    Beauty/rarity? It's reasonably attractive. It's not rare.
    Demand? These old sets are mainly of interest to collectors, not players. (Plastic tiles are more pleasant to play with on a regular basis.)
    I would say the set's value is in the low hundreds (somewhere between $100 and $300), depending on how much a buyer wants it for their collection. And assuming my assumptions are not far off as to missing parts, the condition of the box...
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 23, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I have been asked to find out any thing, part 5

    On Monday, September 23, 2024 at 10:22:09 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mahjong pictures
    Hello sir , I’m sorry if I didn’t get it right but as I said I’m kind of new to this so I’m going to go back to mom’s and read your email to retake some pic’s and get better pic’s to answer as much as I can sir and I will do my best to get you what you need and also have the questions as well thanks for your time . Ronnie G

    Ron, I don't need better pictures. I don't need any more pictures. I just need questions. What else do you want to know?
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 23, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I have been asked to find out any thing, part 4

    On Monday, September 23, 2024 at 08:15:17 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Subject: Mahjong pictures
    Hello sir unfortunately I’m a much better mechanic than I am at using computers or smart phones so I hope these pic’s are ok and thank you Ronnie G

    On Monday, September 23, 2024 at 08:17:44 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Subject: (No Subject)
    Download all attachments as a zip file

    Your pictures are pretty good, Ron, but they don't tell me everything. They don't tell me what questions you have for me. They don't tell me whether any bits are missing in the "bits and pieces" drawer. They don't tell me whether the front slide slides nicely into place.
    But they do tell me some things. You have all the tiles you're supposed to have, except you seem to be missing an 8th blank tile (you have four in place as white dragons, and it looks like only 3 of them, one discolored, are in the "bits and pieces" drawer. Your pictures show that the condition of your tiles is not perfect, and not terrible. So: their condition is "VERY GOOD - Item has a few defects that any normal person would notice upon close examination." It looks like you have four tiny dice in the tiny dice coffin, but the lid of the coffin is missing or lost? Your photo shows me that you do have some of the wind indicator discs and the "mingg," but I don't know if all 4 discs are there plus the mingg's lid and bottom to contain the 4 discs. It looks like you have some extra dice in the set. I don't know if any of the scoring sticks are missing, but those parts are of less concern.
    Although it is a Babcock set, it is apparently missing the "little red book" that's supposed to be in there.
    Ron, you didn't ask me any questions. If you want to know something else, ask.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 23, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I have received different answers, part 2

    On Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 01:57:05 PM EDT, Mary Ann C wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Hi Tom
    Thank you for the information. You are our gospel for the correct rules.
    Mary Ann
    Sent from my iPad

    You're welcome, Mary Ann!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    I have received different answers to this question

    On Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 01:13:50 PM EDT, Mary Ann C wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have received different answers to this question: If I pick from the wrong end of the wall, do I have to have racked it to be dead or am I dead simply because I picked from the wrong end of the wall?
    Thank you, Mary Ann

    Hi, Mary Ann! You received different answers, you say. Was one of those answers from the National Mah Jongg League? If so, that one's the answer. If you posted your question on social media and got different answers, well, that's to be expected, because people who are not knowledgeable of the rules will answer with their opinion.
    All I can do is transcribe the actual rule for you, verbatim.


    Mah Jongg Made Easy is the League's official rulebook.
    Every player, or at least every table, should have an up-to-date copy!

    From MJME 2023, page 19, rule 15 (i): If a player picks from the wrong wall and a tile from the wrong wall is racked, the player who picked the tile now has a "dead" hand.
    So there's your answer. Don't you wish the people on social media who answer rules questions all had a copy of the official rulebook?
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Autumnal Equinox, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What if a player picks her mahj tile and another player calls the live discard? ("Conflicting self-pick and call")

    On Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 09:47:17 AM EDT, Hedy G wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    While playing I was on call for MJ. The player before discarded, I picked and while I was bringing the tile towards me, and said oh, Mah Jongg loud and clear, but I did not rack, the next player in turn called for the previous tile. I believed it was mine because I declared MJ. The player who through the tile said no because I hadn’t racked. This has happened once before. Same players, same scenario. And I gave in then and I gave in this time because I did not want to have an argument. I allowed the player to get her tile and she exposed and threw. The next in turn picked my tile, looked around and then threw the tile and I of course declared MJ, which truly pissed off the other player. And as I said it happened once before in exactly the same fashion. Btw, I was jokerless so of course I wanted that self picked win. Was I correct? The NMJL told me I was correct but I would like your opinion, thank you…
    Hedy G
    Sent from my iPad

    Wow, Hedy! As I was reading your email, I was thinking "mahj trumps everything, you said mahj and that should end it, but to really be sure, you ought to ask the League," but then you said the League already told you that and you want ME to confirm the League's ruling? Wow! The League is in charge of their rules, not me. But I appreciate the faith you put in my opinion. I hope the League told you that in writing, so that you can prove the ruling to your group!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Last day of summer, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Where is the rule permitting or forbidding unnecessary exposing?

    On Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 08:25:12 AM EDT, Jim V wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A: exposing unnecessarily but intentionally
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: a number of new players want to make any of their pungs/kongs/quints or other groupings and then put them atop their rack. These are groupings that have been made behind the scenes and not from claiming a discarded tile. Strategically I know this is a terrible idea but where in MJME or the annual bulletins is it printed that this is or is not allowed?
    I have the 2023 printed edition and the last 2 years of bulletins and just cannot find anything expressly forbidding such a practice.
    If you know of a specific place in the rules, please let me know.
    Sincerely,
    Jim V
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Jim! The rulebook describes the rules of exposing on pages 14-15. It never mentions making an exposure from a picked/drawn wall tile, so therefore (since it is not mentioned at all), making an exposure from a picked/drawn wall tile is NOT part of the rules! It should make logical sense that players cannot do something that is not part of the rules. The League tries to keep the rulebook short, so it does not go into every possible newbie misunderstanding, many of which are based on how Rummy's rules work.
    The way I explain this to my students is to say that exposing is not a happy sign of progress but rather a price you must pay, for the privilege of calling a discard. The rulebook doesn't express the concept that way, but to an experienced player, that's clearly the way it works.
    I explain to my students that once a player has made one exposure, opponents have a little strategic information that might be used against the exposed player, and once a player has made two exposures, opponents can tell a LOT about how to defend against that exposed player. I tell students that a tile grouping (a pung or kong or quint) hidden in the hand is one's "happy secret." This strategic explanation, with its accompanying cute little phrase, often helps students understand why they shouldn't expose unless from a discard.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Last day of summer, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I have been asked to find out any thing, part 3

    On Monday, September 16, 2024 at 05:13:33 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: Hello Mr Tom bills post is very helpful also the pic’s in FAQ 710 looks to be identical to what my mother has but I’m going to get photo’s and send them sir. Thanks again Ronnie

    Okay. Standing by...
    Tom


    I have been asked to find out any thing, part 2

    On Monday, September 16, 2024 at 04:16:10 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: Hello again and thanks so much for the guidance also would I email pictures to this board as well sir and once again thank you for your advice ! Ronnie 

    Yes, you would email the pictures to me - you can use your gmail and you can just reply to my email. Have you read FAQ 7-H and FAQ 7-G? Depending on what questions you'll ask, there is specific information I need from you, which is outlined in those FAQs. And if you send pictures of tiles, the tiles need to be ORGANIZED. An excellent example is below, the September 14 post from billb.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I have been asked to find out any thing I could

    On Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 06:28:02 PM EDT, Ron G wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:Hello sir my name is Ronnie and honestly all I know of the game is what I’ve been researching for the past week. My mother (86) was given my great grandparents Mah-jong game they came big from England in 1906 with this box it has the sliding frt panel and 6 drawers she has asked me to find out any thing I. Could,could you guide me where to go  from here thank you 

    Hi, Ronnie! These links should get you started:
    Column 610 discusses typical 1920s mah-jongg sets
    FAQ 7 discusses types of sets, what they're made of, the tiles, the extra pieces in mah-jongg sets, and much more.
    If you want me to look at your set to answer other questions, make sure to send good pictures of a reasonable large size (minimum 1024 pixels at the widest dimension).
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Help identifying age, part 2

    On Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 06:13:21 AM EDT, billb wrote:
    Subject: Re: Help Identifying Age of Mah Jong Set
    Hi Tom,
    Thanks for the quick reply. You do have a great site. I’ve gotten enough of an education to at least have a clue if I encounter another set.
    Regards,
    Bill

    Thanks and you're welcome, Bill.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Help identifying age of Mah Jong set. Oh, and value, too.

    On Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 06:53:10 PM EDT, <billb wrote:
    Subject: Help Identifying Age of Mah Jong Set
    Hi Tom,
    First of all I knew nothing about Mah Jong or Mah Jong sets before checking your site so what knowledge I have comes from perusing your site (very nice). I’ve attached several images.
    I picked the set up at a local flea market recently because they looked old. They do show a lot of wear from use. It only included the box and tiles.
    The set contains 140 tiles so I’m guessing it’s intended for the Japanese Market. It came in the wood box with slide on top shown in the images
    The tiles appear to me to be Chinese Bakelite (fish Bone?) They are 1.24 in. tall by .93 in. wide by .686 in. deep and very heavy. Each tile weighs .6 oz. and the set in the box weighs 7lbs.
    I would say they are in fair condition. Someone wrote numbers on the craks and reversed the 5s and 8s (wrote 5 on each of the 8s and 8 on each of the 5s.
    140 tiles total. 36 Dots 36 Craks (the new style) 36 Bams 16 winds 8 Dragons 4 Blanks and 4 of what I believe are flowers.
    I’ve attached all the requested images and attempted to name them appropriately.
    Any info on age / value would be appreciated. Right now I’m guessing 70s – 80s and not much. Thanks.
    Regards,
    Bill


    Hi, Bill!
    Those "Applejuice" Bakelite tiles were popular decades ago. I can't be sure, but probably anytime between the 1930s and 1960s. The wooden box backs up that estimate; later Chinese sets came in cheaper plastic cases. The set was made for local sale in China, since it has no Western indices and the box is cheaply made. I would agree with you that it's in Fair condition. It's utilitarian, at least for Asian players who don't use flowers or might use just four, but not attractive, since two of the tiles are badly discolored. Anyone who plays with the set will quickly learn that a dark tile in the wall or in someone's hand is either a white dragon or a four-bam. And players would have to supply their own dice.
    It's an oddity that a previous owner mislabeled the 5 craks and 8 craks. Some collectors appreciate odd quirks in an old set, but I imagine that a collector interested in the set would mainly use it for spare parts, to Frankenstein a complete set. I imagine such a collector would be unlikely to pay more than $50 for it. Nice job on the pictures, by the way! Thanks for that.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 12

    On Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 05:37:30 PM EDT, Joan O wrote:
    Subject: 2024 card
    Hi our group is asking about 369 - 4th one down.
    Understand the two suits.   The Pungs w/ matching dragons.
    Can you use 1 set of 666 green and 1 set of 999 red?
    Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

    No, Joan. They have to be both pungs of threes, OR both pungs of sixes, OR both pungs of nines. See FAQ 16, answers about the 2024 NMJL card.


    FAQ 16 link

    Please bookmark FAQ 16 for future reference.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 11, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I am interested in purchasing an automatic table

    On Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 08:51:19 AM EDT, Dolores K wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I am interested in purchasing an automatic table for in home use. I don't find any made in the USA. Do you recommend a certain company? Do you recommend certain features built into a table?
    With a table being a bit difficult to return (for any reason), I would appreciate any advice you might offer.
    Thank you!
    Dee

    Hi, Dee! I mentioned Frank Du in FAQ 7-F, where I have listed several manufacturers of automatic mah-jongg tables. I checked just now and found that the aotomo.com website is no longer online, but Frank is active on Facebook. You can just send him a friend request on Facebook and ask him questions. If you want to price-shop, you could look into other manufacturers in FAQ 7-F and join one or more mah-jongg groups on Facebook and ask around. I've updated the link to his company in the FAQ. Most manufacturers now support Americans' need for 152 tiles, and I'm pretty sure they have American suppliers now. You'll be the envy of your mah-jongg group when you have one of those marvelous toys!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 10, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Jim May

    On Monday, September 9, 2024 at 03:55:38 PM EDT, Georgia T wrote:
    Subject: Jim May
    Is jim May still a collector of mahj sets?
    I'm having trouble finding info on him
    I collect as well
    Thanks
    Georgia Taylor

    I'm not certain, Georgia. I was under the impression that he sold his collection and that he also sold or gave his website to someone. I think the website went to CHarli, whose website is at www.charli.org/Museum/index.html. At the very least, CHarli would probably be able to tell you more about what has become of Jim.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    9/9/2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Robbing one's own kong, part 3

    On Monday, September 9, 2024 at 09:58:17 AM EDT, lorr16 wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks so much for explaining that.
    Cheers
    Lorraine  
    Sent from my Galaxy

    You're welcome, Lorraine!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Robbing one's own kong, part 2

    On Monday, September 9, 2024 at 09:04:31 AM EDT, lorr16 wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Hi Tom,
    We use "The Mahjong Players Companian" by Patricia A. Thompson and Betty Maloney.
    We don't score and just enjoy the game at our local social and sporting  club.
    When playing  my friend Cal made an exposed kong of 8 bamboos which is displayed on her board so everyone can see it, I know the other players can take it to go Mahjong but Cal later in the game realised she could Mahjong if she robbed her own kong.Is it allowed to take your own kong.
    Many thanks
    Lorraine 
    Mandurah 
    Western Australia 

    I see, Lorraine! I can see clearly now.
    After a kong has been exposed and the next player takes a turn, that kong can no longer be robbed. Robbing the Kong is a one-chance deal, a play available only at the precise moment that the kong is made, by promotion from a pung. None of the players can rob that long-ago-exposed kong, including the player whose kong it is. Cal should not have made a kong in the first place, if she could later use one of its tiles in a chow.
    The Mah Jong Players' Companion is primarily just a list of hands and their scores. Thompson & Maloney's other book, The Game of Mah Jong, Illustrated, describes the Robbing the Kong rule on page 20, rule 18. I recommend someone in your group purchase a copy of that book.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    9/9/2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Robbing one's own kong

    On Monday, September 9, 2024 at 03:24:40 AM EDT, lorr16 wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Recently a player made a kong with a discarded tile so the forth tile was exposed. She then needed that tile to go Mahjong. I know you can do this from someone else's kong but can you do it from your own kong?
    Many thanks Lorraine 
    Sent from my Galaxy

    G'day, Lorraine. I'm still on my first coffee of the morning, so it took me a while to wrap my head around your question. I gather that you're asking about "robbing a kong," is that right? So you're playing an Asian variant, possibly British/Australian rules. A.D. Millington defines the play as robbing someone else's fourth tile, at the moment of that player promoting an exposed pung to a kong, using a tile drawn from the wall (not from a discard).
    I can't picture the scenario you described, and I can't picture a scenario under which someone could rob one's own kong to win. And as the rule is defined by Millington, you can't promote an exposed pung to a kong with someone else's discard in the first place.
    Given the above, I would say no, you cannot rob your own kong to win. Two caveats:
    1. I would need a clearer picture of the event you're describing - including what tiles the player was holding and what the winning hand would look like (how can one tile be both part of a kong and yet used somewhere else in the hand, and why would someone first promote a pung rather than just say mah-jongg). You probably didn't record that level of detail.
    2. Millington's book describes Chinese Classical rules. That variant is the "mother of all variants," so as far as I can say, Millington's definition applies pretty much across the board. Still, to be sure, I'd need to know which variant you play, specifically which author wrote the book your group uses as its "bible."
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    9/9/2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Trying to find out how old they are.

    On Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 12:58:44 AM EDT, Lisa J wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Hello! I have a partial set of MJ tiles, and I was trying to find out how old they are. Hoping you could help.
    This is the info I do have:
    1. This is a partial set containing 36 Bam tiles, 12 Dragons, 4 Flowers, and 3 Big-Jokers. (photos attached).
    2. No paper materials were included
    3. Made of Bakelite
    4. No historical information
    5. Dimensions 1 1/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" (photos attached)
    6. No of tiles (see #1)
    7. No container
    8. No crack tiles
    9. One Bam - photo attached
    10. Dragons- photo attached
    11. Flowers/Seasons- photo attached
    12. Jokers - - photo attached
    I really appreciate you taking the time to look at my tiles. Thank you!
    Lisa

    Hi, Lisa!
    Odd, isn't it, that two of the suits and all of the winds and a bunch of other tiles all went somewhere else. Sometimes I try to imagine what must have happened. It was common in the 1940s and 1950s to cannibalize sets to sticker them into flowers because of the NMJL's growing "hunger" for flowers (check out column 509). But your collection still has some flowers and even manufactured jokers (so odd that you have just three!). I'm not an expert on manufacturers, so I can't tell you which company made your set with those "Big Jokers," or which years they made those jokers. I'd guess that your tiles were made in the 1950s or early 1960s. If this isn't specific enough for your needs, you could try checking the "Other Excellent Mah-Jongg Sites" part of FAQ 4a. CHarli's or Gregg's sites might be able to give you more information. There are mah-jongg groups on Facebook, too.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Shu Qibo's alternative mah-jongg tiles

    On Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:03:44 PM EDT, nick g wrote:
    Subject: Mahjong Q&A
    hi Tom! I love your site. I just picked up this seemingly unique set, i think it's from the 90s and definitely chinese. Instead of honor tiles, there is a fourth red star suit! it's a nice set and the tiles are of very good quality. The insert mentions that the designer wanted to make a game with less of a gambling connotation. If you search his name, you can see that he indeed patented this knockoff of the game and it was written about in a local journal -  https://www.tongxianghuicn.com/article/818477.jhtml?libId=814
    anyway, just wanted to contribute to the archive and wondered if you'd seen this before! it's odd to me that he tried to make a new variant but the rest of the tiles are all totally normal. the case is a heavy plastic matching in teal with 1-bam birds on the closures
    thanks for your work!
    nick g
    Download all attachments as a zip file


    Hi, Nick!
    I have one of those sets in my collection. It's not the only set in my collection that uses non-traditional tile designs. Mah-jongg has two problems:
    1. The tiles are daunting, a "barrier to entry," according to some people*
    2. In its homeland, China, mah-jongg has a strong association with the evils and illegality of gambling.
    So according to the article, Shu Qibo designed this set to solve at least the second problem. Others have endeavored to solve the first. More on that in a bit.
    I followed your link and saw that the page is in Chinese. I used the browser's translation feature:

      XiangXiangwen Volume period (): Issue 37
      Publishing date: 2010-02-01
      Publishing cycle: Annual
      Opening: 16 open
      Author: Wang Hua
      Number of article pages: 2 pages
      Number of articles: 1342 words
      Browsing times: 65 Times
      Downloads: 0 Times
      Unfortunately, your organization does not have permission to read the resource, please contact
      Disclaimer:
      This library contains periodicals in the Taiwan region. In order to provide researchers with original materials, this library preserves the original appearance and has not been deleted. It does not mean that this library agrees with the author's views and terms. Please identify!
      New brand new play method New brand new player - Book Politic sports inventor Shu Qibo
      Summary:
      This is a new sports project that has received state expertise and is supported by state agencies. This is a new device that combines fun, puzzle and game one. This is an athletic device that retains both the traditional state and the spirit of innovation. This is the —— Polaroid Concession License. In order to respond to the instructions of the National Sports Bureau to include mahjong in the normal sports program, Shu Jibo has a 50-year mahjong actual combat experience. Based on the appearance and style of the old mahjong, it has been removed from the east, west, north, Chinese, Feng, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, May, Lan, Ju, Bamboo and other cards with strong gamboo have developed Poly.
      Keywords: Polyco Patent Sports | Mahjong's new gameplay | New sports

    I didn't find those images on the site you linked, but it doesn't matter. I don't know why the translation mentions "Polaroid," but it doesn't matter. The thing I see in these alternate sets is point #1 above, the one with the asterisk.
    * I disagree that the traditional tile designs are a problem that needs to be solved. It takes only one or two lessons with a teacher to overcome that. For many players and even people who might want to learn, the tile designs are intriguing because they are so exotic. And the tile designs people like Shu Qibo and others come up with are no less daunting, no less a "barrier to entry." The only suit designs that would seem less off-putting would be to use playing card suits: spades, hearts, clubs, diamonds. But only three of those could be used, and which three? The winds and dragons and flowers still have to be dealt with. Interesting that Shu Qibo got rid of them and added a fourth suit instead. He probably (I can't read Chinese) designed rules to do away with those even more "troublesome" tiles.
    I see the whole thing as a tempest molehill in a teapot mountain. To mix metaphors. Which is kind of what Shu Qibo's tile set does.
    May the tiles be with you, Nick.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"

    This exchange has been added to the "Mystery Tiles" FAQ.


    About saying the name of the tile you're redeeming

    On Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 06:27:28 PM EDT, Sue Z wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Tom –
    I have a question about
    your response to Jean on 8/27/24 regarding a Joker exchange.
    You said -- Player 1: "Here's a One Dot. Let me have that Joker from your exposure of One Dots, please."
    The verbalization of the exchange begins with the words “Here’s a ”, which clearly indicate the intent to do a Joker exchange, but then you immediately fully name the tile “…One Dot.”, which ordinarily commits the player to discarding. Since the action of intent (“Here’s…”) occurs before the action of discarding (fully naming the tile), can the Joker exchange proceed?
    I always teach my students that you never verbalize the name of a tile you intend to exchange to prevent any possible confusion about being committed to discarding rather than exchanging.
    What are your thoughts?
    Thanks so much.
    Sue Z

    Hi, Sue!
    I teach my students the same thing. When redeeming a joker, it's best practice not to make a mistake that can be construed as a discard instead. I shouldn't have said "here's a one dot," but rather "I'd like to redeem your joker with this one dot, please." Saying it that way (or some other way that specifically mentions joker redemption, before saying the tile's name) communicates that redemption is the intended act, not discarding. And I'll go back to my 8/27/24 post and make that correction.
    It should go without saying that I was just expressing concepts to illustrate an occurrence; the words I chose originally were more by way of exposition (of painting a visual picture) than a precise setting forth of recommended wording. In fact, nobody needs to say the tile's name at all while redeeming a joker - I just did that to paint a picture in the reader's mind of what was happening in my imagined alternative occurrence. But, way to keep me honest, Sue!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    "Backsies!" May a player call a do-over in this instance?

    On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 04:09:06 PM EDT, suzanne r wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    May a player call, display the tiles, and change their mind and take them back before they have discarded?
    Sent from my iPhone

    No, Suzanne. Once the tiles were displayed, the move has been irrevocably committed to. See the Backsies/Do-Over/Change of Heart rules in FAQ 19.
    All the most frequently asked questions in American/NMJL mah-jongg rules are answered in FAQ 19. You might want to bookmark it for future reference.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    September 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    FAQ 19 link


    Ideas for a hinge pin replacement, part 2

    On Friday, August 30, 2024 at 05:51:15 PM EDT, Joanne L wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks. 
    Joanne

    You're welcome, Joanne.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Ideas for a hinge pin replacement?

    On Friday, August 30, 2024 at 03:30:21 PM EDT, Joanne L wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have a vintage set with a leather case with 1 inch hinges. One of the hinges is missing the pin that keeps the hinge together. How would I find a replacement?
    Thank you in advance for your help. 
    Joanne

    Hi, Joanne! I would see if a piece of clothes hanger wire might fit, or a paper clip. Cut to length and bend the ends.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is it improper etiquette to organize the discard pile?

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:56:09 PM EDT, <susanml wrote:
    Subject: Question regarding discards
    Hello ! Is it improper etiquette to organize the discard pile? I played with a woman today and after each discard she either touched it and arranged it into suits in a line or required the rest of us to do this as well. It was completely maddening not to mention slowed down the play.
    Thanks!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Susan! When I join a new group, I adapt to their table rules. But it does sound like improper etiquette, if the group does not agree with it. You say she "required" the rest of you to organize discards? If the others complied with her "requirement," then it sounds like she has some sort of leadership role in the group. Sounds a lot like a post I read today in "Mah Jongg, That's It!" on Facebook:

      I have just joined a new group of mahjong players. The person in charge insists that all discarded tiles must be laid in front of our racks and in a row and that we can not just place all discarded tiles together. Ever heard of such a “rule”. I don’t want my discards in front of me for everyone to see!

    In Japanese riichi majan and in Chinese official Competition Rules, it's a requirement to place discards in an orderly fashion. Since I've played both of those variants, I've found that it's not an "advantage" for one player over another, since everyone is doing it.
    But orderly discards is not standard practice in American (NMJL) rules, and would not be enforceable by anyone on you in an American-style tournament. If the group agrees to use it as a table rule, then what's the harm? Different tables commonly use different table rules. But if there's one bossy player at the table who's trying to force the others into a practice they don't actually like, well, I wonder why people keep playing with her. I suggest you bring it up to the group and ask for your own satisfaction if they all like it that way and what their reasoning is. Maybe you'll come to accept the table rule. Or maybe they'll tell her she's outvoted.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Age and approximate value, part 5

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 07:01:29 PM EDT, Nick M wrote:
    Subject: Re: Butterscot Mahjong Set
    Thanks for your knowledge on the subject. One thing the red and green dragons are there in one of the pictures but there were only 3 of each. I assume I can find the missing parts on line. Thanks 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Again: those are not dragons. They're flowers, and they do not match the rest of your tiles (see how they're darker than the rest, and not exactly the same size). You can remove them from the set, but I would leave them in just for the heck of it. You certainly don't need to go to the extreme step of hunting for two more of them.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Age and approximate value, part 4

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:33:35 AM EDT, Nick M wrote:
    Butterscot Mahjong Set
    Set in in fine condition. Not sure if set is complete. I’m sending pictures and have put tiles in sets of 4 as pictured. Dice are red translucent. There seems to be 2 dragons missing and I guess according to your website the blanks are for the white dragons. There also may be missing flowers. I don’t know how this set came to be. There are 6 bone tiles and 4 bamboo pieces different thickness. 3 of the bone tiles are dovetailed in the middle. The sticks are also bone. 2 black tiles also. All of the circles have square holes and 90% or more are embossed  4 of the holders are mahogany and one apears painted  Thanks in advance for any info 


    [Remaining photos same as below, so are omitted here]

    Nick, I just found this email (which apparently was the first one you sent me) in my email Spam folder. I notice some different information (not given in the email I first replied to, below).
    - You say the condition of the tiles is "Fine," rather than "good," which is what I saw in the email I received first. I'll upgrade the condition to "Very Good" for evaluation purposes, since because your photos are the smallest possible size (320x240), it's hard for me to confirm your condition assessment.
    - Before, I didn't see any "1 Bam bird" tiles, but now I see them. So you are not missing those.
    - You say you're missing two dragon tiles, but you are not. You've apparently confused flowers for dragons.
    - Since you have 20 flower tiles, and are not missing any tiles, it looks like this set is complete enough to play modern American mah-jongg after all. However, it still looks like your flowers might not be all of the same manufacture. The value of the set depends partly on how well all the flower tiles match (and whether you can sticker eight of them as jokers, and put together 8 flowers and 8 jokers that do not look obviously different from one another when face-down). It looks like the group of 6 flowers you seem to have taken for dragons are darker than your other tiles, so those may not be suitable. You could also use blanks as jokers (you'd have to sticker them).
    Since it now appears that you have not 20 but 14 flowers that actually match your other tiles, it looks like the set's date of manufacture should be revised to the mid-1940s.
    You still did not say what condition the four wooden racks are in.
    So I am upgrading the previous valuation to around $120-140, give or take. Anyone who buys the set will still need to buy a new case. You should still discard (or at least remove from the case) the extraneous bits I mentioned below. I would leave the six mismatched (darker) flower tiles in the set, though.

    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Can a joker be redeemed from a dead player's rack?

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 04:45:59 PM EDT, Jane M wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    A player today had displayed 2 seven bams with 2 jokers and she also had displayed 4 six cracks.  A few rounds later , She  declared mahjong and showed four one dot, with 2 flowers.    We called her hand dead as the tiles had to be the same suit.    Question is would the jokers with the seven bams be considered dead also?    They were displaced earlier and we thought she was doing consecutive numbers, different suits . 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Jane! I gather you're saying that the prior exposures were ambiguous - that it was not possible to know exactly which hand the dead player had been working on until she erroneously declared mahj. See FAQ 19-P. If those prior exposures were ambiguous, they can remain atop the rack and that means any jokers therein are available for exchange. But the improperly exposed tiles must be returned to the sloping front of the rack. This is rule 4(b) on page 22 of MJME2023.


    This is the League's official rulebook.
    Every table should have an up-to-date copy!

    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Age and approximate value, part 3

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:35:19 AM EDT, Nick M wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Here is list. 
    Set is in fine condition tiles all look good. 
    45 red circles
    20 white circles
    34 black circles
    15 green and blue circles
    2 red translucent dice
    4 bone 3” tiles
    5 racks
    2 black tiles
    6 bone tiles
    6 bamboo
    160 butterscotch tiles
    Sent from my iPhone

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:36:10 AM EDT, Nick M wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Also the case is in terrible condition. I forgot to mention that. Thanks
    Sent from my iPhone

    I received these emails after I posted the valuation. Most of this information was already given in your earlier email.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Age and approximate value, part 2

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 09:47:19 AM EDT, Nick M wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    The butterscotch tiles are all in good condition. The case the set is in is in terrible condition. I’m not sure the set is complete. Here is list of what is there. 
    45 red circles
    20 white circles
    34 black circles
    15 green and blue circles
    2 red translucent dice
    4 bone 3” tiles
    5 racks
    2 black tiles
    6 bone tiles
    6 bamboo
    160 butterscotch tiles
    Any knowledge you have will be helpful. 

    Nick, what you call "circles" are chips. The tiles that do not match the yellow Bakelite tiles do not belong in the set. You can discard them or try to sell them separately. The split/broken bone-and-bamboo tiles are worthless and should be discarded. The four lone bone scoring sticks are useless in this set, and can be discarded. The fifth rack that does not match the other four should also be removed from the set. Personally, I think the Bakelite tiles are in better condition than just "good," but I'll go with your "Good" assessment, since that's what you said after I told you what "Good" means. The "terrible" case is actually in "Poor" condition, maybe "Fair to Poor" since it functions. You didn't say what condition the wood racks and chips are in. I want to go with "Very Good," based on your photos, but because your photos are too small (just 640x480), I can't trust that guess.
    The fact that your set has 160 yellow Bakelite tiles suggests a possible manufacturing date of Late 1950s. But that could be wrong, because your flower tiles appear to be of different manufacture.
    What we are left with after removal of the extraneous pieces is a yellow Bakelite 160-tile 4-rack set in Good condition, in a Fair to Poor case. Value is around $100, give or take $20. The value is even less if there are no "1-Bam Bird" tiles in the set. Your photos do not show any. If there are none, the value is around $75 (give or take), to be sold as a fixer-upper.

    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Age and approximate value

    On Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 06:32:20 PM EDT, Nick M wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    If I send you pictures of a Butterscotch Mahjong game I picked up over 20 years ago. The age and approximate value. History of where and when it might have been made. Thanks for any possible info in advance.

    Sure, Nick. When emailing pictures, if you're using a mobile phone or iPad, make sure the photos are large enough so I can see details. Too many people send me the smallest possible size, 320x240 pixels, can you believe that? Pictures should be AT LEAST 1024 pixels at the widest dimension. But pictures alone are not enough. I need complete CONDITION information, as defined in FAQ 7-H. Would you believe that people tell me "it's in very good condition" without realizing what "Very Good" actually means in an evaluation, and without telling me what defects cause the item to be "Very Good" instead of "Fine"? For example, the most common condition of old mah-jongg sets are:
    FAIR - Item is utilitarian but not attractive. All defects must be noted.
    GOOD - Item is worn but reasonably attractive; any normal person would notice the defects without having to look for them. All defects must be noted.
    VERY GOOD - Item has a few defects that any normal person would notice upon close examination. All defects must be noted.
    A set can also be Poor or Fine or Mint. I need you to tell me what condition the tiles are (just an overall condition of all the tiles), what condition the container is, and what condition the paper materials are (if any), and what condition the other bits and pieces are.
    It's typical that an owner will be loose or generous when describing the condition of their items, but I need to be objective and truthful about an item's condition. This is important - when there are defects, I hope you will tell me honestly what they are and that I can see them myself in the photos. See the FAQ for more information on what I need, in order to give you a reasonably accurate valuation of your mah-jongg set.
    Standing by!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 28, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Can someone halt a joker exchange on someone else's turn, and declare mahj on the redeemable tile?

    On Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 05:38:58 PM EDT, JEAN G wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jongg question
    Today one player was doing a joker redemption with a tile that would have given another player Mah Jongg. I wonder if there is ever a time one player getting Mah Jongg with a certain tile would trump the joker swapping with that same tile.

    Hi, Jean! So if I understand the suggestion, a situation might go like this:
    Player 1: "Here's a One Dot. Let me have that Joker from your exposure of One Dots, please." "I'd like to redeem your joker with this one dot, please."*
    Player 2: "Hey wait, you can't do that! It's my mahj tile, so you have to give it to me!"
    Player 1: "Oh darn, I thought for sure I was going to get my joker this time!"
    Player 2: "Well, them's the rules. Hand it over."
    (^o^)'

    I can't imagine that such a rule would ever really exist!
    In other words, to answer your question as it was asked: No, there is never such a time.
    May the tiles be with you!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 27, 2024
    Author of "
    The Red Dragon & The West Wind"

    * Change in wording recommended by Sue Z in our Sept. 7-8 conversation, above.


    Mystery little guys and tiles

    On Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 02:58:49 AM EDT, Karl M wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: "What are these little guys doing in my Mah-Jongg set? I have no idea on the origin of this set, but given there is no English, and and looking at your FAQ, I assume it was aimed at the Chinese market, but here it is in Australia.
    Second question: What is the "green window" tile? The tiles are very "blocky", 18mm x 25mm and 12mm deep. They seem to be 50/50 wood/bone and dovetailed.
    Thanks,
    Karl
    Melbourne, Australia

    G'day, Karl!
    1. I don't know. Somebody put them there, I suppose. Your photo shows one of them, but you seem to be saying that there are more than one in the set.
    2. It's a white dragon. See the Mystery Tiles FAQ. It's interesting that your white dragons are green, when they're typically either blue or black in most of those old sets.
    3. I assume that since you provided dimensions, there is a third question. FAQ 7-A has a section on tile sizes, and your 25x18x12mm is towards the smaller end of the typical size range. Not an unusual or remarkable size.
    May the tiles be with you. Oh wait, they already are!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Do you have to rack before you say mah-jongg?

    On Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 05:02:37 PM EDT, Ekaminowitz wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: does a tile need to be racked before you can call mah jong or can you call as soon as you pick tile

    Say it immediately. Whether you're talking about a live discard or a tile you just picked from the wall, say it immediately. Then put the tile atop the rack and put up the rest of your tiles. Then tell everyone which hand on the card it is and how much everyone owes you.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 22, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Conflicting claims, one for mahj (FAQ 19-I)

    On Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 01:19:21 PM EDT, Ellen K wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    If someone calls mahjong but another player calls last tile is the mahjong Jong taken away
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Ellen! No, it isn't. A claim for mah-jongg is most definitely not overriden by a claim for exposure. This is stated on the back of the card, but I think it would be a good idea if you read FAQ 19-I and also FAQ 19-H, right above it, in their entirety, because the issue of conflicting claims is a HOT topic in American mah-jongg, and it has many convolutions, and is more complex than the brief description on the back of the card.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 22, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Does this fall under “use your eyes and ears” - part 2

    On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 07:08:39 PM EDT, Shirley M wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks so much for your answer and guidance!
    Sent from my iPad

    You're welcome, Shirley!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 20, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Does this fall under “use your eyes and ears”?

    On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 04:09:06 PM EDT, Shirley M wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: Player A discards a 7 crack. Player B calls the discard and puts up a joker and two 7 bams but does not discard nor has she touched the discarded 7 crack. Does this fall under “use your eyes and ears”? Is player B dead or does she get to put the exposed tiles back on her rack and pick?
    I’ve read through your rules explanations, but am not certain how this should be handled. I also have your book and don’t see it.
    Thank you.
    Shirley M
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Shirley!
    This falls under "Can I change my exposure if I haven't discarded yet?" That's FAQ 19-AF. A letter from the League dated 2/20/24 (long after RDWW was published in 2007) says no, not in this case. You can amend the number of tiles but not the type of tiles. Her hand is dead. She puts the 7Bams and the joker back on the sloping front of the rack. She's out for the remainder of that game.
    [Edit] See also FAQ 19-AM.2. [/edit]
    Do you have the latest RDWW errata? You can download it here.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 20, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Those confusing Joker rules...

    On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 03:06:55 AM EDT, mita g wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jongg Hand Question
    Hi, so glad I found your Web Site??
    I teach a Mah Jongg Class at a Retirement Home.
    I have two questions.
    1) Can you use all jokers to form a Pong or a Kong to call Mah Jongg, or do you need at least one of the missing tiles indicated on the Card?
    2)If a discard is made and it is the tile you need to form a Pong or Kong along with your Jokers can you call it?
    Thank you.
    Mita G
    Long Beach, CA
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Mita!
    1) Yes you can, and no you don't. This is a Jokers question, so see FAQ 19-L.
    2) Yes you can. This also is answered in FAQ 19-L.

    Frequently Asked Questions about the rules of American mah-jongg (National Mah Jongg League rules) are answered in FAQ 19.
    And Frequently Asked Questions about the 2024 NMJL card are answered in FAQ 16. I recommend bookmarking FAQ 19 and FAQ 16.
    And of course every teacher (and every mah-jongg table or room) should have the League's official rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy.

    Good luck with your teaching! Hope everyone has fun.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 20, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is this allowed in NMJL rules, part 2

    On Monday, August 19, 2024 at 04:45:12 PM EDT, Pat Lanahan wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks for clarifying!
    Sent from my iPhone

    You're welcome, Pat!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Moon at Bottom of Well, part 2

    On Monday, August 19, 2024 at 03:19:11 PM EDT, Map wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Hi again Tom,
    I don’t know if this is of interest but I found this on the Net; the site is no longer operational but can no doubt serve as a point of reference for the different views on the pattern-changes of hands over the years. Curiously this would have been written not long before T&M wrote their books on Mah Jong, they I believe hail from Australia and this guy is from New Zealand. As I mentioned in my previous email to you I had come across info before purchasing books on Mah Jong; it’s so long ago now I don’t know whether my original concept of the Moon at Bottom of Well hand was formed by reading this or some other site. Who knows, not I.
    However, this gentleman’s description indicates the Pair as being 1’s of Circles. But as you say that would be a tall order if the hand also required a run of 1 to 9 with the fourth Chow being 1,2,3 as well.


      From Google Groups
      han...@waikato.ac.nz
      unread,
      27/10/1994
      to
      Hi,
      a while back there was some discussion about the game of Mah Jong. So
      therefore for those who are interested I have posted my list of hands from my
      book "101 Illustrated Mah Jong Hands". Unfortunately these do not have any
      illustrations but all the info is there. Some re-formatting will be necessary.
      If you have any questions/comments please email them to me as I will be unable
      to keep track of the net due to the fact of upcoming exams!!!!
      Have fun
      Dave Warner.
      72. MOON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WELL Score: LIMIT
      Four Chows of Circles. No
      Winds or Dragons.
      Pair of 1 Circles.
      Concealed (except last).
      FISHING: Bonus of 10 points plus Flowers are doubled 3 times
      for Purity and 2 times for
      Concealed Mah Jong plus any extra doubles for
      Flowers.

    Kind regards,
    Mal J

    Hi, Mal. That descripton does not say that a Pure Straight is required. Just four chows of Dots. I stick by my previous recommendation: a Pure Straight plus any chow of dots plus any pair of dots. Period. Note that the hands in Western mah-jongg vary considerably from author to author and from table to table. There is no one authority putting an official stamp on any of them that are not also recognized in other older variants. T&M botched their two wildly different descriptions, so you get to decide this, in conjunction with your playing group.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is this allowed in NMJL rules?

    On Monday, August 19, 2024 at 01:57:09 PM EDT, Pat L wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:When a player call a discarded tile then exposes that tile and 3 others for her hand and then after exposure but before discarding decides to remove one of the exposed tiles. She then discards another tile . Is this legal or is she committed to the play on ce all four tiles are exposed on her rack even if she has not discarded.

    Yes, Pat, it's legal. See MJME2023, p. 15.
    If you don't own the rulebook, see FAQ 19-AF.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Moon at Bottom of Well

    On Monday, August 19, 2024 at 01:06:06 PM EDT, Map wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Dear Tom,
    Thank you for the very quick response to my enquiry yesterday about Crazy Chows which was much appreciated. So, on to my second question.
    Reference to Moon at Bottom Well - pages 15 and 47 in Thompson and Maloney’s Mah Jong Players Companion.
    The description on the pages suggests the hand is ‘four chows and a pair’ and all in the Circles suit. The illustration shows a long run from 1 to 9 plus a Chow 1,2,3. So we may think so far so good.
    Curiously the authors in stead of clarifying the pattern of the hand on those obvious pages chose to explain the structure on page 6 under the page heading Short List. Why they chose to do this is baffling but that is not my concern.
    So the hand requires three Chows running consecutively from 1 to 9. Ok, so far so good.
    However, I still have issues with this hand as follows;
    Does the fourth Chow have to be 1,2,3 of Circles or can it be another numbered Chow set of Circles, say 4,5,6 or 6,7,8 etc.
    Curiously most Internet sites I’ve come across where they have illustrations tend I suspect to copy T&M’s graphic.
    The majority of sites however just describe the hand in the same way as T&M do on pages 15&47, which indicates that the fourth Chow need not be 1,2,3 even though their graphic shows it as such and as many other sites also.
    Lastly, before I managed to start playing the game properly and even before having any published hard copy reference I remember reading a couple of websites that mentioned the Moon as being the 1 of Circles and that the special hand M at B of W required the Pair to be 1 Circles also.
    Any thoughts on these matters? How do you interpret the hand ?
    Kind regards,
    Mal J

    Hi again, Mal! It's not good that T&M wrote two divergent descriptions of this hand (which appears only in this one book of theirs and in nobody else's book). You say you've found the hand described in many websites? I found just one on scribd: "4 Chows + Pair, all circle suit."
    If I was you, I'd just say that the fourth chow can be any chow in Dots, the pair can be any pair of Dots. It's hard enough to have to have a Pure Straight in there without forcing specific numbers on the pair and the fourth chow.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Crazy Chows

    On Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 02:58:52 PM EDT, Map wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    My Mah Jong group have been using the Thompson-Maloney companion book for reference with regards to Western Classic Special Hands. To the most part the descriptions of hand patterns match illustrations but there are a few such as Crazy Chows and Moon at Bottom of Well where descriptions and illustrations create questions.
    Consider Crazy Chows which is described as three mixed Chows with a mixed pair (Knitted Pair in Western Classic parlance). The illustration however shows the Chows having a fixed pattern of suits so that the lower number in each Chow are of the same suit; the middle tiles would be a different suit and lastly the higher numbers of the Chows would be from the remaining suit. For example 1-Bamboo, 2-Characters, 3-Circles perhaps along with say 6-Bamboo, 7-Characters, 8- Circles etc. This pattern would therefore follow the Chinese Official Competition Rules Knitted Pattern Sequences i.e, 1,4,7, in one suit; 2,5,8 in another suit and the third suit being 3,6,9.
    To achieve the hand using the principle from the illustration would make it at least a Limit Hand but creating it where the mixed Chows can have suits ordered in any way is much, much easier certainly less than a typical Half Limit hand.
    So far, all descriptions I’ve come across on the Internet simply describe the hand as four mixed Chows and a mixed Pair and without providing an illustration.
    Are you familiar with this hand pattern and if so have you any thoughts on how it ought to be created a) a with a strict pattern of suit e.g. 1,4.7 with one suit etc. or b) any pattern of suits being feasible.
    I’ll await a reply before any further questions relating to the Moon-Well hand.
    Kind regards,
    Mal J

    囧 Hi, Mal!
    I agree that the book ought to clarify this. I checked T&M's other books, and I also checked Evans & Strauser (the edition I added new material to) and Max Robertson, and didn't find Crazy Chows in any of them. I could have checked even more works on Western mah-jongg, I suppose. Another author might include it.
    I agree that it looks like the intent is that the suit order be maintained across all four mixed chows. I think it's best to go with that assumption.
    And yes, you are correct that it would be quite possible to have a CMCR Knitted Straight in a Crazy Chows hand. But of course you can't claim points from another variant. (^_^)
    I'm not sure I follow you where you wrote: "To achieve the hand using the principle from the illustration would make it at least a Limit Hand..." Are you saying that since the illustration shows a strict suit order, that its difficulty is equivalent to most Limit Hands? Whereas a looser interpretation of crazily-mixed chows (no suit-order requirement) seems more commensurate with Half Limit? It's not an unreasonable thought. If you want, your group can set that as a table rule.
    When you want to go on to the next question, it would be great if you could give me the page number of the hand in the Companion book. Somebody must have asked me about Crazy Chows before - I already had a Post-It bookmark on that page!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is this an American set?

    On Friday, August 16, 2024 at 04:36:14 PM EDT, Rhonda B wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Oh please help me, I’m very new. I just purchased my 1st mah Jongg set came with 166 tiles (see photo)
    I have NESW tiles
    I don’t have 4 season tiles
    I do have 16 flower tiles, all same exact flowers with no numbers
    Do I have American mah Jongg set?
    What very beginner book/chart should I look for?
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Rhonda!
    Yes, it's an American set, since it has at least 8 flowers and it has at least 8 jokers. You should leave out 8 of the flowers and 2 of the jokers (and don't use the blanks), leaving in 8 flowers and 8 jokers. That leaves you the full 152-tile American set.
    You can also use it to play most Asian variants, but since the flowers are all identical, the flowers can't be used the way Asian variants use flowers.
    There are several books that describe American mah-jongg. See FAQ 3 for a list. Some new books have come out recently and I need to add some, but that will get you started. There are also several websites that describe the American rules. There are also friendly groups on facebook where you can ask people questions.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is there really a "pay for the party" rule for throwing a player's obvious mahj tile?

    On Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 07:35:40 PM EDT, Star F wrote:
    Subject: Re: Question for MJ
    Hi Tom,
    We were discussing a rule I have never heard of. I was told that if you're playing and it's very obvious that Player #1 is waiting for 1 specific tile in order to call Mah Jongg. Even though we all know which tile she needs, Player #2 has no choice but to discard the winning tile and Player #1 calls it for Mah Jongg. Player #3 told us about a rule that if Player #2 discards the winning tile, knowing Mah Jongg would be called, she has to pay for all of us. She said that she should have thrown a tile she needed, rather than give Player #1 the tile she knew she needed for MJ. I have never heard of that rule, and can't find it. Can you please help me with this?
    Thank you
    Star

    Hi, Star!
    That's a tournament rule, not an official NMJL rule. If it was an official rule, it would be mentioned on the back of the card or in MJME or in a past annual newsletter ... and I promise you it's not there. See FAQ 19-CR for the situations that actually do invoke the "pay for the party" penalty.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Flicked tiles give me a headache, part 2

    On Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11:27:46 PM EDT, Margo wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Hello
    Thank you very much for your extensive reply to my quandary.
    I liked your man answer!
    Way to take action.
    Your advice was refreshingly different. Loved it.
    Thank you!
    Empowered Mahjoung woman
    Sent from my iPhone

    You're welcome, Margo!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Flicked tiles give me a headache

    On Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 12:37:57 AM EDT, Margo wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Hello, I am a normally fun loving experienced non tournament player.
    I have been noticing a habit of some people at the table and it’s beginning to bother me:
    Some players when they discard their tile , they flick it across the table.
    I like to confirm visually the tile that they just called, but it gives me a headache watching their tile zip across the table.
    Am I being too picky to be bothered by this?
    What and how should I make my request ?
    75 year old Virgo player
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Margo!
    It's good that you are being observant of each discard. It's a habit I try to teach my students. Perhaps you are being too picky, but if you are actually getting headaches from watching quickly-moving tiles, I have some thoughts.
    ● You could gently say to the flicker, "I get headaches trying to follow moving objects, so could you please just place the tile?" And say the exact same thing each time they flick. Then ask the game's host for a headache pill.
    ● You could anticipate that a repeat flicker is going to flick, so unfocus your eyes or look at your opposite player's rack, then move your eyes to where the discard came to rest, and find the discard that matches the tile name the discarder said.
    ● You could close your eyes when the repeat flicker is going to flick, then ask the discarder to show you where their discard came to rest, explaining that to avoid a headache, you didn't try to follow its movement.
    ● You could talk to the group, request others' opinions, explaining your objection, and ask for a "no flicking" table rule.
    ● When the group pooh-poohs your objection, you could play the flicking game yourself, flicking the discard so hard it smacks loudly against whatever it hits. Maybe make the flicked tile overturn another discard, or even disturb a wall. That'll get the group's attention - they won't want you to flick tiles anymore, and when they forbid you from flicking tiles, the miscreant flicker will also be forbidden from flicking tiles. I admit that sounds a little juvenile and peevish, but it would probably be effective.
    It's certainly possible that following rapidly moving objects gives you headaches - when I was a kid, I was a voracious reader and used to try to read every sign while riding in the back seat of my father's car, and would get carsick, so I get it. But it's also possible that you get a little mad when somebody flicks a tile, and so the headache is caused by rising blood pressure or adrenaline. Next time you visit an optometrist, you can ask for their advice about the headaches. They may have more tricks than what I've suggested.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    A discard was misnamed

    On Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 02:40:49 PM EDT, storycookfav wrote:
    Subject: question
    Hi Mr Sloper
    Recently had a group of people playing round robin Mahj. No scoring other than door prizes. It was a charity event. Some tables used traditional white mahj tiles and some used the colorful tiles with nontradional suit designs. There were players who had never seen these newer sets. I am not sure if that really factored into this issue, but it was mentioned. Here is the scene.
    Game: Player 1 discarded a 5 bam but said 5 crack.
    Player 3 says that's not a crack it's a bam,
    while she is making statement, player 2 picks and racks.
    Player 1 correctly names discard saying 5 bam.
    Player 3 says I want that.
    Player 2 says too late.
    Player 1 is cussing about the strange tiles.
    Player 3 still wants 5 bam
    I was not at this table but was asked for an opinion. My thought was player 2 should not have picked if the tile was misnamed and someone questioned it.
    In FAQ19 AY#3 says it is too late if mistake is noticed after next tile is racked.
    Does the fact that Player 3's questioned the discard name prior to the pick/rack make any difference?
    What would you do?
    Thanks once again!

    Hi, Story! I'm with you on this.
    When a discard is misnamed, it is not available for calling until it's correctly named. MJME2023, page 16, rule 3.
    When player 3 said "that's not a crak," it became public knowledge that the discard had been misnamed.
    The game was on hold at that point, until the discarder said the correct name.
    That means it was not yet player 2's turn.
    That means player 2 picked out of turn.
    If I was a judge and was called over to the table, and player 2 is holding a tile picked out of turn, I would either call player 2 dead or tell them to put the picked tile back on the wall. Either way, the discarder must then correctly name the tile and it's available for calling.
    FAQ 19AY.3 doesn't apply because player 3 immediately made it known to all that the discard had been misnamed.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 11, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    About that fourth red five...

    On Friday, August 9, 2024 at 06:14:37 PM EDT, Jason Y wrote:
    Subject: Riichi Mahjogn question?
    Hi Tom!
    It’s said you are the authority on mahjong in the English speaking world so I have a question for you. Japanese riichi sets come with 4 red 5’s but usually play with 3. It’s said that some parlors or house rules will use all 4 red 5’s? Is this true? And if so, what rule typical rule set do they use?
    Thanks!
    Jason

    Hi, Jason! I doubt there are many parlors or houses that use all four. I believe that the main reason for manufacturers providing a second red five is to fill the space that would otherwise exist in the 36-tile tray. If there has to be an extra of something, it might as well be an extra of the other tiles in the vertical row.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Valuation checklist, part 2

    On Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:00:13 AM EDT, Sarah N wrote:
    MJ set value
    Tom,
    Thank you for the information, it was very helpful. I apologize for missing information, it seems that my cut and paste did not work out. Here is the rest of the checklist (and correction for #7) and some additional photos.
    7. There are no sticks or chips or anything else aside from tiles, racks and dice. There are 2 dice which are white and black. There are 5 racks in good condition.
    8. The container is wood with one tray. Pic attached.
    9. The container is in good condition. Its a bot worn but closes properly. Latches work and look original. See pic.
    10. There are 2 rule books in excellent condition (pic attached).
    11. I think the cracks are older (pic attached).
    12. One Bams pic attached.
    13. Dragons pic attached.
    14. Pics attached flowers.
    15. Two jokers.
    Thanks again. I appreciate your help.
    Sent from my iPhone


    On Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:09:47 AM EDT, Sarah N wrote:
    Subject: Question about 4 tiles
    Tom,
    Are these dragons? I did not group them together in the photos as I am not sure what they are.
    Thanks.
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi again, Sarah.
    These new photos (less sharp due to smaller size) do not change the valuation range I gave you yesterday.
    The two National Mah Jongg League cards are worth something to collectors, and can be sold separately from the set.
    As I said yesterday, the latches or clasps are not original. I can see in a photo that there is an impression of the original latch/lock on the case's faux alligator-skin covering. Also see how they are relatively shiny, compared to the metal handle attachments, which are riveted on, not screwed on.
    Yes, your "mystery tiles" are white dragons. If you're actually interested in knowing more about them, or any other tiles in the set, see the Mystery Tiles FAQ.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 7, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Valuation checklist

    Subject: Valuation checklist
    From: Sarah N
    Tue, Aug 6 at 7:20 PM
    Hello,
    1. I have a Mah- Jong set of tiles, dice and racks that belonged to my aunt; I believe it to be enrobed bakelite or enrobed catalin. The enrobed area is brown.
    2. Very good condition. Does not smell. I know very little about the game so there are 2 tiles that are questionable. I don’t know if they are supposed to have what appears to be red marker all over them and I will enclose a picture. The case is old but not too bad and the handle snd closure hardware work.
    3. I believe they are enrobed Bakelite or enrobed catalin.
    4. I don’t know much about it other than it belonged to my aunt. When she passed, she gave it to my mother, and my mother believes she probably got this in the 50s or 60s.
    5. The tile size is 1 in and 3 cm by 2.5 cm.
    6. 148 tiles (plus 4 extras). There are 10 flowers and two jokers. There are four tiles included in the 148 that I have not figured out where they belong.
    7. 4 extras appear to be from a different set. I could use your help on that.
    Thank you,
    Sarah
    Sent from my iPhone


    Hi, Sarah! You didn't finish the checklist.
    7. Your answer to #7 missed the point. I'll assume there are no extra bits in the set (that all you have are a case, 148 enrobed tiles, 4 non-matching tiles, an unknown number of racks (it looks like there are only three), no scoring chips. You say there is an unknown number of dice of unknown color and material. You did not say what condition the racks or dice are.
    8, 9. Based on your pictures of the "not too bad" case, it looks like it's in Good condition. It looks like the case has been fitted with shiny new clasps, replacing the original latches. The handle is very worn. I assume (perhaps wrongly) that the hinges are in Good condition.
    10. I have to assume there is no booklet or any other paper materials.
    11. I can see a portion of some craks, but for an enrobed set, that's not important.
    15. You said there are two jokers. One of your pictures shows a joker tile, and two tiles coated with paint or fingernail polish (a common way of marking jokers). So I assume you have (in effect) just four jokers, two manufactured and two fingernail polish jokers.
    6. You said the set is in very good condition, but that's not correct. As I said, the case is in only Good condition.
    Based on the pictures, it looks like the tiles themselves, though, are mostly Very Good, but I see some paint flaws on your One Bams. I can't see all the tiles, and your photos are small. Because I can't see all the tiles, I have to assume more of them have paint flaws. So your tiles might be Very Good Minus, rather than Very Good.
    4. Per the Flowers/Jokers chart in column 509, the fact that the set came with 10 flowers and 2 jokers indicates it was made before 1960. Probably the 40s or 50s.

    So, what have we got...
    148 highly-sought-after enrobed tiles, in Very Good Minus condition. 148 is not enough tiles to play today's American rules. It'll be hard to find four more enrobed tiles to bring the set up to a good price. The four non-enrobed tiles could be a workaround for the four more needed jokers, but using them in play means that everybody will know those tiles are jokers. A significant reduction in value, compared to what 152 matching enrobed tiles could bring.
    Not enough racks. These sets are supposed to have at least 4 racks, and some of them may even have come with 5 racks. Reduce value.
    No chips, no paper booklet. Reduce value.
    Case has visible wear and tear on the exterior, and it shows signs of repair (replacement of old latches). Reduce value.

    I have not seen any recent sales prices on enrobed sets, but I'm confident that if your set had 152 enrobed tiles in Very Good condition, with 4 (or 5) racks in Very Good condition, with 2 (or more) dice and original Very Good chips, in a Very Good case, that it would go for many hundreds of dollars. But with all the flaws I can see (and can't see), I have to guess that you could maybe get a few hundred dollars for it. I know that's vague, but it's the best I can do. The mah jongg collectors group on Facebook would know better (but they, too, would need better pictures and a better description).
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 6, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 11 (continued)

    On Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 05:21:19 PM EDT, Cecile O wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks for the info and it now makes perfectly good sense. Duh!
    And I love your sometimes snarkyness!
    Fellow New Yorker and FLX mahjong player
    Cecile
    Sent from my iPad

    (^_^) Glad I could be of help, Cecile!
    May the tiles be with you.

    P.S. I just learned a useful Upstate acronym!


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 11

    On Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 01:34:22 PM EDT, Cecile O wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I’m struggling with understanding #2 under 369. Can you explain what “like lungs 3, or 9 means?
    Cecile
    Sent from my iPad

    On Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 01:35:42 PM EDT, Cecile O wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Sorry, pungs 3, 6, or 9
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Cecile!
    Of course you already know that a "pung" is three identical tiles, like 333 or 666 or 999. "Like" means "alike." So you'll have a pair of flowers, then 3 66 999 in one suit, and then "like pungs" of either threes, or sixes, or nines in the other two suits. Because they have to be "alike," that means you can't mix and match - both your pungs must be threes, or they both must be sixes, or they both must be nines.
    I'll add this to FAQ 16. If you come across any other questions about the NMJL card, you might find your question has already been answered there.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    August 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Can the quints hand ever be pure?

    On Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 07:58:13 PM EDT, Karin M wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Can the quints hand ever be pure even though you have to have jokers?  You can legitimately have the 4 pure tiles and then the joker.
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Karin!
    I believe you're asking FAQ 19-DP, "Can I score for the jokerless bonus if I have only one joker in a quint?" As you'll see when you click that link, the answer is no. The jokerless bonus applies only to hands that contain no jokers and are not listed in the Singles & Pairs section. You already get a "bonus" for a quint hand, because the Quints hands are already valued higher than regular hands.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 31, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Have you seen flag flowers before?

    On Monday, July 29, 2024 at 11:27:30 PM EDT, Katie M wrote:
    Subject: Interesting flower/season tiles
    Good evening!
    I have devoured your FAQ for all the info I can glean about the mahjong set I found in my grandpa’s basement. I have learned that is a Chinese classic on bone and bamboo from the early 1920s. I have searched the internet for another example of my flower/season tiles, but no such luck. Even google image search for these tiles turns up nothing. I was able to find a set with the same box, but their flower/season tiles were different. Have you seen tiles with flags before?
    Thank you!
    Katie


    Hi, Katie! I haven't seen an exact match to your flowers, but there is a flag flower in the Mystery Flowers FAQ (search the page for "countries"),

    and I have a commemorative set from a 2005 international mah-jongg tournament that includes a flag flower.

    So yes, I've seen a couple of flag flowers before, but no, I don't recall seeing a set of four flag flowers like yours before. Handmade flower tiles (like 1920s bone/bamboo tiles) are often unique. That's one thing that intrigues collectors. Also, I think your set could be from the mid-to-late 1920s.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I touched a tile

    On Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 09:56:38 AM EDT, Mary Lou F wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: I touched a tile when it was not my turn. The player had picked and then dropped the tile. I attempted to place it at another place on the wall but the player wanted the tile. The tile was given back the player. I know I was wrong but the player was very angry because I had touched her tile.
    Thanks, Mary Lou F

    Hi, Mary Lou! You wrote:

    MLF: I touched a tile when it was not my turn. The player had picked and then dropped the tile. I attempted to place it at another place on the wall
    TS: What? That's illegal. A dropped tile goes back on the wall exactly where it came from (see FAQ 19-BX). But it wasn't your job to do that.

    MLF: the player wanted the tile. The tile was given back the player. I know I was wrong but the player was very angry because I had touched her tile.
    TS: You didn't just touch it, you were taking her tile away from her. Anyway, that's an interesting story. You know you were wrong, you say. If there was a question behind this story, I hope I answered it.

    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Tom do you have any articles or written instruction on playing Filipino Mahjong on your website?

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    Barbara W R 4d
    Sat 4:05?PM
    Tom do you have any articles or written instruction on playing Filipino Mahjong on your website? I looked but there’s only about a gazillion articles and I couldn’t see a search ?? feature.
    If you reply, Barbara W R will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages.
    Block Delete

    Hi, Barbara!
    There is a search feature: Google.
    A Google search for "filipino mahjong sloperama" turns up these mentions of Filipino mah-jongg on my site,with these four right at the top of the search results:
    https://www.sloperama.com/mjfaq/mjfaq11b.html
    https://sloperama.com/mjfaq/tree.htm
    https://www.sloperama.com/mjfaq/mjfaq01.html
    https://www.sloperama.com/mjfaq/mjfaq02b.html
    Those first two are brief mentions, the third one has a little more info, but that fourth one contains all the information I have on my site about how to play Filipino mah-jongg.
    The search feature works! (^_^)
    囧 I'm sorry that it took me 4 days to find your message, but I don't use Facebook as my main communication method with the world. I'm old-fashioned, and I'm not going to change: email is my main communication method. When I first joined Facebook in 2007, I friended just about everyone who requested a friend connection. As a result, I have hundreds of Facebook friends (Facebook won't tell me how many exactly, no matter how hard I try*), and I don't actually know 25% of them. So I don't accept any new friend requests or message requests from people I don't know. Long story short: I'm sorry that I will not reply on Facebook. I hope this long explanation clarifies why. I hope you come here and find this reply.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"

    * Found it. 484 friends (right at the top, under my name and next to my profile picture. Duh! - Tom


    What are these mystery tiles?

    On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 05:00:38 PM EDT, Kaia L wrote:
    Subject: Q&A Question/Set Identification
    Hello,
    Thank you so much for providing this Q&A Bulletin Board service. I was hoping that you might be able to identify this set that I purchased for playing Filipino Mahjong. I believe that it is the full set, as it fills the fabric covered cardboard box it was stored in pretty perfectly, but I noticed it includes none of the conventional seasons or flowers.
    I was able to identify 4 of the tiles typically used in Singapore Mahjong, but the inclusion of the 4 ladies and lack of seasons/flowers perplexes me. Are there other variants that I would be able to play with this set?
    Thank you very much for reading this email,
    Kaia L

    Hi, Kaia!
    Your "mystery flowers" are what I would just call "flowers." Not all mah-jongg sets come with 4 tiles inscribed with the Chinese names of flowers and 4 tiles inscribed with the Chinese names of seasons. Take a look at FAQ 7E-F and you'll find your ladies there. The Singapore tiles and the ladies are your eight flowers/seasons.
    But your set also contains Chinese jokers. See The Mystery Jokers FAQ, FAQ 7E-J.

    Together with your suits, winds, and dragons, you have 8 flowers, 4 jokers, and 4 blank tiles, for a total of 152 tiles. You can play any variant except Japanese or Vietnamese. If your 4 jokers and 4 blanks were stickered into American-style jokers, you'd have a set capable of playing American mah-jongg. Of course Filipino mah-jongg can be played with the set, no problem.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 24, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What is the rationale, part 2

    On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 11:00:35 AM EDT, Marilyn P wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you for answering and posting. Apparently my original email question (July 23) was not clear regarding noticing, mid-game, a player had three too many tiles. We had 4 players. Everyone had the proper number of tiles when we started the game. Somehow, a player picked up some extra tiles, maybe when pushing out a wall. Maybe some tiles fell when pushing out a wall, which she attempted to straighten without noticing she had mistakenly placed some on her rack….we have no idea.
    However, we thought it made more sense to: completely stop the game, everyone throw in their tiles, and start a new game made rather than simply calling the erring player’s hand dead with the three of us finishing the game. We felt this way because, her hand contained jokers, and as the error was caught before she exposed anything, we remaining three players lost the possibility of exchanging for any of her jokers.
    Wasn’t the end of the world. Timing and luck.

    Okay, Marilyn. My guess about it being a 3-player game was incorrect.
    I fully understood your reasoning for stopping the game rather than calling the player's hand dead. But my previous counterargument missed the overall point (you weren't continuing to play). In your group's thinking, then, the game was effectively ruined. I don't agree, but your group can do whatever you want.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    What is the rationale behind this rule?

    On Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 05:11:27 PM EDT, Marilyn P wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Three of us started the game with 13 tiles and one with 14 tiles. It was noticed midway during the game that one player had 16 tiles. Her hand was called dead and 3 of us continued to the end. Still, we felt the tiles should have been thrown in and the game ended immediately because the erring player (1) had such an advantage at the beginning; and, (2) had the game progressed, some of her jokers may have been exposed, becoming available for exchange by other players. Why do the NMJL rules favor calling a hand dead rather than throwing in all tiles and starting over?

    Hi, Marilyn! I was not present at the NMJL rules committee's discussion when that rule was created, so I cannot tell you the reasoning behind their decision for that rule. Actually, that rule probably goes all the way back to the original Chinese rules.

    (1) You seem to be assuming that the player's extra 3 tiles were the result of some sort of Charleston error. So if it was a 3-player game, you must be using your own custom 3-player Charleston table rule. I suppose the error could have happened then, but that isn't necessarily the only possible way to wind up with too many tiles.

    (2) Yes, I suppose it could be possible she could have been holding a handful of jokers. But is that really a good reason for allowing an obviously dead player to continue playing? Because she might have a whole bunch of jokers that she might expose, so others might be able to redeem? Couldn't such reasoning then be extended to any dead player for any reason? They have to keep playing without a chance of winning just because they might expose some jokers? That's an untenable rule. If I knew I was dead, I certainly wouldn't call any discards and expose any jokers, because what I would want is a wall game. That way I wouldn't have to pay a winner. I would discard prudently and not make any exposures at all, once I knew I was dead. I certainly wouldn't knowingly expose my jokers for the possible benefit of my opponents!

    Although I can't justify the existence of each and every rule, it seems to me that the rule that says "a player who is holding too many tiles (especially three too many) is dead" is not an unreasonable rule.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 24, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Any like numbers #3 defense, complicated by blanks

    On Monday, July 22, 2024 at 09:20:16 PM EDT, Rebecca M wrote:
    Subject: Any like numbers #3 defense
    Hi!
    I’m running into trouble with any like numbers #3 defense. This is the favorite hand in our group due to playing with blanks. I’ve started just keeping all winds unless I’m forced to pass and trying quint #2 or 2024 hands concealed hands or winds each time I have winds in the Charleston. Any ideas besides stopping blanks (I’m trying!)?
    Rebecca

    囧 Gosh, Rebecca, I only know the official NMJL rules. "Blanks" are a viral new feature some players use. There are no official "blanks" rules, so every table probably has their own table rule for how blanks are to be used. For me to be able to advise you on your strategy, you'd have to explain all your "blanks" rules to me. Also, I don't know what "stopping blanks" means! Does it mean NOT using a blanks rule at all, or some sort of play where a player can stop someone's use of a blank? Also, is your problem defending when you're making Any Like #3? (That would actually not be defense but rather offense.) Or when an opponent is making it? (That would be defense.)
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 22, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I noticed I have too many tiles, part 2

    On Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 07:30:05 PM EDT, Jody P wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks for the quick response. I had a great hand when this happened. We were playing Chinese mah Jong. I had red dragon kongs and wind of the round kongs and all one suit for three doubles if I could have called mah Jong. But, I called my hand dead in all the excitement so I didn’t finish playing let alone call MJ. That’s painful.
    My fellow players said I should have just quietly discarded the extra tile but I knew that didn’t sound right. Thanks!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Heh. That would be cheating, technically. And since you're playing Chinese rather than American, the proper expression when kvetching is ayah! rather than oy vey!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    I noticed I have too many tiles

    On Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 05:34:51 PM EDT, Jody P wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: I noticed I have too many tiles but no one has called my hand dead. I know I shouldn’t call my own hand dead so can I discard two tiles at my next turn to make the number correct?

    No, Jody, you can't do that. You should resign yourself to not winning this hand, without letting your body language or expressions give anything away to the other players. Play cagey, and try not to discard anyone's hot tiles. Hope for a wall game. When the post-game kvetching begins, you can join in, "I had too many tiles but none of you called me dead, so..." then sigh for effect while gesturing with your palms up. That's some good post-game kvetching.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Is racking a tile required?

    On Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10:49:30 AM EDT, Christopher D <marilynd... wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: in 2024 rules is racking a tile required?
    D

    Hi, Marilyn!
    No. It isn't required. See FAQ 19-BL.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Two players went dead with erroneous mahj in a three-player game, part 2

    On Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 12:46:33 AM EDT, Debbie Barnett wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jongg in Error
    Hello Tom, hope you are well and enjoying life! I was reading the question from Ruth S. and your response and would like you to take a second look please. The back of the card, #3 states, if there are 3 dead hands that do not result in MJ in Error, the surviving player throws in their hand and no one gets paid. But as we know the back of the card is so limited in spacing for any sort of detail.
    The scenario Ruth gave states 2 players had Mah Jongg in Error so I think that the 2nd erring player pays the last standing player double the value of the hand the remaining player was attempting to make. MJME, page 22, 5(b) 
    I made this nifty chart that I include in my Mahjpedia App to help with these scenarios as they do get confusing. 

    Mah Jongg in Error and Dead Hand Scenarios:
    [Table omitted]

    Let me know after you revisit the question. Thanks always for your valued feedback! 
    Kind Regards,
    Debbie Barnett

    Hi, Debbie!
    Your table/chart was much too much work to try to convert to HTML; after spinning wheels trying (at least 20 minutes, maybe half an hour), I simply gave it up. Way too much work, and I have a lot going on today. You're saying that your scenario 3 applies to Ruth's situation.
    Scenario 3
    Player A declares Mah Jongg in error.
    Player B throws in hand or declares Mah Jongg in error.
    C and D continue to play.
    Player C's hand goes dead.

    I agree that this matches Ruth's situation better than your scenario 6, which is what I applied to Ruth's situation yesterday.
    Scenario 6
    3 Dead hands that did not result from any Mah Jongg.

    So yes, I doff my hat to you, o Mahjongg Teacher. The penalty, per MJME2023 p.22, 5(b), is: the second erroneous declarer pays double the value of the hand she was trying to make to the surviving player. I'll let Ruth know.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    How do we reconcile our rules, part 2

    On Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 09:01:09 PM EDT, Ilene F wrote:
    Subject: Re: Table Rule question
    TY

    YW!


    How do we reconcile our rules?

    On Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 08:23:32 PM EDT, Ilene F wrote:
    Subject: Table Rule question
    I am looking for your opinion on a scenario that happened today. We play NMJL Rules but also have a table rule about throwing to a third exposure. If you decide to chance it and the player Mahj’s, you pay of 4th table. BUT, what if the player who threw the tile is PIE.I have always played (even thought the scenario is rare) that the person must go in their actual purse to pay. Why should the player lose out from any payment for their win? What is your thoughts. Thank you in advance.
    ~ilene

    Hi, ilene!
    If you have a pay-for-the-party rule and a pie rule, and somebody goes pie, that player can throw caution to the wind and throw winning tiles willy-nilly without having to pay. If you make that player pay more than pie, doesn't that invalidate the entire concept of pie altogether? I don't think these are compatible rules. If you have a pie rule, there shouldn't be any requirement for a player to pay more than what's in the pie, in any circumstance. If you have a pay-for-the-party rule, then there shouldn't be a pie rule.
    Those are my thoughts. But your group should figure this out for itself. Reconciling your group's rules is your group's responsibility; all players must agree - see the Table Rules Rules.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Two players went dead with erroneous mahj in a three-player game...

    On Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 02:10:02 AM EDT, Ruth S wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Sent from my iPhone. There were three of us playing. Player number one called Mahjong and exposed hand and realized it was closed hand and said she was dead. Other two players continued then second player called Mahjong and exposed and one player said it’s a closed hand and she was dead. My question is what happens with other player. Does she get paid as she was still alive in the game? Thanking you in advance for your assistance.

    Hi, Ruth! I'm afraid I need more information.

    RS: Player number one called Mahjong and exposed hand and realized it was closed hand...
    TS: Did she have one or more exposures atop her rack before calling mahj and exposing the rest of her tiles? That information was not part of what you've told me.

    RS: and said she was dead.
    TS: One is not supposed to call one's own hand dead.

    RS: ... second player called Mahjong and exposed and one player said it’s a closed hand and she was dead.
    TS: Did she have one or more exposures atop her rack before calling mahj and exposing the rest of her tiles? That information was not part of what you've told me. A player must reveal their tiles in order to claim a win. The Concealed/Exposed aspect of a hand depends on prior exposures.

    RS: ...what happens with other player. Does she get paid...
    TS: The rule about two players going dead in a three-player game is covered by the rule about three players going dead in a four-player game. See FAQ 19-BW. Your two players went dead by their own errors, and nobody compounded the errors by ruining the game (throwing in their tiles or destroying the wall), so the surviving player is not owed anything. The game is simply over. The dice move to the next East to start the next game.
    The rule is stated on the back of the card ("Mah Jongg in Error" rule #3) but I think it's stated confusingly. Two players declared mahj in error, not resulting in cascading errors. The surviving player gets paid only if another player compounds an erroneous mahj by throwing in their own hand or destroying the remaining wall.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Are players required to expose their hand after a game?

    On Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 06:14:14 PM EDT, Linda P wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: Are players required to expose their hand after someone declares Mahjongg? I usually play on-line and sometimes I expose my hand at the end but sometimes I forget to do so and move on to the next game. - is it a personal choice to expose hand ? Thank you
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Linda! No, there's no official rule saying one must share in the post-game kvetch session that often follows a game. That's what I call it, anyway: good old-fashioned complaining. Some people like to share their sad struggle and point fingers at those holding "their" tile(s). Some people ask others, "who had my 5-craks?" I might show and tell when I'd been in an ironic or unusual situation, and I'll respond if someone asks me if I had "their" tile(s). On the other hand, a lot of the time, players will just throw in their tiles without comment (perhaps keeping their strategies to themselves). If you find yourself at a table where everyone else always shows their tiles, I suppose they might see you as not a fun player, if you don't show yours too. But there's no rule.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is it like checkers? Can they pick it back up?

    On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 08:01:45 PM EDT, Patricia P wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: A player places a discard on the table and calls it, but doesn’t take their hand off of the tile. Can they then pick it back up? Someone asked me that today and I assumed it was like checkers and they could pick it back up. I was told it was not checkers and they wanted to know the rule. Thank you.
    Sent from my iPad

    On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 08:02:23 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Subject: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Patricia P
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $10.00 USD from Patricia Pickens
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $10.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
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    PayPal

    Thank you for the donation, Patricia!
    A discard is "DOWN" when it either touches the table or is completely named (whichever occurs first). I've played with people who keep their hand on the discard after placing it and/or naming it; I always tell them, "you might as well let go of it, because it's down now and you can't take it back." Meanwhile they're holding up the game by keeping their hand in the middle of the table. If they don't let go, I say, "please let go. It's down." See FAQs 19a and 19b.
    TBH, I don't know if backsies is part of checkers rules or not.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 10, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can she pung and meld a kong on the same turn, part 3

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 10:21:28 PM EDT, Stan H wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Hi Tom. Thanks for responding to my question. I do know know how to determine variant I’m playing. Can you help define?
    What happened today was my sister pong the 3 round tile that was discarded. She then proceeded to play take a 2 round tile from within her hand to add to a set of 2 rounds that was exposed from an earlier pong—and drew an extra tile from the wall. I explained that this was two distinct actions that would not be allowed. She should revealed her fourth 2 round for gong when it was her turn to draw from the wall. Is this correct? Thanks again and I would be happy to determine variant that we play. Stan
    Sent from my iPhone

    Yes, Stan. You told your sister what I told you. Millington says a player may not pung and kong in the same turn.
    I wrote FAQ 2 to help people identify what kind of mah-jongg they play. See FAQ 2b. It asks a few questions to help determine your variant. Then if that doesn't help, FAQ 2c describes the known variants. You ought to be able to get some clues there. Also, do you use a book, and if so, what is its title and who is the author?
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 6, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can I pung and meld a kong on the same turn, part 2

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 08:20:30 PM EDT, Stan H wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jong question or comment is: clarification of previous question—can you pong to make a set of “three rounds” and in the same turn place a fourth “2 rounds” to a set of 2 rounds from an earlier pong to then draw extra tile from wall?
    Sent from my iPhone

    I see, Stan. You're not asking about melding a concealed kong but rather promoting a pung to a kong. Let's walk it through:
    1. You start your turn by calling a discard to expose a pung.
    2. Now you want to promote another exposed pung to a kong. Let's see FAQ 20d again: "When you have an exposed pung and you pick the fourth tile from the wall, you have the option of promoting your exposed pung to an exposed kong." But that's not what you're doing (you haven't picked; you called a discard). What must have happened is that you either had that fourth tile already in your hand and only exposed a pung at first, or you obtained that fourth tile after making the pung but didn't add it to the exposure at that time.
    I had to check A. D. Millington's definitive work, "The Complete Book of Mah-Jongg." His book documents the classical Chinese rules from which other variants have descended. So this rule, Rule 51 on page 38, probably also applies in your variant (I'd still love to know which variant you play).
    The answer to your question is:
    No, you are not allowed to promote a pung after first exposing a pung. You will have to wait and do it after beginning your turn by picking from the wall. That is permitted. I suppose I should modify FAQ 20d!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How can I find out how old it is? (Part 3)

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 07:39:55 PM EDT, Elizabeth Abram wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q A
    Can we connect on WhatsApp?
    Kindest regards
    Liz

    Sorry, Liz. I do email and worldwide web only. That's a requirement for the mah-jongg information I give here. If you can't see the checklist in FAQ 7g and/or otherwise can't send me the checklist and photos by email, then I can't help you. You might try asking around in some mah-jongg groups on Facebook.
    Good luck!
    Tom


    Can I pung and meld a kong on the same turn?

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 06:50:48 PM EDT, Stan H wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: if a player pong ( make triplet) then reveal a Kong (quads) in same turn before discarding, is that player allowed to draw extra card from wall?
    Sent from my iPhone

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 06:53:35 PM EDT, Stan H wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: is a player allowed to pong and reveal Kong in same turn; and receive extra card from wall
    Sent from my iPhone

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 07:03:42 PM EDT, Stan H wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: can inside quads be revealed anytime even if out of turn?
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Stan! Sounds like you play an Asian or British/Australian variant, in which kongs are regarded as "glorified pungs" thus net the player an extra tile.
    As explained in FAQ 20d, you can meld (lay down) an entirely concealed kong and then take a replacement tile. The only reason to meld a Concealed Kong is to get the replacement tile (because without doing so, the tile count of the hand is messed up and you can't declare mah-jongg).
    The only time you can meld a Concealed Kong is during your turn. There are two ways to start your turn: by picking from the wall or by calling a discarded tile. So, yes, you can claim a discard for pung and then meld a Concealed Kong and take a replacement tile before discarding (all in the same turn). Just curious: do you know which variant you play? Chinese Official? Hong Kong? Japanese riichi? British/Australian? Wright-Patterson? (There are many more.)
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How can I find out how old it is? (Part 2)

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 06:25:01 PM EDT, Elizabeth A wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q A
    I am confused, what should i send you? There is no inscriptions on this, no details of anything. Sending paypal contribution thank you.
    Kindest regards
    Liz

    Liz, the the 'How Old Is It?' FAQ Set-Age Determination List asks things like:
    1. Write a factual detailed list of all the contents of your set. Describe all the contents, listing all dice, chips, racks, etc. If you do not know what to call the pieces, see our FAQ 7d. (That's a clickable link in the FAQ.)
    2. If the set contains any paper materials, like an instruction booklet or scoring card, write the title, author's name (if any), and date (if any) of those materials.
    3. What are the tiles made of? (See our FAQ 7c.)
    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.
    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.)
    6. How many tiles are there in the set? Your best bet is to lay out the tiles on a table in 4 rows of identical tiles (as is done in our FAQ 7a... And take a picture while you're at it. How many flowers, how many jokers, and are the basic 136 - suits, winds, dragons - all present?).
    And the checklist goes on from there, talking about the photos I need, and so on.
    It would be generous of you to send a donation, but why not wait until we see if I can help you or not.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How can I find out how old it is?

    On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 04:38:44 PM EDT, Elizabeth A wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have a set in a box with jaques on front. The instruction book talks about bamboo and ivory sticks. I cannot find any dates on case. This is untouched. How do i find out age etc?
    Kindest regards
    Liz

    Hi, Liz! I can help you if you send me the information and pictures requested in the 'How Old Is It?' FAQ. The important part is the Set-Age Determination List. Send me the requested checklist, along with good pictures, and I'll go from there. (~_^)
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    July 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I am in the market to purchase Pick Racks and through my search I came across your address.

    On Monday, July 1, 2024 at 07:09:20 AM EDT, Daniel Forson <danielandsonscoltd@gmail.com> wrote:
    To: Pick Racks Inquiry
    Bcc:mj@sloperama
    Greetings,
    Hope you are fine. Well I am in the market to purchase Pick Racks and through my search I came across your address. Kindly let me know the models you have or a link to the ones you have in stock. Also want to know whether you consider credit card an option for payment? Write soon.
    Best Regards,
    Daniel Forson

    Dear Daniel,
    Thank you for your inquiry about our fine Pick Racks. We have a variety of types, for racking a wide assortment of picks, our most popular being Guitar, Ice, Tooth, Hand, Finger, Nose, Nut, and Nit. They come in attractive colors, too; just select using the color dropdown menu on the order page. In regards to your payment option query, we most certainly do accept most major credit cards, as well as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Doge, and other major cryptocurrencies. We also accept personal checks, traveler's checks, spotchecks, Monopoly money, Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and most other payment apps. We have payment plans as well: you can gladly pay us Tuesday for a Pick Rack order today.
    We look forward to receiving your order soon. Thank you for thinking of us for your Pick Rack needs.


    Confusing "conflicting claim" rules, redux, part 2

    On Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 01:09:27 PM EDT, Mary Ann M wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks, Tom. —MaryAnn

    You're welcome, Mary Ann.
    Tom


    Question about "wait/take," part 2

    On Friday, June 28, 2024 at 03:40:22 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Subject: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Story S E
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Story S E
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
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    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Story S E
    PayPal

    Thank you very much, Story!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Question about "wait/take"

    On Friday, June 28, 2024 at 03:39:30 PM EDT, storyc... wrote:
    Subject: call / hold question
    Hi
    After reading this flyer I saw on Facebook, I have a question about "wait/take" I am pretty sure that the last line on flyer means that if player A discards, then player C says wait, that if Player B - who is next in turn - calls for exposure or Mahj then Player B gets tile.
    I am curious is there another scenario where one player says "wait" and then another player say "I want that" and the "I want that" player gets the tile.
    If player B says "wait" can another player Call the tile while player B is thinking?
    Or if Player B says "wait" at the same time Player C says "I want that"... does Player C get it because she verbalized a call?
    I looked in Red Dragon West Wind and in Elaine Sandberg's beginner guide and I didn't see anything on Stop or Wait. Is it better to just say "I want that" and then change your mind rather than saying "Wait" and not taking it?
    As always, thanks for your help!
    Story

    Hi, Story!
    I see it as part of my "job" (here on this site, anyway) to interpret the official rules of the National Mah Jongg League. I don't see it as part of my job to interpret the words of random people on Facebook. With that proviso, I zoomed in on the tiny image you sent me and was able to read it. The last line (I assume this is the basis of your question) says "If player next in turn makes a call, they are entitled to the tile." That is true to an extent. If another player says "if you can't mahj on that tile, it's mine," they would be correct (your assumption is correct).
    You wrote:

    SC: I am curious is there another scenario where one player says "wait" and then another player say "I want that" and the "I want that" player gets the tile.
    TS: I suppose there are. Mahj trumps everything. If two players say mahj, the tile goes to first in line. See my reply to Thomas/Helen on June 25, below ('"Hold" versus "Call"').

    SC: If player B says "wait" can another player Call the tile while player B is thinking?
    TS: If I was player C or D, and that was my mahj tile, I would tell player B, "if you can't mahj on that tile, we don't need to wait, because it's mine." If I wanted to call for exposure, I'd keep my mouth shut until player B made up their mind.

    SC: Or if Player B says "wait" at the same time Player C says "I want that"... does Player C get it because she verbalized a call?
    TS: Not necessarily. Player C did not say "mahj," so player B will get the tile, if player B decides to take it.

    SC: I looked in Red Dragon West Wind and in Elaine Sandberg's beginner guide and I didn't see anything on Stop or Wait.
    TS: I didn't see it necessary in my book, because I just saw saying "hold" as an unnecessary way of doing things. The league didn't issue a rule on it until the new edition of MJME, as I discussed in column 796:

      New: It is now officially permissible to say "hold" or "wait." Page 15, top. But don't stop reading there! See page 33 (the glossary), where a codicil is added to this rule. A player's call to "hold" or "wait" is overriden if next in line wishes to call the discard. What I wish is that there was a rule about how long a player can keep everyone waiting.

    SC: Is it better to just say "I want that" and then change your mind rather than saying "Wait" and not taking it?
    TS: Could be. It's really not an issue unless another player also wants it, in which case a short conversation needs to ensue to figure out who gets the tile. Not a big deal either way.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 28, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Confusing "conflicting claim" rules, redux

    On Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 12:40:52 AM EDT, Mary Ann M wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    On the back of the 2024 card under the section “Claiming a Discard” question #5.
    If two players want the same tile for Exposure -- Does the person who already has exposed a partial hand have
    priority in getting the new discard, over the next sequential player after the discard who may not have any tiles exposed.
    Can you please clarify this hand?
    Similarly, in question #6 - If two players want the same tile for Mah Jongg — Will the player who has some tiles exposed
    get priority to call the tile over the a player who has no tiles exposed if he needs it to declare mah jongg?

    Hi, Mary Ann!
    The unfortunate wording of those rules has caused this question to be asked by several people since the 2024 card came out. I've seen it asked and answered on Facebook, and I answered this question for Beth C on April 26, below.
    Rules 5 and 6 do not involve prior exposures. Both rules are talking about actions that occur entirely during the conflicting-claims situation. Let me paint a picture for #6:

    0. No exposures are atop anyone's racks.
    1. Player A throws out a tile and says its name.
    2. Player C realizes this is a tile she needs for mah-jongg.
    3. Player C speaks: "Mah-jongg!"
    4. Player C starts to expose tiles from her hand, moving them to the top of the rack. Or she takes the discard and puts it atop her rack. The point is, one or more tiles has moved to the top of a rack.
    5. Player B looks up from her tiles and speaks: "Wait, I'm next in line, and that's MY mah-jongg!"
    6. Player B is too late. Player C wins.

    Same thing for #5. No prior exposures factor into the situation. The player who acts, putting tiles atop the rack, has priority over a player who speaks a claim after the action. The reason for the rule is so that a player who's paying attention, and acts, doesn't have the rug pulled out from under her when a daydreamer or indecisive player realizes after the move that the tile was one she needed too.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 810, part 2

    On Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 07:01:32 PM EDT, DMA wrote:
    Subject: Re: Column #810 Question 3
    Many thanks! Good to know my suggestion makes sense.


    I'd be very pleased if this could be clarified, part 2

    On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:00:54 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Subject: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Brian M
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $10.00 USD from Brian M
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $10.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Quantity: 1
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Brian M
    Message: "All hands without a red dot are "CONCEALED" hands. " Thanks very much Tom, explaining the above way makes it very clear, rather than "pungs may be exposed" which didn't mean much to me. Brian,
    PayPal

    I'm very pleased that my explanation helped, Brian! Thank you for the donation!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Which player gets the tile for mah-jongg?

    On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:13:21 AM EDT, Thomas E H wrote:
    Subject: "Hold" versus "Call"
    Hello,
    I have a question about a situation that came up during a recent American Mahjong game:
    Player one discarded a tile. Player 3 (across the table) said, "Hold". Immediately after Player 3 said Hold, Player 2 said "Call". Discussion was held as to who should be able to claim the discard. Both players then disclosed they were needing the tile for "Mahj". Player 2 felt that since she was the next person in order of play, and had declared the tile for Mahj, that she should have been able to claim it. It was ultimately decided that since Player 3 had said "Hold" first, that she had first rights to the discard.
    Who should have received the discard?
    Thank you in advance for your response.
    Helen

    Hi, Helen!
    It's not a race. The tile doesn't go to the player who speaks first. And this is not a question of one player saying "call" while another says "hold," either. Two players wanted the discard to make mah-jongg. That simplifies the conflict, because when two players call a discard for the same purpose, the tile goes to the player who's next in line from the discarder. Player 2 should have gotten the tile, and the win. See FAQ 19-H, the Conflicting Claims FAQ.
    By the way, sorry it took so long to reply. Your email had gone to my spam folder for no good reason.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 810

    On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:20:51 AM EDT, <debaronstam wrote:
    Subject: FW: Column #810 Question 3
    Hi Tom
    I know you usually reply to emails, and I just noticed Outlook inserted an invalid email address to the original email. See below.
    Deborah

    From: debaronstam
    Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2024 8:20 PM
    To: 'tomster@sloperama.co'
    Subject: Column #810 Question 3
    Hi Tom:
    Keeping in mind your strategy to go for the high score, and this being only the first across pass with more passes to come, I would aim for Consecutive Run #8 and keep 3C. I would pass 9B, 2C and 5C. This would give me 7 tiles towards the hand: 3B 3B 3B 3C 4C 4C 5D. Even though CR#8 is concealed, I have two Jokers, and one of the two required tiles for the pair. I would also still have the tiles for either 2-3-4 or 3-4-5.
    What do you think?
    Best,
    Deborah

    That's some good thinking, Deborah!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I'd be very pleased if this could be clarified

    On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 02:05:02 AM EDT, Brian M wrote:
    Subject: Red dots in Mah Jong Player's companion book Thompson and Moloney 1997.
    Hi,
    Page 4 in the above book which seems to be universally used as the standard, under Scoring there are red dots.
    Two red dots "Denotes that Pungs may be exposed; see Synopsis, pp6-7 and
    One red dot "Denotes that pungs may be exposed but the score is halved.
    I have no idea what that means, we don't score.
    I play in Australia and most players take the 'red dot' hands to mean that only those hands listed with a red dot in the body of the book may be 'punged' from a discard.
    This means that players attempting Run,pung and a pair, Greta's Dragon, and many other hands with a pung in them, are unable to 'pung' the pung from a discard except of course to make Mah Jong.
    I'd be very pleased if this could be clarified as it can be quite contentious.
    Regards,
    Brian M

    Hi, Brian!
    I don't know if expressing the red dot concept in other terms will clarify, but I'll give it a go.
    All hands marked in the book with one or more red dots are "EXPOSED" hands. That means that a player is permitted to call a discard and make an exposure of part of the hand (a pung or kong) prior to declaring mah-jongg. All hands without a red dot are "CONCEALED" hands. That means that no exposures are permitted; the entire hand must be revealed all at once, either by self-pick or by discard.
    Many of the no-dot hands are composed of singles and pairs, which cannot be exposed prior to declaration of mah-jongg anyway, but some of the no-dot hands (such as the two you mentioned, Run, Pung, and a Pair, and Greta's Dragon) are mostly singles and/or pairs but also contain one pung. Because the hand must be CONCEALED, it is not permitted to call a discard and expose the pung by itself; the entire hand must be revealed all at once.
    The difference between one red dot and two red dots doesn't matter to your group if you don't score (and I don't blame you for not using that complicated score system), but essentially, hands marked with two dots are worth more if they are revealed all at once than won with an exposure.
    I hope that helps!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What kind of set is this, part 2

    On Monday, June 24, 2024 at 06:48:33 PM EDT, tsatterw wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you! I read what you wrote but still unsure how to find cards to play or instructions to play
    My goal was to learn to play with this set
    I have more photos I didn’t include and all drawers were filled so I believe I have a full set

    Hi again, tsatterw!
    There are numerous mah-jongg variants. The only one that uses "cards" is American mah-jongg (NMJL rules). Since your goal is to learn to play with that set, you should get a book (or read some websites) that describe an "un-American" mah-jongg variant. The set was designed for Chinese Classical rules (which has the most difficult scoring system to learn), but can be used to play any "un-American" variant except Japanese or Vietnamese.
    I wrote FAQ 2a to help novices choose which variant to learn. A lot depends on who you're going to play with. In the USA, you will have a hard time finding players to play "un-American" rules with you.
    I wrote about the different variants in FAQ 2b. You need a variant that uses 144 tiles or fewer, since your set has only 146 tiles.
    For information on books, see FAQ 3. For links to websites that describe rules for different variants, see FAQ 4b.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 24, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What kind of set is this?

    On Monday, June 24, 2024 at 05:46:03 PM EDT, <tsatterw wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Can you help me understand what kind of mah Jong set is this? Photos attached
    Family said it was Ivory and it was my grandmother’s maybe around 100 years old
    I have all the pieces
    I want to purchase the game cards but need to know what version it is first
    Thanks

    Hi, tsatterw!
    No, those tiles are not ivory. They're bone and bamboo.
    Yes, they are about 100 years old. It's a typical 1920s set, not suitable for playing American (NMJL) rules. You don't have enough tiles to play NMJL with that set.
    You can learn more about ivory in the "is it ivory" FAQ.
    You can learn more about 1920s sets in column 610.
    You can learn more about the different types of mah-jongg sets in FAQ 7a.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 24, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What do the letters mean on dragon tiles, part 2

    On Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 09:27:35 AM EDT, STORY E wrote:
    Subject: Tiles
    Thanks for your response. I should have known there was a FAQ to answer my question.
    Now to answer yours… I found this recommendation on the Mahjong That’s It website. Mr Stanley Kriss helps find and match tiles. I sent him a pix and he thought he could help. I mailed 2 of my blanks so he could match perfectly. He was able to find me the 4 additional blanks I needed.
    Then I found cute little joker stickers on Etsy. I couldn’t decide between these 2 so I bought both. But I liked the red with my set.
    I hope this info helps anyone who is searching. It is really fun to play with the old set. So I am grateful for the help I got!,
    Thanks again Mr Sloper!
    Story

    You're welcome, and thanks for the info, Story!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Summer solstice - June 20, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    She called, made an incomplete exposure, then redeemed a joker (part 2)

    On Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 10:39:39 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Subject: rz... sent you money
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    You were sent $20.00 USD from rz...
    Transaction date
    Jun 19, 2024 19:39:31 PDT
    Buyer information
    Roseanne Z
    Instructions from buyer
    None provided
    Description Unit price Qty Amount
    Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Item #: MJ@Sloperama $20.00 USD 1 $20.00 USD
    Total: $20.00 USD
    PayPal

    Thank you, Roseanne! May the tiles be with you!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Juneteenth, 2024


    She called, made an incomplete exposure, then redeemed a joker to complete the exposure. Is that legal?

    On Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 06:05:31 PM EDT, Roseanne Z wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A - Joker Swap during a Pick Up of a Discarded Tile
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Player 1 has one 2 Dot tile on her rack but needs three for the hand she’s playing. Player 2 discards a 2 Dot and player 1 calls that discard, makes an exposure with the 2 Dot she has and the 2 Dot she called, but then does a Joker swap to add the Joker to the other two tiles in her exposure to make three.
    Is that legal?
    Did she call a discard to make and expose a pair because she should expose right after she calls, and then in another move during her turn does a Joker swap to make her three 2 Dots, or can she do whatever she wants in any order during her turn from pickup to discard?
    I did look through the FAQs but couldn’t find anything that seemed to talk about this incident.
    Thanks for you answer and your support of this very helpful website.
    Roseanne Z

    It's not legal, Roseanne. See "When can I redeem a joker? What's the procedure?" (FAQ 19-M). Before one can redeem a joker, a player must either pick from the wall OR take a discard for exposure and make a COMPLETE exposure. Your Player 1 made an INcomplete exposure before making the swap. Not a legal play at all.


    FAQ 19 link

    The American frequently asked questions are answered in FAQ 19, and this is a Jokers question.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Juneteenth, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What do the letters mean on dragon tiles?

    On Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 11:23:43 AM EDT, STORY E wrote:
    Subject: Tiles
    Hi Mr Sloper
    Earlier this year I sent you pix if an old set that was gifted to me. You thought it was 1930s.
    I was able to get four additional blanks and joker stickers to make it playable!
    One of my students asked me yesterday why the dragons had letters on them. I had not given it much thought ( since it really didn’t matter), but now I’m curious.
    Can you explain?
    Story

    Story, that's great that you were able to get those extra tiles! Care to share details about how/where you got them?
    I already explained the letters on dragon tiles, Po, Fa, and Chung, in the Mystery Tiles FAQ.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Juneteenth, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Errata error, part 2

    On Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00:49 AM EDT, Amy M wrote:
    Subject: Re: New RD&WW errata dated 5/24/24
    Thank you!


    Errata error

    On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 11:40:13 AM EDT, Amy M wrote:
    Subject: New RD&WW errata dated 5/24/24
    Dear Tom,
    I've been trying to open the updated errata to RD&WW dated 5/24/24 and here's the message I get on my screen:
    404
    Not Found
    The resource requested could not be found on this server!
    It doesn't seem to be working and I'm not sure if it's just my computer or internet service. I lend out copies of your book to people that I teach and like to put a copy of the most recent errata in each copy. BTW, many of these people buy their own copy of your book too.
    Amy M
    Virus-free.www.avast.com

    Thanks for calling my attention to that, Amy! I've fixed the problem and am sending you the errata by return email. And I'm so glad to hear that your students use my book!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Two mah-jongg questions

    On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 01:18:59 PM EDT, joanne b wrote:
    Subject: Fwd: 2 Mah jongg ??
    ---------- Original Message ----------
    From: joanne b
    To:
    Date: 06/16/2024 1:13 PM EDT
    Subject: 2 Mah jongg ??
    Amber, I have 2 questions re: MJ rules.
    1. When calling for a discarded tile, is it imparitive to say the word "call", or can I say "take" or "wait", or just indicate by raising my hand as a possible take?
    2. When only 3 people are playing a round of MJ, what is the proper tile setup? For > 20 years, I've used the 7 rows of 3 tiles as the fourth (missing)person. Six of those rows are used for 2 rounds of sequestional order, and the remaining row of 3 tiles is left for a remaining courtesy with the player across from those tiles. Is this correct?
    I would appreciate your response, as you've answered other questions I've sent to you. Thanking you in advance, JoAnne B

    Hi, JoAnne! Thanks for numbering your questions. Makes it easier for me!
    1. It's okay to use any reasonable words that declare your interest in the discard.
    2. The expected setup is the same as a 4-player table: 4 walls of 19 stacks each. But your question seems to be about the Charleston? Not the deal?

    See my conversation with Arlene T on May 25, below - it sounds like your 3-player Charleston process works like hers. My conversation with Arlene is in two parts - part 2 is above part 1 since these posts are in reverse chronological order (so the newest one is always on top).
    Column 532 describes some other non-traditional 3-player Charlestons.
    FAQ 13a describes the official 3-player process.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can I sell all my 100+ mah-jongg sets at once or do I have to sell them piecemeal?

    On Friday, June 14, 2024 at 12:09:34 PM EDT, Henry I wrote:
    Subject: mah jongg
    Good morning,
    You may not be the appropriate person to contact, but I just found your website, so here goes.
    My wife and I have been collecting mah jongg sets and paraphernalia for over 50 years. We are currently in out late 70's, and have accumulated more than 100 sets. My college training was in music, theater, and art, and I have been a practicing architect for 50+ years. We don't like the American game, and find the old game difficult to score, so we could be described as non-players. We buy sets based on uniqueness and tile graphics. We have sets of all types of tile materials, and all types of case materials. I prefer bone and bamboo, my wife likes bakelite. We have only one bakelite enrobed set.
    We are at the age that our children are telling us that they don't want our stuff, and suggest (politely) that we divest ourselves of our collected possessions ( which, besides mah jongg sets, include vehicles, depression glass, games, musical instruments, etc.).
    Simply, I guess my question is this: are there collectors that might be interested in all of the mah jongg sets and paraphernalia we have, or do we try and sell the items piecemeal?
    Thank you for your time and patience, and I will totally understand if you choose not to respond.
    Henry

    Hi, Henry. I have the same problem. I was able to donate a few of my sets to the Strong National Museum of Play, but they only took the best and most unique sets. I'm still left with dozens of sets. And I will have the same problem with my comic book collection and my vinyl records collection when I'm ready to part with them.
    I expect you best bet is to contact Johni Levene. She's a mah-jongg collector and seller in Los Angeles, and she has 2 Facebook groups, "Mah Jongg, That's It!" and "Mah Jongg Collectors Association." The collectors group is private and hidden, but her other group is public. She's probably the best person to help you with your mah-jongg stuff. Please do not ask me to introduce you or give you contact information. I've given you all the help I can.
    Good luck!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    1954 NMJL rules

    On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 02:15:59 PM EDT, sharona626 wrote:
    Subject: 1954 MJ rules
    Hello,
    I was fortunate to purchase a1954 MJ card to surprise one of our ladies turning 70. We would like to play the card on our next meet up. According to the card you need 24 flowers in the set and each player is given 2 flowers to start with. Do you know if jokers are used? If so, how many? If no jokers, how does one obtain say six #2's and eight #8's on the first line?
    I believe I will have to combine 2 MJ sets especially in regard to the flower tiles.
    I have attached the 1954 card, any information on rules would be appreciated.
    Thank you!
    Sharon K
    Download all attachments as a zip file
    1954 MH card from FB 1.pdf
    501.6kB
    1954 MH card from FB 2.pdf
    488.5kB

    Hi, Sharon!
    1. There were no jokers in the deck in 1954. The 24 flowers were "wild" (they acted as jokers).
    2. You may need more than two sets! Everybody had that problem back in 1954.
    3. You should be able to find all the pertinent rules if you read the card thoroughly.
    And these links may also be helpful in your quest:
    FAQ 19-S - When were jokers introduced? Was it always eight jokers?
    FAQ 19-AI - more about the days when there were lots of flowers;
    https://sloperama.com/mjfaq/mjfaq11h.html - by searching the page for "NMJL" you can find when rule changes appeared on the NMJL card...
    https://sloperama.com/majexchange/bulletinbd-archive56.htm#history - but I collected all that info for Judy H last summer so you don't need to scour FAQ 11h;
    If you have questions about the 1954 rules that the card doesn't answer, you can just email them to me and I'll try to answer for you.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Did people used to start a game with two flowers on each rack?

    On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11:25:24 AM EDT, JUDY H wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I seem to remember a time when each player began each game with two flowers on their rack. I have been playing for 75 years so it was a long time ago. Am I correct?
    Thank you.
    PS If I give you a donation could you put it towards having a search function on the site? What would that cost?
    Sent from my iPad

    Yes, Judy. In the 1954 card, for instance, as Sharon K said above, there were 24 "wild" flowers in the deck, and every player started with 2 flowers in the hand.
    As for your other question, I do not know how much it would cost to hire a web designer to create a search function on my site. This bit about starting with 2 flowers in the hand was never asked before, so that particular information would not have been found on my site. Most of the time you can just use Google to find information on my site. Whatever information you're trying to find, Google can probably find it just as well as a site-specific search function. Last year when you wrote me about this (https://sloperama.com/majexchange/bulletinbd-archive56.htm#history) I said it would cost money, but there's more to it than that. It would require me to take action myself, doing something I don't want to do (find web designers willing to help me, then coordinating with them to get the feature implemented) - I don't wanna go through all that trouble, when that's unlikely to work any better than Google anyway.
    Anytime you want to find something on my site and you can't find it using the navigation aids I've made, and Google doesn't help you, just email me your question. Okay?
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column #809, part 2

    On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 10:06:53 AM EDT, Donna L wrote:
    Subject: Re: Column 809 Q# 1
    Sorry. I didn’t have my morning [coffee emoji] yet.
    Donna
    Sent from my iPad

    [laughter emoji]
    Tom


    Column #809

    On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 08:01:42 AM EDT, Donna L wrote:
    Subject: Column 809 Q# 1
    2024 Hand Winds-Dragons #6 has 2 Dragon Kongs.
    Sent from my iPad

    囧 Yes, it does, Donna. But quandary #1 in column #809 shows kongs of 1B and 4B, so I don't follow. What am I missing?
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Why wouldn't the computer let me win, part 2

    On Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 09:56:21 AM EDT, Helene H wrote:
    Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you so much for the quick reply! I thought the rules said 2024 was the only grouping where you couldn’t use a joker. From what I read, you can exchange a joker when playing a concealed hand. So I thought why get a joker if you can’t use it? I never tried a concealed hand before. Thanks for letting me know before I tried it when playing with others.
    Helene
    Sent from my iPad

    You're welcome, Helene. I don't know what you read that misled you. Before you try playing with others, you might want to read more joker rules besides the ones on the back of the card.


    FAQ 19 link

    And you might want to get a copy of Mah Jongg Made Easy, the official NMJL rulebook. Or my book.


    Left: The League's official rulebook. Every online player should have an up-to-date copy!
    Right: And then there's my book, "The Red Dragon & The West Wind." - It's not bad, if I do say so myself.
    The bots are depending on you to know the rules!

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Cinco de Juno, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Why wouldn't the computer let me win?

    On Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 07:32:02 PM EDT, Helene H wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: why couldn’t I pick up the seven Bam to go MahJongg?
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Helene!
    Looks to me like you've got a joker in an S&P hand. See the back of the card:

    Play safe out there! And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 10

    On Monday, June 3, 2024 at 11:03:47 PM EDT, Ann K wrote:
    Subject: question about one of the 2024 consecutive run mahjongg hands
    Hello,
    Under the 6th hand under consecutive run, can i have fffff 456 333 333 (any 3 suits). In other words, do the pungs have to be in ascending order or do they just have to be consecutive numbers?
    I've just learned ...
    thank you, Ann

    Hi, Ann! The pungs have to be in consecutive order, as shown on the card. For your future reference, FAQ 16 answers the most frequently-asked questions about the 2024 NMJL card.


    FAQ 16 link

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    When can I redeem a joker? What's the procedure?

    On Monday, June 3, 2024 at 07:03:46 PM EDT, Jane S wrote:
    Subject: Mahjongg question
    When exchanging a tile for a joker can one also pick up a discarded tile from table. Or because one is to announce exchanging a joker and then draw before exchanging that is the only play that can be made.
    I would appreciate an explanation. Thanks.
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Jane!
    Here's the procedure one MUST follow:
    1. To begin your turn, you can either pick from the wall OR call the current live discard and make a complete exposure from it.
    2. Then (while holding 14 tiles in your hand, counting your concealed and exposed tiles if any) you may redeem a joker. You may redeem up to 8 jokers, from any and all racks.
    3. If you don't have mah-jongg, you must discard (unless someone calls you dead and you agree that your hand is dead).
    The joker redemption procedure is explained in full in FAQ 19-M.


    FAQ 19 link


    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is there a rule against this?

    On Friday, May 31, 2024 at 01:59:22 PM EDT, CAROL N wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    A player hovers over the tiles, at her turn , she picks a tile , names it and turns it over
    Very quickly. Thus shortening the time another player may want to call the previous tile thrown. Is this legal ? Must she “ rack it” each time?
    Please advise. Thank you
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi Carol, sorry it took me so long to reply, but I just found your email in my spam folder today.
    There is no rule that a picked tile must be racked. There is no "rule" against aggressive play, either, but the League does not support "poor sportsmanship" such as the inconsiderate behavior you describe.
    I seem to recall seeing something in an old NMJL newsletter/bulletin saying that a player should keep their hands on their side of the table until it's time to reach for the wall. "Hovering" over the wall is highly aggressive and unfriendly. She probably just wants the game to move quickly, and wishes you all acted the same way she does.
    Have you talked about this with your group? Do the other 2 players also object to her discourteous ungracious bad manners? If they don't mind her ill behavior, then you're just going to have to deal with it.
    I recently read something on Facebook about a player who got her hand slapped when she reached towards something she shouldn't, or reached too soon, or something. According to that story, the one whose hand was slapped changed her behavior.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    June 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Scoring information change

    On Friday, May 31, 2024 at 04:34:15 PM EDT, <deba... wrote:
    FAQ 19 W1: How does Payment Work?
    Hi Tom:
    I was reviewing your “FAQ 19 American Mah Jongg FAQs” and noticed that you still have the following sentence regarding payment: Complete scoring information is on the back of the card (the National Mah Jongg League card).
    I wish it was! I am wondering if you should remove that sentence in case some poor soul goes looking for it on this year’s card.
    Best,
    Deborah

    Good catch, Deborah! I'll edit that. Thanks!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 31, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Donation

    On Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 12:27:45 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Elizabeth P
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Elizabeth P
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Elizabeth P
    Message: Thanks for all the info. Love your book and great sense of humor.
    PayPal

    Thank you very much, Elizabeth!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Looking for your opinion of my set's "sellingness"

    On Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 01:30:17 AM EDT, david r wrote:
    Subject: Mah Jongg set query
    Hello Tom,
    Thanks for all the great information you post on the world of Mah Jongg. I have been doing some research to find info on an old set found amongst my late father's estate. I remember seeing the set in it's wooden box as a child during the 60's but since then it has been tucked away in the bottom of a large metal trunk until my father's death about 4 years ago.
    I wonder if you could confirm what the tiles are made of, and what your opinion is of the set's overall condition. Not looking for a valuation as such, but more of a gauge to this set's "sellingness", as I will list it for sale in the near future.
    I believe the set was either purchased or given to my parents as a wedding present mid 1950's - early 1960's when they had a short stint living in Fiji, and would have played the game often then, but once returning to Australia in the late 60's I believe they hardly ever played.
    I am assuming the tiles are Bakelite - they smell of chemical when hot water is poured over and the edges are more 'sharp' then rounded - and in the 60's I am sure i saw the tiles and they were more of a light butterscotch colour and the characters were coloured, now they are a solid tan/caramel colour and the characters are greyish. I am assuming its a result of oxidation? What is your opinion? I must say that I have yet to set a set on the internet that has tiles as dark as this set.
    Almost all the tiles I consider are good condition, being unblemished, even throughout in colour without marks, cracks or chips, except for some light scratching only seen when zoomed-in on a photo, and, the loss of colour (presumed) of the characters. There are about 5 tiles that have a "line" through them - if it were not for the fact it cannot be felt, the line might appear to be a crack, but these tile are solid as. The tiles are European numbered - on 5 or 6 tiles the numbers have faded altogether. Size of tiles is 29mm x 21mm x 9mm (give or take 1 mm).
    There are 148 tiles that is: 36 Dots, 36 Bams, 36 Craks, 16 Winds, 12 Dragons, 8 Flowers and 4 Blanks.
    There are 126 Chips all is good condition: consisting of 80 coloured 25mm (with 2, 4, 8 and 16 dots), and 46 brown 18mm chips plain (except for 4 having been penned with E, W, N or S). Dice are a pair of 10mm.
    The container they all come in is a nice plain old wooden lockable box with brass hinges and what looks like stainless steel handle, the key is included. There are a few scratches, but very good for its age and quite solid. The Tiles are housed within 4 compartment boxes, slightly too large for the tiles.
    I think I have used the correct terminology in this description and have included photos, so hopefully you have all the info to qualify this old set.
    Thanking you in advance,
    David



    G'day, David. I've never seen tiles this color before, and I'm not sure how good an authority I can be in this case. 囧
    You did a great job with your photos. Thank you for that. The only thing missing is pictures of the exterior of the case, and what the set looks like when you open the case. Be sure to photograph those for your sales pitch.
    Material - yes, I am pretty sure your tiles are Bakelite or Catalin (both are essentially the same chemicals; most Bakelite tiles are actually Catalin; maybe yours are actually Bakelite, not Catalin, but most people call Catalin tiles Bakelite anyway). They are an odd rusty orange color, which contrasts poorly with the faded paint. I hope you didn't damage the tiles by pouring hot water on them. I don't recommend repeating that test. You say the tiles used to be yellow (which is the normal color of those "applejuice" tiles). But it's odd that some of the tiles are painted with white details, which would have been done if the tiles were dark to begin with.
    The "cracks" you see in the plastic are caused by mixing (and not stirring) transparent and opaque plastic liquids together during the manufacturing process. Irene G sent me a couple photos of her applejuice Bakelite tiles on March 22, 2024, below (you can Search this page for "applejuice" or scroll down). And there is another email from someone asking about "olive oil" colored applejuice tiles in the Plastics FAQ.
    Your tiles are thinner than usual; Bakelite tiles are normally 11 to 13mm thick. See dimensions of different tile types in the Tile Types FAQ. It looks like the case was designed for somewhat larger tiles.
    I've never seen circular chips marked with the dots patterns typically used on bone scoring sticks. They're indicative of an "evolutionary" link between earlier bone and bamboo tiles and later plastic tiles. The brown discs not matching the colored discs with dots indicates some "Frankensteining" (incorporating bits from other sets). Unfortunately, the colored chips are not evenly divisible by 4 (note that there are only 6 of the light-green chips), which reduces the "sellingness." I have to wonder if all the chips fit in the middle tray.

    My assignment, you say, is an opinion of the set's "overall condition." That's an unusual and difficult assignment. The set is a quandary. Applejuice Bakelite tiles were normally sold in rectangular "trumpet" size cases including Bakelite racks (but maybe that's an American practice). The two types of chips, the tiny bone dice, and the mismatch between your tiles' size and the trays' size all indicate some mixing and matching. As you described the set to me, you used the condition terms "good" and "very good," but I have to assume you weren't using those terms the way those terms are used in evaluations or sales copy. When you write your sales blurb, you should take care to use standard condition nomenclature so as not to mislead potential buyers. Back to my assignment: I'd have to say that the set has some interest for collectors because of the unusual color of the tiles, but that its play value is diminished because the paint is faded. Possibly the paint discoloration is due to past cleaning attempts? It's hard to tell from photos what's going on in the nooks and crannies of your tiles. A purist might say you should not repaint the tiles, but I think they would be more pleasant for use in play if they were repainted. And I don't think the overall collection is all that "pure" anyway.
    Last point: if you offer the set for sale in the USA, you need to make clear that because there are only 148 tiles, with extremely poor odds of ever finding more (to make jokers), the set is NOT useful for playing American-style mah-jongg, and never will be.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    In a 2-player game, each player with 2 racks...

    On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 09:26:30 PM EDT, Lior Z wrote:
    Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Hi, thanks for the guidance …
    If I play against only one other player, and we each have two racks and tiles..
    If we decide we can move tiles from each rack th=o the other in our control and “mix and match”
    Can I call and ‘disclose’different hands on the same rack (to mislead opponent in what I might be going for)
    Or am I obligated to put up each corresponding series on different rack on which it is being “built”
    Sorry if my terminology isn’t correct.. literally started yesterday.. so hope this is clear enough..
    I appreciate your time and help
    Have an awesome day..

    Hi, Lior! 囧 If you're making up your own 2-player game, you have to figure out the rules yourself (see FAQ 14). To me, moving tiles from one rack to another steps over a line... but for all I know, that's permitted in "Siamese" mah-jongg. If you're playing Siamese, then you should read the Siamese rules on mahjongg.org. Sorry that I can't be more helpful!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 28, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can I claim a discarded redeemable tile? (Somebody discarded it and I want to use it to redeem a joker)

    On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 10:50:50 AM EDT, Martin W wrote:
    Re: Question.
    If i have a pung containing say two three dots and one joker and a player discards a three dot, can it be picked up by another player to take the joker?
    Thanks, Wilma W

    No, Wilma. A discarded redeemable tile cannot be claimed for joker redemption. See FAQ 19-G.2.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 28, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is there an advantage in only playing from one card, part 2

    On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 01:30:25 AM EDT, Martin Walsh wrote:
    Re: Question.
    Thanks for the answer.

    You're welcome.


    Is there an advantage in only playing from one card over and over again.

    On Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:14:45 PM EDT, Martin W wrote:
    Subject: Question.
    Is there an advantage in only playing from one card over and over again.
    Thanks W. W

    囧 Hi, W. You have to use the same card the other players at the table are using. It's customary in American mah-jongg to play the current NMJL card, as long as the majority of players at the table are not bored with it and looking to change things up. If you're playing against bots on a game app, you're free to set the game to whichever card you like best. And you can switch things up as often as you want to, for any reason whatsoever.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Are you still doing this, part 3

    On Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:43:20 PM EDT, Maureen g wrote:
    Re: Analysis
    Hi Tom:
    You ask for an assignment. Here it is: In addition to your evaluation for value, can you possibly tell from these pictures what the set is made of, and, approximately how old it may be? Thanks, Tom.
    Maureen
    1--Contents: 5 racks, dice, an E, 152 tiles, plus case. There are no tiles missing. Nothing is chipped or cracked.
    2--The case handle works but it has unraveled. There are no paper materials. The tiles are clean and attractive except for the jokers. They appear worn. There is a smell to the set as you would expect from something kept in a hot Florida attic for decades.
    3--I presume they are made of bakelite. What do I know? You are the expert.
    4--The set came from an 80 year-old woman whose mother left it to her. The woman never used it, didn't know what to do with it, so gave it to me.
    5--Tile dimensions: 2 cm x 3 cm
    6--152 tiles
    7--There is one E
    PICTURES OF SET:
    0-40.jpg
    0-42.jpg
    0-41.jpg
    8--Container is wood coated in a brown vinyl material
    9--The brass on the case has blackened. It works.
    10--No paper materials.
    15--8 Jokers

    Maureen, you also asked for an assignment. Your assignment was to take good pictures and use standard condition nomenclature as defined in FAQ 7h. I need the standard condition terms to arrive at a valuation, so I'm translating your words into standard condition terms. You may correct me if I'm misinterpreting:
    The case: FAIR (Item is utilitarian but not attractive. All defects must be noted). It functions but it's ugly and smelly.
    The tiles: GOOD (Item is worn but reasonably attractive; any normal person would notice the defects without having to look for them. All defects must be noted.) The joker stickers are unattractive and the tiles are smelly. Maybe even FAIR. The photos do not allow me a better look at the condition.
    The racks: GOOD; the brass end pieces are oxidized. The bakelite might have some small chips and scratches.
    The extra bits: no chips, no wind indicator, and the dice may not be original to the set. FAIR.

    Value: someone anxious to get their first fixer-upper Bakelite set might pay in the high $100s for it. A collector or vendor who already has enough of this type of set in this type of broken-down case would probably not be willing to pay more than $80 or $90 for it. It needs fixing up.

    Its age: hard to tell if the stickered jokers are original to this set, or how many flowers this set originally came with. See column 509; the Flowers/Jokers table indicates it could have been made in the late forties or fifties.
    Play safe out there.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Are you still doing this, part 2

    On Monday, May 27, 2024 at 09:55:54 PM EDT, Maureen g wrote:
    Re: Analysis
    Hi Tom,
    Thanks for your response. I see my question posted. I’m confused, though. Do I post the items you request on your evaluation checklist to this email or directly to the website?
    Maureen G

    By email, Maureen. There's no way to upload directly to the site. See instructions in FAQ 7h.
    Standing by...!

    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 27, Memorial Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Are you still doing this?

    Subject: Analysis
    On Monday, May 27, 2024 at 06:24:10 PM EDT, Maureen g wrote:
    Hi Tom,
    Love your site!
    I teach mah jongg in Miami, on the campus of the University of Miami, in private homes, in nursing homes, in country clubs and on cruise ships. I refer my students to your website as part of the lesson plans.
    It appears that you evaluate old mah jongg sets for estimated valuation. I was given a set that was found in an attic. You require information and pictures which I'm happy to send. My questions: are you still doing this? And, do you purchase these sets or can you direct me to someone in my county or state who might be interested in purchasing the sets?
    Thanks, Tom.
    Maureen G

    Hi, Maureen! So glad my articles are helpful to your students.
    1. Yes, I still do this. You can see some examples below. Sometimes people send me tiny photos and harbor unreasonably high expectations of a reasonably reliable evaluation. See FAQ 7h for my expectations re pictures and, especially, condition terminology.
    2. It's unlikely (but possible) that I might be interested in your set, since I have too many already.
    3. You can post your set for sale on my Sets For Sale bulletin board. But an auction site or app would be a better bet for you. Local charity shops might take it on consignment. See Tips For Sellers.
    Play safe out there. And (since you're looking to sell your set) may the tiles not be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 27, Memorial Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 1959 NMJL card, part 3

    Followup to Caryn's question from Saturday. This morning on the Facebook page "Mah Jongg, That's It!," I saw that Molly Hardy posted a photo of the 1959 card (the right panel of the card front) on Sunday. It shows the "Unlimited Flower Hands" section, using the same wording that I observed on the 1958 card.

    It says "discarded Flowers may be claimed twice, once to complete either Septette for Exposure and again for Mah Jongg." Normally, back then, since flowers were wild, the claiming of discarded flowers was subject to strict rules (see left panel of the back of the card). This sentence states an exception to those rules, just for these two-septette hands. As noted in column 509 (and on the 1959 card), there were 20 flowers in the deck that year, and no jokers.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Monday, Memorial Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 1959 NMJL card, part 2

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 09:34:19 PM EDT, carynh... wrote:
    Thank you!!!! I have been following you for about 22 years, I think...
    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

    Wow, cool! Standing by for more information about the exact wording on that 1959 card. You've got me curious too!
    May the tiles be with you, Caryn!


    The 1959 NMJL card

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 07:36:57 PM EDT, carynh... wrote:
    My mah-jongg question is:
    On a 1959 card, what does it mean that flowerscan only be changed twice?
    Thank you.
    Playing over 52 years now. My mom made me learn.
    Caryn
    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

    Hi, Caryn! I'm afraid I don't have a 1959 card. 囧
    I do have a 1958 card, though. On the front (not the back) it says a discarded flower may be claimed twice, but only for one particular hand - I didn't find anything about a flower being changed twice, as you say. You'll have to give me more information - preferably a nice crisp readable photo of the language you're questioning. I may need to see the entire back of the 1959 card, as well..
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    We have a problem with our three-person Charleston, part 3

    On Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 01:45:54 PM EDT, Arlene T wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you Tom for your great advise.
    Arlene

    You're welcome, Arlene!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    We have a problem with our three-person Charleston, part 2

    On Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10:14:52 AM EDT, Arlene T wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    We stack the empty seat with 7- rows of three. One person will take the first right from the stacked, then over, from person sitting across, and so on with each of us getting 2 - stackes of three each leaving the last 3 tiles for the across person to do her option which most take 3, which she is getting three BRAN NEW tiles, with the possibility of getting a joker. Which isn’t fair to the other two people playing. I hope I explained it correctly.
    Thank You Tom
    Arlene

    On Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 11:34:02 AM EDT, Arlene T wrote:
    Mah Jongg
    Hi Tom:
    Regarding my latest message. Second position has the advantage.
    Thank You
    Arlene

    囧 Aw geez, Arlene, I wasn't seriously offering to help you guys fix your made-up rule! But I suppose it's poor sportsmanship not to play along...

    1. If the 7th stack of 3 tiles is a problem, why not just eliminate it? Just deal 6 stacks to the empty seat, and then skip the courtesy pass entirely? I'm sure you know that the official rule is to skip the Charleston altogether. It shouldn't be as big a deal to just skip the courtesy pass.
    2. If the problem is that the player seated opposite the empty seat gets the advantage every. single. game, then you can shift seats after every hand; like, say, keeping the empty seat always at East's right. Not only the dice move, but the empty seat also moves (in effect). That way the 7th-stack advantage gets passed around the table equally.

    When there are only 3 people playing, each player gets more picks from the wall, which is why skipping the Charleston actually works well for 3 players. When the 3-player Charleston has you stepping on each other's feet, you could consider skipping it altogether. Have you tried the other 3P Charleston techniques I mentioned in column 532? I never heard of your seven-stack method before, and the ones I had heard of never seemed to have this unfairness problem your method has.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    We have a problem with our three-person Charleston

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 04:22:27 AM EDT, Arlene T wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    When we play with 3 and still do the Charleston, the player opposite the empty seat gets 3 unseen tiles when she does the option part of the Charleston which is unfair to the other players. How do we solve this.
    Thank you
    Arlene

    Hi, Arlene!
    I don't know how your three-person Charleston rules work. I mean, doesn't somebody get tiles from the empty seat on every pass? Why would that happen only on the courtesy pass? I played with a group that insisted on dancing the Charleston when there were only three of us, and the result was that sometimes somebody might get a joker from the empty seat. All kinds of weird things happen when you make up your own table rules. I couldn't possibly help you with your special 3-person Charleston unless you first tell me in exact detail how it works, step by step, and even then somebody in your group might find something to object to in my solution. Your group has to either live with the unfairness, or find a way to fix it yourselves, or skip the Charleston when there are only 3 players.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 25, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 9

    On Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10:02:57 AM EDT, David M wrote:
    2024 card question
    Just found your board - thank you for maintaining this resource. I tried to look and find the answer to my question so if you have already answered please let me know.
    On consecutive run, 4th down - any two suites, any 3 consecutive numbers. Do the consecutive numbers need to be the same in the two suites? Or, can they be different? The card shows an example of them being the same but could you have 1 22 3333 in dots and 5 66 7777 in cracks?
    David M

    Hi, David! The numbers absolutely have to match. The parenthetical says "3 numbers," not six. See FAQ 16 (all the frequently asked questions about the 2024 NMJL card).


    FAQ 19 link

    See the color-coded symbols on the card - they show an example of what three consecutive numbers looks like if they start with the number one. If your three consecutive numbers start with 5, it would look like this: 5 66 7777 5 66 7777.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 22, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I would love to read that column, part 5

    On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 12:27:31 PM EDT, HEIDI P wrote:
    Re: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Heidi P
    Hi Tom,
    How kind of Ray to take the time to translate and respond, and for you to alert me to posting of his translation (I very nearly did shout, but only with joy!). Many thanks to you both!

    Have a great day, Heidi!


    I would love to read that column, part 4

    On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:56:36 AM EDT, Ray Heaton wrote:
    Heidi P's flowers
    Hi Tom, after a long hiatus from Mahjong I had another look today at your site and saw Heidi's flowers. These say
    青山不老,綠水長流 qīngshān-bùlǎo, lǜshuǐ-chángliú
    which means something like, "The blue mountains do not grow old; the green waters flow forever".
    Ray

    Wonderful, Ray! Thank you.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Two Questions

    On Friday, May 17, 2024 at 06:56:31 PM EDT, Joanne M wrote:
    Two Questions
    1. A player called for a tile, discarded , but never exposed her tiles on the top of her rack. What happens next?
    2. A player never picked a tile from the wall to open the window of opportunity. Instead, she simply discarded a flower. Two players claimed the flower for mah jongg. Does mah jongg trump all?
    Thanks for helping me out, once again. Your website is great!
    Joanne M

    Hi, Joanne!
    1. The player's hand is dead. Discarding before completing the play sealed her fate.
    2. Only one player can win. The player first in turn (counterclockwise) from the discarder wins. The thing you said about the discarder's error doesn't matter at this point, since someone has won. Discarder pays the winner double, other non-winners pay the winner single value.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I would love to read that column, part 3

    On Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 09:14:45 PM EDT, HEIDI P wrote:
    Re: Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Heidi P
    My pleasure and thanks again! These are the flowers in my set...I think beautifully carved. I have no idea what they "mean," but lovely nonetheless.

    Yes, very nice!
    Tom


    I would love to read that column, part 2

    On Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 08:44:50 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Heidi P
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $10.00 USD from Heidi P.
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $10.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Heidi Pate
    Message: Thanks so much for sending me the link to updated "all about flowers" FAQ. I really appreciate your research and expertise. Best regard and may the jokers be with you! Heidi
    PayPal

    Thanks, Heidi!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I would love to read that column on flowers

    On Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 07:30:58 PM EDT, HEIDI P wrote:
    Column on flower tile varieties
    Hello Mr. Sloper,
    I have an old MJ set gifted to me by a friend (a non-player of course!), which I've gently cleaned and truly love. It is all intact, complete, and in beautiful shape.
    I was delighted to see your FAQ7b, this bullet in particular, because it sounds nearly exactly like my set (1 bams are identical to those in your photo below). And the box is just like this in column 610.

  • The particular type of peacock shown above indicates that this set was made in Shanghai, in the 1920s (or possibly as late as the 1930s). Other types of One Bams give clues as to where a particular set was made.

    (My question):
    A couple of bullets previous (cut/pasted below), you mention a column you wrote on flowers, but the hyperlink is broken. I would love to read the column if you care to reprint it. ??

    Flowers come in bewildering varieties and are used in many different ways. One of these days I ought to reprint the column I wrote in the AMJA Newsletter about flower tiles.

    Thanks for helping determine relative age of my set.
    Best regards,
    Heidi

    Hi, Heidi! I've deleted that broken reference in FAQ7b and replaced it with a link to FAQ 7e-F, all about the varieties of Flower tiles in mah-jongg sets. It covers everything that was in that old AMJA article and much, much more.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 8

    On Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:08:18 AM EDT, Beverly D wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Pertains to first game under 2024
    On the first line it says any two suits.
    does the first set of twos have to match the zero. So if you use green twos do you show green bams or soaps?
    I played bams for the first set group of twos My 0 were soaps. The remaining two groups were all cracks. I was told I was wrong.
    Thank you. Been trying it on real mahjong but the tiles won’t cooperate.
    Thank you. Beverly.
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Beverly!
    The first pung of twos does not have to match the zeroes, and zeroes are made from white dragons (soaps) ONLY. You were told wrong; you can make 2Bs and soaps and craks for the rest - that's one of several allowable combinations for that hand. See FAQ 16 and FAQ 19-BY.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What's the Cantonese term for calculating the points?

    On Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 04:33:12 PM EDT, JooFang J wrote:
    Non winning players needs to calculate their points to pay other non winning players
    I play Malaysian Mahjong (assume with its own house rules its different from HK version) and I am trying to re-fresh my knowledge to teach my friends.
    Perhaps yourself or your Cantonese speaking mahjong partner/ blogger in crime, Vincent Cheah could assist.
    After a game ends, the non-winning players will need to conclude on (calculate) their own points based on the exposed tiles. I am trying to find the words used (in Cantonese) for calculating the points.
    Is it referred to as "Kai Wu Mei"?
    Thanks
    -cindy

    Hi, Cindy! I haven't been in touch with Vincent for many years. I don't have his email address. But a couple of books in my mah-jongg library sprinkle some Cantonese terms throughout:
    ● The Book of MahJong, by Amy Lo
    ● The Chinese Game of Mahjong, by Samuel K. Perlmen and Mark Kai-Chi Chan
    But those books don't cover the Classical counting of each player's points - rather, they describe the Cantonese/HK method of scoring, in which only the winner is paid. And those books, being written in English, do not provide the Cantonese term for "settling up." I did try looking through them to find the term for you, but came up empty. Sorry! 囧
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 7

    On Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 07:32:05 PM EDT, Lynn C wrote:
    CR/4 Question
    Question regarding
    CR/4: consecutive single, pair, kong in two suits
    Does each suit have to have matching numbers or could you do: 1 22 3333 6 77 8888?
    Thanks! Lynn
    Lynn C
    Certified Mahjong Instructor

    囧 Sorry I didn't find your email sooner, Lynn. It wound up in my spam folder for some unknown reason. (-_-)
    The numbers have to match. The parenthetical says you can use only three consecutive numbers (not three and then another three not following consecutively from the first three). And the color-coded symbols show an example of what three consecutive numbers looks like if your run starts with the number one.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    About FAQ 19-AF, part 2

    On Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 12:12:09 PM EDT, Debbie Barnett wrote:
    Re: Hello
    OK super and thanks Tom!

    My goal is to stay correct with the rules of the League. I don't make corrections based on hearsay, but I do make corrections when I can see a citable ruling in writing.
    Tom


    About FAQ 19-AF...

    On Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:08:46 AM EDT, Debbie Barnett wrote:
    Hello
    Hi Tom,
    Hope all is well with you. Someone asked me about a post they were following on FB where you were quoted using the below from Sloperama. I'm not sure if you made corrections to this since however, I do have it confirmed in writing by Joy Chimerine (see attached) from the League in February that, you can only amend the number of tiles in an exposure i.e. pung to kong, kong to quint and not the type of tile. I also called her this past Tuesday to be absolutely sure since it appears most people do not know this and before I put this out there, I wanted to be 100% sure.
    Can you please let me know your thoughts on this? Thanks Tom!

    Q: Can I add to an exposure later?
    A: Not after initially exposing and discarding, no. The time to add to (or subtract from) an exposure is before you redeem a joker or discard. Don't stop reading yet.

    Q: So you're saying I can make changes to my exposure if I haven't discarded yet?
    A: Yes. As I just said, the time to add to (or subtract from) an exposure is before you discard. For instance, if you claim a flower to make a kong, and you accidentally add a joker to it (making it a quint) and your targeted hand requires a kong, you can take the joker back - as long as you do it before you do anything else, like redeeming a joker or discarding.

    Likewise, if you make an error exposing the wrong tiles and you need to change it to expose the correct tiles, you can do that as long as you do it before doing anything else, like redeeming a joker or discarding.

    --
    Kind Regards,
    Debbie Barnett
    Director of Operations, MahjCon
    Creator/Owner, School of American Mah Jongg
    Author, Unlocking the Secrets of American Mah Jongg
    www.mahjcon.com
    www.mahjongteacher.com
    Letter re changing an exposure.jpg
    800.9kB

    Hi, Debbie! The League sets the rules, so I will change that FAQ (FAQ 19-AF).
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 12, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Should we pay double-double for concealed hands?

    On Friday, May 10, 2024 at 12:53:59 PM EDT, Heidi B wrote:
    We play for quarters! :)
    So we pay up when we lose. We pay double if you discard the Mahjong-ing tile. We pay double if its a self picked tile. We pay double-double when the Mahjong is Jokerless.
    Our question is this: Should we be paying double-double when the Mahjong is a C? We are asking because ALL closed mahjong are jockerless!
    Thank you!! Your help will be appreciated!

    Hi, Heidi!
    Concealed hands are scored as shown on the card. And not all concealed hands are necessarily jokerless. See 2024 #4, for instance. Jokers can be used in the East-West pungs. That hand is worth 30 cents. It's just double 30 for the discarder, or double 30 for everyone if it's self-picked. The extra "C" points are built in. That hand CAN be double-double for jokerless. Same goes for 2468 #6, Consec #8, 13579 #7, W-D #7, and 369 #7.
    Singles & Pairs #1 is 5 pairs and 4 singles, valued at 50 cents. It's double 50 for the discarder, or double 50 for everyone if self-picked. The extra "S&P" (necessarily "C" by default) points are built in. Hands in S&P can NEVER be scored extra for jokerless.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 10, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Why are American walls 19 tiles long?

    On Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:11:39 AM EDT, empress wrote:
    Wall question
    Greetings,
    Why does American mah-jongg build a wall of 19 tiles in front of each player? Why the 19? I researched about the 19 x 4 making the 152 tiles for American mah-jongg play, but why 19… What is the symbolism? What is the reason? Or is it simply because 152 tiles divided by four players is 19?
    Thank you!
    Kris
    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Hi, Kris!
    It's simply because there are 152 tiles in the American set. 152/4=38/2=19.
    In most variants around the world, 144 tiles are used. 144/4=36/2=18. There's no symbolic reason that I know of for 18-tile-long walls in most variants.*
    In Japan, they don't use flowers, so 136 tiles are used. 136/4=34/2=17. They just want the 4 walls (playing on square tables) to be equal length. No symbolic reason.
    When American mah-jongg was started in 1937, there were 144 tiles in the set, so the walls were 18 tiles long then. As they added tiles, walls got longer. Pure and simple. If any mah-jongg culture has a symbolic/numerological reason for doing things, it's the Chinese, not the American.
    *I've heard (and you may have, as well, since you ask this) that there is a symbolic reason in Chinese numerology for the 108 tiles used in the 3 suits (4x9=36x3=108). I don't know if that also explains why the fourth tray in Chinese sets also contains 36 tiles, but once you have 144 tiles and you want four equal-length walls, two tiles high (because bone and bamboo tiles don't stack nicely higher than 2), then you get 18-tile walls. If there's some Chinese numerological correlation with the number 18, it may be coincidence. For all I know.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 10, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 6

    On Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 11:17:56 AM EDT, Janet M wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thanks!
    Sent from my iPhone

    You're welcome, Janet.


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 5

    On Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:41:21 AM EDT, Janet M wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    369
    4th hand down on card:
    333 DDDD 333 DDD (Any two suits, pungs, 3, 6, or 9 w matching dragons)
    The way it’s written, we thought it is ambiguous as to whether the numbers must also match each other. See below the hand that we questioned. Thank you.
    I.e :
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Janet!
    As I told Pamela Rose N on April 16 (below), you're supposed to have like pungs of 3, 6 or 9. The color-coded symbols are key here. You've put too much emphasis on the absence of a word in the parenthetical, when the color-coded symbols "333" and "333" clearly indicate that the pungs are supposed to match.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I hear you might be the one with the flowers/jokers chart?

    On Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 07:11:21 AM EDT, Barbara W wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Do you have a link to the complete list of the # of tiles- particularly flowers- by year that the NMJL mah-jongg league rules used ? I have a printed version but it doesn’t acknowledge or credit the author. Thank you for your help and support. Barbara W
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Barbara! Yes, my Flowers/Jokers chart is from column #509.

    1937-1942 8F
    1943 12F
    1944-45 14F
    1946 16F
    1947-48 18F
    1949 20F
    1950-55 24F
    1956-57 22F
    1958-60 20F
    1960-62 14F/2J
    1962-66 12F/4J
    1966-67 8F/6J
    1967-68 10F/6J
    1968-71 6F/8J
    1971-Present 8F/8J
    by Tom Sloper

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    You are so patient!

    Monique Kaye B
    Facebook
    3 mutual friends including John Davis and Barney Gallassio
    Self-Employed at Successfully Speaking
    Tue 11:05?PM
    You are so patients with the questions. I read the basic book and the information is there. Have a scotch
    If you reply, Monique Kaye B will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages. Block Delete

    Thanks, Monique, but I'm more of a Pinot Noir guy. (^_^)
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can you date a pre 1900 Mahjong set

    On Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 06:18:03 PM EDT, trishthetraveller wrote:
    Can you date a pre 1900 Mahjong set from China... not an expert set?
    Hi,
    Before I do all the forms I wanted to know if you have the experience or know anyone who can date a bamboo bone set from Western China.
    It is not comparable to the sets described on the website.
    No simplified characters, no Arabic, no flower tiles or white dragons but complete.
    Beautiful dovetails, signs of ancient or very old worm damage on the bone and bamboo.
    Box is hand made dovetailed in well worn condition.
    I purchased it at a farmers market in china in 1995 directly from the farmer who wanted a new plastic set. Some pieces have been replaced with newer bone bamboo tiles. The colour on the bone has yellowed, has signs of use, touch.
    It is older than the American sets described or well used and I would like to date it. The farmer said it was very old. He was selling his veg and not a dealer. He had nothing else but veg and no other mahjong sets. I asked him if he was sure he wanted to sell it because I didn't want to take a family set but he insisted. I'm very well travelled and felt he was legitimate.
    Regards Tricia

    Hi, Tricia,
    Yes, I believe I can tell if a set might be pre-1900s. Have you seen FAQ 11-E, information about pre-1900s sets? In my opinion, the pictures will be more of a challenge for you than the info requested in FAQ 7-G. I'll need good pix.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May the Fourth be with you, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Donation

    On Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 01:21:04 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Deborah F
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Deborah F
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Deborah F
    Message: Happy to make a donation. I very much appreciate your Mah Jongg site.
    PayPal

    Thank you very much, Deborah!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Need a dictionary of all your abbreviations

    On Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 12:31:27 PM EDT, Deborah F wrote:
    New to Mah Jongg
    Well, relatively. I’ve been playing long enough to have my second card and have just started reading your column. I get confused by all the abbreviations could you post a list of what they all are in one place? Thanks so much for trying to clarify Mah Jongg! Deborah
    Sent from home

    Hi, Deborah!
    Abbreviations from my columns? You mean, like 1D or 1B or 1C? Those mean 1 Dot, 1 Bam, 1 Crak. F means Flower, D means Dragon, and of course N,E,W, and S stand for North, East, West, and South. Or do you mean the abbreviations I use for sections of the NMJL card? S&P means "Singles & Pairs", and W-D means "Winds - Dragons." "Evens" means the 2468 section, and Odds means the 13579 section. "Consec" means "Consecutive Run." If I haven't explained an abbreviation that's confusing to you, just let me know what it is. I want the column to be useful for you!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Q about the timing of joker exchanges

    On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:31:18 PM EDT, Ana T wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Today while playing the person next to me threw a tile.6 crack. I had 2 6 crack but no jokers. My hand required 4 of 6 crack. I did have an 8 dot that was exposed by someone else with a joker. Can I take the joker with the 8 dot then take and expose the 6 crack with the joker, my 2 6 cracks and the thrown 6. I never drew.
    Thanks so much.
    Ana
    Sent from my iPad

    No, you can't, Ana. The rule is that a joker redemption cannot take place until a player is holding 14 tiles. That means first you have to pick a tile from the wall (or claim a discard and make a complete exposure with it) before you can replace a joker. See FAQ 19-M.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I need Jokers!

    On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 12:21:06 PM EDT, Anne D wrote:
    Trying to find matching color (esp Joker) tiles
    > Hello,
    > I have a lovely older Mahjong set that is complete except that it only has two Joker tiles — the previous owner added some flower tiles from another set that are noticeably darker (see below) to be additional jokers.
    > I am trying to find more of the joker tiles on the far left that match. I am also willing to use stickers, but if I use stickers I would like to find more spare tiles that are of the lighter color, as the darker tiles are noticeably different and will be obvious to the player that they are being used as jokers.
    > Would you be able to help? I currently have 4 tiles in the lighter color that can be used as jokers (#1 and 2 and 6-7 from the left in the line below) so would like to find/purchase at least 4 more.
    > Many thanks,
    > Annie
    > Sent from Annie's iPhone

    Lots of luck, Annie! I have some resources for you here.

  • FAQ 7R is the "I need Jokers!" FAQ (frequently-asked question).
  • The "Tiles For Sale" Bulletin Board lists posts from people who have loose tiles for sale.
  • The "Tiles Wanted" Bulletin Board is for people to post their tile wants.*
  • FAQ 4a Links to Mah-jongg vendors who sell Joker stickers (but not loose tiles), and links to other excellent mah-jongg websites where you can do more research in your quest.
  • FAQ 7T discusses ways to make your own Joker stickers.
  • FAQ 7Q discusses the difficult matter of blank tiles.

    Note: On the Tiles Wanted bulletin board, read everything at the top -- there is information there about other sources for replacement tiles. Same on the Tiles For Sale board. Check out the links.

    * I wasn't sure you wanted your last name and email address made public, so I haven't posted your request on the Tiles Wanted board. If you want that, you'll need to provide dimensions of the tiles. See other posts on that board for examples.
    May the tiles be with you... Literally!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    May Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Reverse joker redemption

    On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 01:33:13 PM EDT, Louise D wrote:
    REVERSE JOKER EXCHANGE
    Hi Tom
    I saw this on Facebook today about Reverse Joker Exchange.
    It said "there is no joker exchange when a player takes a joker and exchanges it for a natural tile. This is not allowed"
    It was confusing. Did they mean you can't take a joker that was discarded (I know you can't to that) and exchange it for a natural tile? Because I'm sure you can take a joker from someone's hand, even your own, and replace it with a natural tile that you've picked from the wall.
    Lou

    Hi, Lou!
    I see it as part of my "job" (here on this site, anyway) to interpret the official rules of the National Mah Jongg League. I don't see it as part of my job to interpret the words of random people on Facebook. With that proviso, let's try adding some words to the FB post:

    There is no joker exchange [in which] a player takes a joker [from the sloping front of their own rack] and exchanges it for a natural tile [sitting atop someone's rack].

    That works now, does it not? As for your own last sentence, you have put the cart before the horse. This should fix it:

    I'm sure you can take a joker from [the exposed part of] someone's hand, even your own, [AFTER you have first serendipitously] picked [a suitable redeemable tile] from the wall.

    I think the FB poster used the word "take" in a way that misled you. I try to be very careful with my use of words, but I often mess up. Anyway, you can verify the rule if you see FAQ 19-AL.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Changing teacher info, part 2

    On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:27:23 PM EDT, Giselle G wrote:
    Re: Changing teacher info
    Thank You!!!

    You're welcome, Giselle!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Charleston Q

    On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:22:45 PM EDT, RICHARD A wrote:
    Mah Jongg
    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad ?During the Charleston what is the last pass that still gives me the chance to get a tile back that I passed earlier?

    Hi, Richard! I never thought about that before, but now that I do... I don't see why you couldn't get back one of your tiles during the optional/Courtesy exchange. Your opposite could have kept a tile you passed (could have gotten it from you or from another player) until then.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column #802

    On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:51:34 AM EDT, Elaine G wrote:
    Column #802
    Hi,
    In reference to Column #802 and Consec #7, it seems to me that YEAR #1 should be included in the list of hands that can be confused for Consec #7. If the player has exposed 3 twos and 4 fours in two suits, you must consider in your defense that they might be playing YEAR #1, also.
    Do you agree?
    Elaine G
    Virus-free.www.avast.com

    囧 Yes! Very good, Elaine!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Changing teacher info

    On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:55:18 AM EDT, Giselle Gibbs <mahjonggplay@gmail.com> wrote:
    Changing teacher info
    Hi!
    I'm in your directory under Connecticut
    and have a new email address
    mahjonggplay@gmail.com
    and under details please take out Greenwich Adult Continuing Education and website
    Thank you
    Giselle Gibbs
    Greenwich, Connecticut (Fairfield/WestchesterCounty)
    mahjonggplay@gmail.com
    203-536-2723

    The change is made, Giselle!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 805

    On Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:49:01 AM EDT, SUSAN E wrote:
    Column 805
    Hi Tom,
    In example #2 , I was thinking there is 7 towards S&P #1 as well. I would pass 1C, a wind and 5C. I also don't like to pass two winds in the same pass.
    Thanks,
    Susie

    囧 That's a good thought, Susie!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Question about a KFC set, part 2

    On Monday, April 29, 2024 at 07:43:26 PM EDT, Brian B wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you so much!!! Sorry for the missing information in the question. Yes, she plays American mah-jongg, so it definitely wouldn't work sans Jokers! I took your advice and looked on CHarli's Museum and, based on what I saw there, (unfortunately) came to a similar conclusion.
    Thanks again for all your help, and I look forward to spending more time getting familiar with your site!
    -Brian

    You're welcome, Brian.


    Question about a KFC set, part 2

    On Monday, April 29, 2024 at 06:57:47 PM EDT, Brian B wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Additional pictures from the set - I did not want to chance the message not getting through due to the size of the attachments.
    Thanks again,
    Brian

    You sent me that while I was writing my response to the first question! I didn't need more photos, to tell you that it's an un-American mah-jongg set. (I only needed the one that I posted.) I could have used a narrower question, but maybe I've already told you what you needed to know? As before, see FAQ 7a.
    Tom


    Question about a KFC set

    On Monday, April 29, 2024 at 06:49:59 PM EDT, Brian B wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Quick question (I hope!) about a Kwong Fat Cheung set :-)
    Hi, there! I am not sure if you are still answering questions/posting them on your site, but I hoped that you might be able to assist me with figuring out exactly what this might be. My wife was very interested in this set, but I want to make sure that I have a better understanding as to what it might be before driving a few hours and picking it up for her for our anniversary.
    Thank you very much,
    Brian B

    Hi, Brian! I'm fairly certain that you are already aware that it is, in fact, a mah-jongg set. I don't know exactly what it is you're asking me. But I think you need to find out if your wife plays American mah-jongg. Because if she plays American rules, that set won't work, since it has no jokers (and not enough extra tiles to make 8 jokers). Or, trying to see behind the question: If your wife doesn't play yet, and if she has American friends who play, and you are contemplating buying it so she can learn American mah-jongg on it, an American-style set would be more useful for her. See FAQ 7a.
    What else can I tell you...
    That set was old in 2021 when that photo was taken. ... Not antique old (it looks like it was more than 30 years old in 2021). Looks like the photo was taken in a collectibles shop, or a shop that sells old stuff, including toys and games. And I hope they aren't asking more than around $70 or $80 for it.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 4

    On Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 12:36:01 PM EDT, Carol Ann R wrote:
    Mahjongg question
    In last hand of Winds, is 'EW' a true pair? Can I call the 'W' for mahjong Can I call it at any time.
    Virus-free.www.avg.com

    Hi, Carol Ann!

    CAR: is 'EW' a true pair?
    TAS: No.

    CAR: Can I call the 'W' for mahjong
    TAS: Yes.

    CAR: Can I call it at any time.
    TAS: No. See FAQ 19-E1.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Confusing "conflicting claim" rules

    On Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:56:48 AM EDT, Beth C wrote:
    Rules #5 and #6 under Claiming a discard
    Tom,
    Please explain the two new rules (#5, #6) under Claiming a Discard.
    #5. When two players want the same tile for Exposure, player next in turn for discard has preference except when other caller has exposed tile(s).
    #6. When two players want the same tile for Mac Jongg, player next in turn to discarder has preference, except when other caller has exposed tiles(s).
    My question is regarding #6: If I am playing a closed hand, and I call a tile for Mah Jongg, but another person, who has exposed tiles, also calls it for Mah Jongg, the player with exposed tiles gets the tile for Mah Jongg. Is this correct? If so, do you know why these rules were added?
    Thanks in advance.
    Beth C.

    Hi, Beth!
    You're talking about the rules on the back of the card (left panel, bottom). The word "prior" is not in either of those rules. Both rules are talking about actions that occur entirely during the conflicting-claims situation. Let me paint a picture for #6:

    0. No exposures are atop anyone's racks.
    1. Player A throws out a tile and says its name.
    2. Player C realizes this is a tile she needs for mah-jongg.
    3. Player C speaks: "Mah-jongg!"
    4. Player C starts to expose tiles from her hand, moving them to the top of the rack. Or she takes the discard and puts it atop her rack.
    5. Player B looks up from her tiles and speaks: "Wait, I'm next in line, and that's MY mah-jongg!"
    6. Player B is too late. Player C wins.

    I imagine the reason for the rule is so that a player who's paying attention, and acts, doesn't have the rug pulled out from under her when a daydreamer or indecisive player realizes after the move that the tile was one she needed too.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 26, 2024
    Author of "
    The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Sloperama support-a-rama

    On Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:42:05 AM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    stelx@ sent you money
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    PayPal
    You were sent $50.00 USD from stelx@...
    To see all the transaction details, please log into your PayPal account. It may take a few moments for this transaction to appear in your account.
    Transaction date Apr 26, 2024 08:41:55 PDT
    Buyer information
    Stella E
    Instructions from buyer
    None provided
    Description Unit price Qty Amount
    Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Item #: MJ@Sloperama $50.00 USD 1 $50.00 USD
    Total: $50.00 USD
    PayPal

    Wow! Thank you, Stella!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 26, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 804

    On Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 07:07:11 PM EDT, deba... wrote:
    Column 804 #1 First Across WWYP
    Hi Tom:
    I finally had a chance to read your latest column. Looking at #1 (First Across. WWYP?) I counted 5 tiles towards W-D #5 (7B, 8B, 8B, 9B and W) and only 4 towards Any Like. Since this is relatively early in the Charleston when Winds are often passed around, I would keep W and pass 5D, 8D and 9C. Did you reject this option because the hand is missing the pair of 7Bs and 9Bs? The Consecutive option is still in play.
    Thanks for the quandaries; they are so helpful in becoming familiar with the card.
    Best,
    Deborah

    Hi, Deborah!
    The absence of the pairs is a huge reason to avoid W-D #5 when holding four jokers. It has happened plenty of times that someone holding jokers couldn't win because their pairs never came in.
    But I like your thought about winds going around. Still, better to target W-D #3, in which case one might want to hang onto 9C.
    Good comments! Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    4/24/24
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Please tell me the death challenge rules

    On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 05:35:42 PM EDT, Caryn P wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: please can you tell me the rules about calling someone dead or challenging another persons hand. Thank you.
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Caryn! The death challenge ruels are described in FAQ 19. See FAQ 19-AA for starters ("What are the Death Challenge rules?"), and see also FAQ19-AB ("Called me dead but I'm not. What now?") and AC ("Can I call myself dead?") and CK ("I was called dead. Now what?"). It'll all be clear when you click that link.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 23, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 803

    On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 08:22:05 AM EDT, Susan L wrote:
    803
    Dear Tom,
    I am just getting familiar with your website and I stumbled upon this set of practices for the new card. This will be my second card as I’m a newer player. I found it quite helpful. In just a few minutes I added a few more neurological synapse connections in the mahjong center of my brain. That part of my brain has been lighting up a lot lately as I love this card.
    Thanks a lot.
    Susan from Gaithersburg MD.

    Glad you found it helpful, Susan!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    4/23/24
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What if 2 players go dead in a 3-player game?

    On Monday, April 22, 2024 at 06:34:02 PM EDT, Sheila S wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: when playing three handed mahjong if two players go dead does the third player win if their hand is intact? the other two players pay him correct?

    Hi, Sheila!
    It depends on how the two players went dead. See FAQ 19-BW. The rule talks about 3 players going dead in a 4-player game, but the rule also applies to 2 players going dead in a 3-player game.
    Basically, it comes down to whether or not someone is responsible for the situation.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Earth Day (4/22), 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    A player mahjed but realized they had 15 tiles

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Monday, April 22, 2024 at 05:06:09 PM EDT, Fran B wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: hi ! If a player declares mahjong puts their entire hand up on rack then sees they have an extra tile , I know they are dead but what tiles remain up on rack and which go back . They had 3 winds up and no jokers.
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Fran!
    All the tiles go back to the sloping front of the dead player's rack. See FAQ 19-CK.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Earth Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I was given mah-jongg, part 2

    On Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 12:27:33 PM EDT, Donald B. S wrote:
    Mahjongg during the Charleston
    On April 11, 2024, you answered a question dealing with the payout for getting a mahjongg during the Charleston optional pass. You called it an Earthly Hand.
    As extremely rare as that might be, I'm sure it's happened more than once. What if you're the dealer (having 14 tiles), and you deal yourself a Mahjongg or you get it after the first pass. I'm guessing you'd have to give it up since the obligatory part of the Charleston hasn't been completed yet. Is that correct?

    Hi, Donald!
    You've asked about two scenarios: (1) dealer having a complete hand before the first pass and (2) dealer having a complete hand after the first pass.
    1. As I wrote in column 666, having a complete hand after the deal and before the Charleston is "Heavenly Hand." Dealer declares win immediately. No Charleston will occur. Everybody pays dealer double for self-pick.
    2. Also covered in column 666. You are correct, the dealer MUST pass three tiles across. Then is allowed to blind-pass left, stop the Charleston if desired, pass as few as desired in the Courtesy, and so on.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Player A said mahj, part 2

    On Friday, April 19, 2024 at 02:07:25 PM EDT, wendyot32 wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Hi .. and thanks for your response .. another question
    if a player who has one exposure up calls a tile for mah jong is the player that threw the tile penalized ? what about if the player has 2 exposures ? Sent from my iPhone

    Hi again, wendyot!

    W: if a player who has one exposure up calls a tile for mah jong is the player that threw the tile penalized ?
    T: The discarder pays double. See FAQ 19-Y.

    W: what about if the player has 2 exposures ?
    T: The discarder pays double.

    I recommend you get a copy of Mah Jongg Made Easy, the official rulebook of the NMJL - or my book, "The Red Dragon & The West Wind." - It's not bad, if I do say so myself. Every table should have an up-to-date copy of the official rules.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Player A said mahj, and player B put up their own tiles for the obligatory post-loss kvetch. But then ... !

    On Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10:38:55 PM EDT, wendyot32 wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    If player A calls a tile for mah jong and only exposes the called tile and tiles from their rack to complete only that exposure then realizes they don’t have mah jong , I believe that player A can continue to play as long as they can still get a mah jong using that exposure.
    So now let’s say that when player A called for mah jong player B started to expose their tiles from their rack. Are both players now considered dead .. or does player A continue playing while player B is considered dead ?
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, wendyot!
    Your belief is correct, as I told Fran B earlier today (below).
    As for your second scenario, Player A is not dead for something player B did. I gather you're saying player B threw in their hand (starting the usual kvetching period after another player has declared mah-jongg, putting up their tiles to show what they didn't win on)? Player B is dead for sure - they should have verified mah-jongg before destroying their own hand. See FAQ 19-BW Rule (b).
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What's the timing for claiming a discarded redeemable tile?

    On Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 03:41:24 PM EDT, Coleen C wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    MAHJONG QUESTION: Player #3 has (3) 1 bams with a joker in middle-racked/exposed.
    Player #1: Took turn & discarded a 1 bam.
    Player #3 called immediately for discarded 1 bam to replace her joker.
    Does player #2 have to play first before discarded 1 bam is called (by anyone)?
    Thank you,
    Coleen C
    New York

    Hi, Coleen! Player 3's play was illegal. 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. See FAQ 19-G2.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    FAQ 19 link


    A player said mahj on a discard, but then...

    On Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 01:05:14 PM EDT, Fran B wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    This has come up and I can’t find the entire answer. If a player picks a discard and calls mahjong and puts the tile on their rack exposed with other tiles from their hand , but only the tiles in that part (not their entire hand is put up .) then they see they do not have mahjong . No other player exposed their hand at this point . Are they dead?or can they continue as long as they use the tiles that were exposed ?
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Fran! Since they have not exposed any other part of the hand but the one exposure, the player may discard and continue playing. The new exposure must remain atop the rack.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 3

    On Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 06:49:22 PM EDT, Pamela Rose N wrote:
    369
    333 DDDD 333 DDDD
    it says that the pungs and dragons need to match, but not that the pungs need to be like numbers.
    In other hands it does specify that they need to be like pungs (eg FF 3 66 999 333 333 [like pungs 3,6, or 9]
    Thanks Pam
    Pamela N

    Hi, Pamela! The way I read the parenthetical for 369 #4, "(Any 2 Suits, Pungs 3, 6 or 9 w Matching Dragons)", you're supposed to have like pungs of 3, 6 or 9. I suppose the word "like" would clarify that, but the parenthetical would have to use really small type! The fact that both pungs are shown as "333" tells you that they're supposed to be the same number, which (considering the parenthetical) could be sixes or nines instead of threes.
    I'll add this to FAQ 16.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How much is this one worth, part 4

    On Monday, April 15, 2024 at 12:13:14 PM EDT, Savannah T wrote:
    Re: Value of my set (1)
    Hello again, the saga continues with the second set.
    Box: Box has some flaws and broken metal structures. I would judge box condition to be about 60%. Trays stack on top of one another and appear to be in fair to good shape with minor fading of the rosewood color. The sliding door has some chipping on the side bottoms. The back of the door has the paper with the address attached to it. The bottom of the box is stamped with the "Made in China" information. Just noticed as well, the left side of the box's sliding structure is wiggly and will need repair. This likely brings it down to a 50%.
    Tiles: 140 tiles with 7 blanks. Dovetailing seems to be less precise in this set, with around 80-85% fully flush and the rest with varying space in between. The tiles are larger than the previous set and notably, the circles have more detailing. Bone is also slightly thinner, with the percentage sitting around 25%. Bone and painted details on the tiles are smooth and in fine/excellent condition. See photos for all of the details.
    Sticks: TENS (32), FIVES (8), ONES (36), TWOS (39). Sticks are thicker in bone with 98% no chipping. 75-80% of the sticks have paint smudged or rubbed away.
    Dice: Many dice included in the set, I'm sure they all do not belong. Found the dice coffin which is in great condition itself, the coffin dice as well being close to 75-85% in terms of painting.
    Wind Counters: Comes with black container, appear to be plastic like. Paint is smudged. I'd say 50%, but you can view in the photos.
    Booklet: None
    Thanks again Tom! Hopefully this provides a better estimate on the value of these sets. Will send additional email with more photos.
    On Monday, April 15, 2024 at 12:13:57 PM EDT, Savannah T wrote:
    Re: Value of my set (1)

    Hi, Savannah. Okay, so here's what we have:
    ● Two Babcock sets in sliding-front tray boxes (as opposed to drawer boxes); one in yellowish wood and one in reddish wood.
    ● Both boxes show considerable wear. As far as I can tell just from the photos, the yellowish box is "GOOD" and the reddish box is "FAIR." To clarify those terms (from FAQ 7h): FAIR - Item is utilitarian but not attractive. GOOD - Item is worn but reasonably attractive. I may be a little generous with the condition on the yellowish box, maybe?
    ● The tiles in both sets are in better shape than the boxes, the (slightly smaller) tiles in the yellowish box being VERY GOOD (Item has a few defects that any normal person would notice upon close examination) and the tiles in the reddish box being just GOOD, due to the dovetail gaps. The tiles in both sets were made about the same time in the same part of China, but by different carvers (see subtle differences in the One Bam and the bamboo stick designs in both sets). The writing in the One Dots say the same thing in both sets: 自由麻雀, which can be read as "freedom mah-jongg."
    ● Both sets have scoring sticks (counters); these bits are not of great interest to collectors, being fairly easy to replace. I'm not going to worry about how many of each denomination are present in the two sets.
    ● Both sets have all wind discs plus mingg (including lid). I don't know if the discs fit in the minggs or the lids fit nicely.
    ● You have four original dice in coffin, plus three matching plastic dice, and four mismatched darker-colored dice. You should put the four in the coffin in the set you like better, and put the three matching plastic dice in the other. Then the other four dice (the darker-colored ones) can be removed from the sets.
    ● Neither set includes the original Babcock little red booklet. You have the green MahJuck booklet, which can go into whichever set you like better.

    Now let's talk about tile counts. You said one set (yellowish box; smaller tiles with better dovetailing) has 144 tiles (including 4 blank white dragons) plus 5 extra blanks. And you said the other set (reddish box; larger tiles with poor dovetailing) has 140 tiles (without any blank white dragons) plus 7 "extra" blanks. All in all, you have 9+7=16 blank white dragon tiles. I contend that in the reddish box, four of your 7 "extra" blanks are your white dragons, leaving you with just THREE extras in that set, and five extras in the other. You can put all your 16 blank white tiles together, and rethink whether maybe you can't divide them equally, putting 8 into each set. I'm saying you could move one of your extra blanks to the other set, evening the tile counts out. Having four (extra) blank tiles in a set is normal and desirable.

    I myself would not pay $300 for these two sets. With their flaws, together they're somewhere closer to $180-250, but I hear reports of ordinary sets going for ridiculously high sums, so you should not think that you overpaid. The reddish box is cool for its labeling, but its condition detracts. Both your sets of tiles include the "phoenix and dragon" red and green dragons (see FAQ 7e), which are desirable. But the dovetail gaps in the reddish box's tiles detract. Both sets have interesting flowers; the carving on the yellowish box's flowers is more attractive. The booklet is worth maybe $25, give or take $5.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How much is this one worth, part 3

    On Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 02:31:21 PM EDT, Savannah T wrote:
    Re: Value of my set (1)
    Hi Tom,
    Sorry for forgetting to add that information.
    You're correct; they are trays. I'll also add that the other set seems to have been owned by the same person, and that their are many dice in that set; one dice coffin with four very small dice that slides open, two larger dice, and two other dice that I can recall. I'm going to surmise some pieces that belonged to this set went in that one. The booklet also may technically belong to that one as well, but I'm onlyaking that estimation based on the fact that the paper inside attached to the box has a San Francisco address as does the booklet.
    Yes, all of those tiles in the tray are blank.
    I will definitely be more careful with my photos and make sure they are all in one format.
    Looking forward to hearing back, and thanks again,
    -Savannah

    Savannah, the two sets have exchanged parts, and the valuation will have to wait until the two sets are reconciled. Let's see the other set. We'll sort them out.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How much is this one worth, part 2

    On Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:46:21 PM EDT, Savannah T wrote:
    Re: Value of my set (1)
    Thank you for replying!
    Forgive me, I accidentally conflated the seemlingly rosewood set with that address marking on the inside with this one. More to come on that set later. (I won both of these in an auction for $300 total).
    I've included the photographs you asked for.
    Thank you so much!

    On Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 12:24:14 AM EDT, Savannah T wrote:
    Re: Value of my set (1)
    Sorry, here is the measurement one. Not sure why it didn't come through.

    Hi, Savannah.
    I know more now than I did last night, but I still don't know enough. When all the "drawers" are in the box, can you pull out just the bottom one, leaving all the other drawers still in the box? Or do you have to pull them all out to get to the bottom one? If you have to pull them all out, then they're not drawers. They're trays. That's a piece of information I still need.
    I see from these photos that you have five blank tiles, not just four (assuming all the tiles in the bottom tray/drawer are blank), and that the dice and dice coffin are lost, and that the booklet was originally purchased separately from the set. And I see that the upper left metal corner of the front slide is bent upwards, and that the wind discs have some discoloration. And I see now that the length measurement you gave me yesterday was actually the thickness (depth) of the tiles.
    For your second set, it would look better if your photos are either all portrait or all landscape. The mix of horizontal and vertical looks awkward when displayed in this format.

    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How much is this one worth?

    On Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 06:06:19 PM EDT, Savannah T wrote:
    Value of my set (1)
    Hey Tom,
    I bought two sets. I'm going to ask you if you can help me break down the value of the first one.
    1)
    Counters: Set contains both thin long and thicker short counters. Missing 3 reds, but may be in other set, as it appears there's too many counters upon first glance. Some counters have some smudging on the dot values. Very few have chips within the bone. Condition: Good/Very good
    Tiles: Precise dovetailing, 45% bone, 55% bamboo. Tiles are in extremely good condition with zero cracks or chipping. Circles aren't as complex as the other set, but the artwork on the flower tiles seem to be very detailed. Near 98% of tiles show no signs of age. Tiles are half an inch long, likely 1/4-1/2 thick.
    Condition: Excellent/Mint
    Rulebook: 1922 Copyright. Blue ink on second page near list of inventory. Otherwise pristine. Smells like an old book, but no other smells throughout set. Condition: Good/Very good
    Dice: present and in good condition. No visible damage. Condition: FINE
    Season Counters: comes with little container with a top, all are there and in great shape. No chipping. CONDITION: Very good/Fine
    Box: Box is around 75-80% in quality. All metal details attached. Inside there is a paper attached with an address of where it was sold "112 Market Street, San Francisco". Chalk of some sort inside with Chinese character on inside bottom. Bottom outside has stamp that reads it was transferred from China. Four drawers, sliding top.
    CONDITION: very good/fine
    Photos attached. Thank you!


    Hi, Savannah!
    I notice you didn't tell me how much you paid. I guess you want a second opinion, without coloring my thinking. I also notice you didn't give me a look at your bottom tray (the one with the extra bits), nor the booklet.
    You say those are drawers, but it looks to me like they are trays (that they stack on each other in the box, rather than rest on drawer dividers) - I can't see into the box very clearly. It's important to know whether the trays stack on each other in the box or can be slid in and out independently.
    You say "Tiles are half an inch long, likely 1/4-1/2 thick," but when I zoom in on the picture with the ruler, I see that the tiles are 0.8" wide, which means they are longer than 0.5" long.
    The bits you call "season counters" are "wind discs." FAQ 7d.
    It's odd that the tiles are in such good condition overall, while the box is not. Makes me wonder if it's a Frankensteined set. That green booklet doesn't look familiar...
    I'm going to say that I don't have enough pictorial data. I need to see pictures of the paper you mentioned and the booklet: its cover, the copyright page and first page of mah-jongg information. I need to see the stamp on the bottom. And I need better measurements of the tiles; it's okay if you use that Avery ruler that measures tenths of an inch, I can deal with tenths of an inch.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 13, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Do you have instruction for two players, or a book?

    On Friday, April 12, 2024 at 02:48:26 PM EDT, Linda B wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q A
    My mah-jongg question
    Do you have instruction for playing 2 person mah-jongg? Or a book giving instructions?
    Linda B

    Hi, Linda!
    Yes, I have 2-player instructions. See FAQ 13A if you play American (NMJL) rules, else just go to FAQ 13 and click your mah-jongg variant. And yes, I wrote a book, "The Red Dragon & The West Wind." If you play American (NMJL) rules, I also recommend you get the National Mah Jongg League's official rulebook, "Mah Jongg Made Easy.”

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 12, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I was given Mahjong in the last step of the Charleston.

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 11:27:41 PM EDT, Sue W wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    In the last step of the Charleston, the optional trade, I was given Mahjong.
    How does the paying work in that case?
    Is it considered me making the mahjong , the person who passed me the tiles, other?
    TY
    We happen to play Atomic and the Mahj I made was an atomic hand.
    TY

    Hi, Sue! You wrote:

    SW: In the last step of the Charleston, the optional trade, I was given Mahjong.
    TS: Holy cow! (Or, as my ex used to say, "Cowly ho!") You had mah-jongg at the end of the Charlestons? That's an extremely rare occurrence called "Earthly Hand." Congratulations!

    SW: How does the paying work in that case?
    Is it considered me making the mahjong
    TS: Basically, yes. Everybody pays you double. See FAQ 19-BJ.

    SW: We happen to play Atomic and the Mahj I made was an atomic hand.
    TS: Everybody pays you double whatever "atomic" is worth, just as if you'd self-picked it. Incredible, Sue! Hope you took a picture.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 11, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Do I have to expose a pung before I can chow, part 2

    On Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 06:44:47 PM EDT, John and Valerie C wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you very much Tom for prompt response. Much appreciated.
    Valerie

    Happy to help, Valerie!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper


    Do I have to expose a pung before I can chow?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 05:47:47 PM EDT, John and Valerie C wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I play the Western game of Mahjong.
    Can I pick up a chow as my first display of tiles? Or do I have to have a pung before a chow?
    I believe in Chinese game, one must have a pung before a chow?
    Thank you
    Valerie

    Hi, Valerie! You asked:

    VC: Can I pick up a chow as my first display of tiles? Or do I have to have a pung before a chow?
    TS: I have never run across such a restriction in any of the definitive books on Western (British/Australian) mah-jongg: Strauser & Evans, Thompson & Maloney, Whitney, Carkner, Headley & Seeley, Robertson...
    If you ask because somebody said something when you made a chow, you could ask them to show it to you in a rulebook. The Western restriction on chows is that in an "ordinary" hand (one not listed in the special hands), there can be no more than one chow. But there is no rule that an exposed pung is a prerequisite for making a chow.

    VC: I believe in Chinese game, one must have a pung before a chow?
    TS: No. No such rule exists. Is this perhaps a misunderstanding of the priority of conflicting calls for a discard? If next-in-turn wants the tile for a chow but another player wants it for pung, kong, or mah-jongg, it goes to the other caller (not next-in-line). But there is no rule that an exposed pung is a prerequisite for making a chow.

    I'm going to append this conversation to the Comments section of FAQ 20, which discusses frequently misunderstood rules of mah-jongg.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 10, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What does the bettor pay, part 2

    On Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 05:00:04 AM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Odette L
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Odette L
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Odette L
    PayPal

    Thank you very much, Odette!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What does the bettor pay when the bet-on threw to three exposures?

    On Monday, April 8, 2024 at 07:39:27 PM EDT, obythec wrote:
    Bettor question
    I realize it should be a table rule but we need a direction to make one.
    If a person throws to a 3rd exposure and was bet on, the person who threw
    the mj tile pays for the table but does the bettor
    pay also, part or just the person who threw it?
    Thank you!

    Hi, obythec!
    Here's the deal:
    a. The bettor bet on a non-winner.
    b. The bet-on player threw the winning tile.
    c. The winner collects double from the bet-on player because they threw the winning tile.
    d. The bettor pays the same amount the bettor pays to the winner (double value).
    e. The other non-winners pay the winner single value.
    So you see, the "3rd exposure" thing is a non-issue, since that is not part of the official rules. See FAQ 19-Y and FAQ 19-W4 and FAQ 19-CR.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 8, 2024 (eclipse day)
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 801, part 2

    On Monday, April 8, 2024 at 06:44:06 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Deborah A
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $20.00 USD from Deborah A
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $20.00 USD
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Deborah A
    PayPal

    Wow, thank, Deborah!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 8, 2024 (Eclipse day)
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Oopsie in FAQ 16, part 2

    On Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:15:40 PM EDT, Robert M wrote:
    Re: Error in FAQ for 2024 National Mah Jongg League card?
    And thanks for all your resources on Game design and publishing.
    All my life I have been an avid board gamer and have come up with many ideas throughout the years so are always interested in the topic.
    Robert

    Very cool! (^_^)


    Oopsie in FAQ 16

    On Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 07:21:17 PM EDT, Robert M wrote:
    Error in FAQ for 2024 National Mah Jongg League card?
    Just heard about your web site (some of us are late bloomers) and was reading the FAQ on the 2024 card. (https://www.sloperama.com/mjfaq/2024.html)
    I've only played Maj Jongg once before, so forgive me if I misinterpreted something.
    I noticed that for the item below, you mentioned "pairs" (see my highlighting) but I think you meant "kongs" in your explanation.

     FF 2222 44 66 8888 -or- FF 2222 44 66 8888 (Any 1 or 2 Suits)
     (2468 #5)
     Do the pairs in the 2-suit version have to be craks?
     No. It says "Any ... 2 Suits" in the parenthetical. That means, in the 2-suit version, the pairs can be any suit (just not the same suit as the pairs). The color-coding is never to be taken as standing for particular suits. Read Frequently Asked Question 19-BY and FAQ 19-J.

    From a, hopefully, future Mah-Jongg player,
    Robert M

    Good catch, Robert! I've fixed the typo. Thanks, and a tip o' the hat! 囧
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 8, 2024 (Eclipse day!)
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 801

    On Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 09:48:37 PM EDT, deba wrote:
    Clarification RE Strategy Column #801
    Hi Tom:
    You write that “if you see two even exposures two numbers apart (4s with 2s or 6s, or 8s with 6s) you can't just assume the player is working in Evens; could actually be Consec #7”. I agree with respect to a pung of 4s with a kong of 6s (could be either Evens #1 or Consecutive #7) but with any other even combinations using 2s, 4s, 6s, or 8s the structure of the exposure would reveal the player’s hand possibilities. Three examples: an exposure showing a pung of 6s and a kong of 8s (in either one or two suits) could only be Consecutive #7; an exposure showing a kong of 6s and a kong of 8s in the same suit could be either Evens #1, or Consecutive #3 but not Consecutive #7; a kong of 6s and a kong of 8s in different suits could be Evens #4 or Consecutive #3 but not Evens #1 or Consecutive #7.
    If I have misinterpreted what you wrote, please correct me.
    I am a long-time reader of your columns which have helped me to both play and teach the game.
    Best,
    Deborah

    Hi, Deborah!
    囧 Confession time: I hadn't done a direct comparison between the biannual alternators when I wrote that. I was stating a general principle that applied to biannual alternators in past years, and perhaps not as reliably as I made it sound. You have a good eye, and my hat's off to ye!
    [Edit, next morning, April 8]: In that column, I didn't specify pungs and kongs. In future columns I'll examine some two-pung exposures and two-kong exposures, as well as pung-kong and kong-pung combos.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 7, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What's it worth?

    On Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 09:02:01 PM EDT, <robinp wrote:
    MAHJONG SET
    Good morning Tom. This is a query from Australia.
    I have a mahjong set that I would appreciate your opinion as to its value.
    There are 144 tiles including 8 flower/season tiles.
    The tiles are (I believe) bone and bamboo and measure 20mm width, 28mm length, 13mm depth. The bone part is 7mm thick.
    There are no Western numbers or letters. The tiles are obviously hand carved as there are slight variations in the pictures.
    I have no knowledge of the history of the set. I bought it some 20 years ago via Ebay.
    Thank you in advance of your interest.
    Best regards
    Robin P
    Mahjong devotee

    G'day, Robin!
    As I wrote in FAQ 7h, a set's worth depends on condition, rarity, beauty, and desirability. You sent me only one picture, and you didn't tell me about the condition, and you didn't show me all the tiles in a photo large enough so I could guess as to condition -- so I have to make assumptions. I see noticeable haversian system lines on the bone, and the paint looks a little worn on some of the tiles. I don't know what condition the box is in. The carving on the Bams is unusual (circles joined by single lines), which might be of interest to a collector. You say you bought the set 20 years ago on eBay? My guess is that the set is still worth what you paid for it at that time, assuming you paid somewhere between US$20 and US$70 for it.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 7, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 2

    On Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 05:57:44 PM EDT, j m wrote:
    2024 Quint Question
    Hello...question about the second quint, 'any 2 Non-Matching Nos'. Can both numbers be odd or even? And can they be consecutive numbers? (Not sure what is considered matching since odd and even and non-consecutive numbers are showing.)
    Thanks for your time and expertise,
    Joan

    Hi, Joan! As I wrote in FAQ 16, that hand must be "any 2 non-matching numbers," which means ANY two numbers that do not match one another. Both even, both odd, whatever, as long as the two numbers are not the same.


    FAQ 16 link

    Please bookmark FAQ 16 for the next time you have a question about the 2024 NMJL card.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 7, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    My card order hasn't come through, part 2

    On Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 01:13:01 PM EDT, [anonymous] wrote:
    Cards finally arrived
    Tom,
    No need to post this message, just as info for you.
    Please remove my earlier message about this.
    Thanks for the response to my earlier email about the 2024 cards not being delivered in a timely manner.
    I finally got mine on this past Saturday, 1 week after everyone else.
    The problem was in the postal service's centralized mail processing facility in Richmond, VA.
    And, the fact that I ordered so many cards that the League put them inside a large envelope that needed to be processed in another facility from the others and further delayed them arriving.
    Thank you,
    [anonymous]

    [anonymous], The price of the responses I give is that they are posted in this public forum. If you do not want your communication to be made public, just don't email me.
    I was confident that you would receive your order from the League, and I'm glad you did. Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 7, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 802

    On Friday, April 5, 2024 at 01:52:56 PM EDT, Paula W wrote:
    Column #802
    RE: S&P #6
    I would argue that this hand is actually five pairs and four singles.
    Pairs of N, S, Soap, 2s in Suit 1, 2s in Suit 2
    Singles of E, W, 4 in Suit 1, 4 in Suit 2.
    And yes, probably overvalued. It took me awhile to get the “big hand” on the 2023 card. We’ll see how it goes on this one.
    Many thanks for your column! I enjoy reading it.
    Paula Wilson

    I agree, Paula. Five pairs it is. I think I didn't count the soaps the first time. Glad you enjoy the column!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The protocol for death challenges

    On Friday, April 5, 2024 at 01:50:06 PM EDT, Mary S wrote:
    Mahjong Q + A
    I am wondering about the protocol for calling a player’s hand dead. If a player notices that another player’s hand is dead, does the player make this call at any random point in the game, or is it only done during the caller’s turn? Thank you for sharing your expertise.
    MaryFrances S
    mf s

    Hi, Mary! I recommend calling a player dead as soon as you're sure you want to issue that challenge. Just not while another player is speaking. Don't wait until your turn (as I wrote in FAQ 19-AA.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    My card order hasn't come through yet

    On Friday, April 5, 2024 at 01:39:39 PM EDT, ████ wrote:
    Missing Maj Jongg Cards
    Tom,
    I realize that this may be a small, isolated issue, but I ordered my Mah Jongg cards from the League in January and still have not received them, even though most of my neighbors and coplayers have.
    My order was for 6 large and 2 small print cards and that may have caused the delay.
    My question is: Do you know of any distribution problems nationwide that may have caused this.
    In the past, my large order went through with no problems.
    Thanks for any insight.
    ███

    ███, I cannot help you with this matter. I imagine you will get your cards sometime soon. People on Facebook say that the cards arrive in the East coast first, and make their way west over time.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 5, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column 801

    On Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:25:39 AM EDT, Win D wrote:
    2024 Mahjong Card
    In your column #801, Consecutive Run #6
    Don’t you mean “quint chow pung pung” NOT “quint chow kong kong”?
    Love your column!
    Thanks,
    Win D.

    囧 Yes. Yes, I did. Thanks, Win.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Forgot to send the pictures, part 2

    On Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 03:50:44 PM EDT, Julius P wrote:
    Re: Forgot the pictures.
    Yes it looks like bamboo if I follow your instructions - is that correct? What do you think the entire set is worth?
    Med vänliga hälsningar, Julius P

    Yes, the tiles are made of bamboo. Condition is usually the main criterion for determing a set's value, but also rarity, beauty, and desirability. These bamboo sets were made very cheaply and sold cheaply. You didn't tell me the condition, and you didn't show me the outside of the box. I can't tell if the box is as old as the tiles. I see that one of the tiles was lost and replaced by drawing on one of the blank tiles. I don't know if all the wind discs are present. So, given that I have to assess the overall condition as FAIR, and based on my past purchases of bamboo sets, I'd have to say this is probably worth in the US$20-30 range.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Forgot to send the pictures.

    On Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 02:26:18 PM EDT, Julius P wrote:
    Forgot the pictures.
    Med vänliga hälsningar, Julius P

    囧 Hi, Julius! Looks to me like what you forgot to send was questions! I assume you wanted to ask me something about your set. Standing by...
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Donation

    On Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 12:04:28 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Burr H
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $10.00 USD from Burr H
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $10.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Quantity: 1
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Burr H
    PayPal

    Thank you, Burr!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column #800 correction

    On Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11:30:35 AM EDT, Shawn M wrote:
    back of card - rule to verbalize call
    HI Tom - the rule about verbalizing a call hasnt been deleted, just moved to #2 under "Claiming a discard"

    囧 Right you are, Shawn! Thanks!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What's in a word, part 2

    On Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11:10:51 AM EDT, DebbiAnn L wrote:
    Re: The word "call"
    Hi Tom, I have answered all the points you brought up in your speedy response, and THANK YOU!
    I LOVE your website and promote it every chance I get! I think it's the best and easiest site to navigate, and teaches the game 'in real movement' through how the game is played, from beginning to end. People can get to it easily and find the answers quickly because you cover the game questions temporally. I'm a huge fan of yours!
    Q&A answers:
    1. I have all the MJME booklets through 2024 from when I started playing. I've purchased every new edition.
    2. In the chapter, 'the play' (pg. 14, 2024 ed.)
    3. Why? A player should have to take in the 14th tile, or they're playing with too few tiles. You can't initiate your turn with a joker exchange; it's improper procedure. So...
    4. OK
    5. Thank you
    6. Well, they finally made equality with moving a wall tile...lifting a (top) or sliding a (bottom) tile fair in that any movement of a wall tile away from the construct of the wall was requirement to follow through (which I also wrote to the league about back in 2017), so why isn't picking or calling treated equitably? Fair is fair.
    I really feel this would eliminate a majority of issues that do sometimes arise from this situation. It also reinforces proper play. It's unfair to try and teach people courtesy and proper procedure and have to explain that they may miss out because they didn't slam tiles up with one hand while going for the discard with the other. For all that's said about courtesy in the game, there should be rules that don't detract from harmony and fair play. Having to physically place the discard on the flat gives ample time for a player to overcall, and then the next in turn rule applies. Seems much more fair to me than an 'oops, I already exposed' at the time you were making a call challenge, even though the other caller was quick, putting up tiles from right in front of you is infinitely quicker than reaching, taking possession, and placement of a discard on your flat.
    Thanks for all you do!
    Debbi

    Hi again, Debbi.
    1. Take a look at page 2, bottom. Doesn't it say "revised 2023" there? I know we all didn't get them until 2024... just sayin'.
    2. What wording do you want to see there? Wouldn't it be at the top of page 15?
    6. I believe the difference between the two moves is that another player can easily see (just by watching) that the player moved the face-up discard and put the same tile back, but it could be possible (with sleight of hand) to cheat by moving a face-down wall tile. At least, that's the only reason I can think of. I've played Chinese (CMCR and HK) and Japanese and Indian rules, as you know, and there's no strict "you lift it, it's yours" rule in those variants. This level of fine detail typically depends on the table/house and the stakes. If playing for hundreds of dollars rather than quarters and nickels, the anti-cheating rules can be more strict.
    As for slamming with two hands, that's just rude and inconsiderate behavior that some tables/groups permit because they enjoy an in-your-face trashtalking aggressive style of play. You may recall that when the League first announced the "already exposed" exception, I pointed out that the door was opened for slamming. I am in agreement with you that rude aggressive moves are bad. All we can really do is teach our students well, and express our disapproval when rudeness comes up in play.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What's in a word? ("Call")

    On Monday, April 1, 2024 at 09:47:02 AM EDT, DebbiAnn L wrote:
    The word "call"
    Hi Tom!
    Glad you addressed the word 'call'. Now, if only the league would address the issue fully.
    In Mah Jongg Made Easy, they refer to the situation where the 'call' for a discard allows a player to put up tiles from their hand before taking physical possession of the called discard; effectively slamming (which they claim to not promote) and shutting out another player who wants the discard and has 'called' as well. Why does the league refuse to differentiate between the 'call' and the 'take' (physical possession) of the tile? Why is a player allowed to start their turn inappropriately, with too few tiles? Why does the call become the start of a player's turn? Why isn't it a rule that the 'call' is the mere halt to the natural picking order, and then the proper player has to claim the discard off the table FIRST and place it on the flat? This would give a fair amount of time for any other player to over-call (a couple of seconds) rather than promote slamming...putting up tiles from the hand first, which takes milliseconds...and effectively shutting out the proper procedure and harmonious flow to the process of the game.
    I've written to the league since 2017 on this very subject (with SASE); received no response from the league, and feel that in addition to the slamming and the incorrect procedure, and the refusal to update/codify this rule is an antiquated nod to older players who like to play a very fast game and not follow proper procedure. Some of these fast players also have played with futures (looking ahead), so if they want to continue to play that way they can elect to ignore the rule in their home game, but everyone should learn that whether picking from the wall, or taking a discard off the table, a player's turn begins with the taking in of the 14th tile to their hand and racking it, appropriately, in or on the slope. Why is there a disconnect between a wall tile and a called discard tile as to proper procedure?
    Am I missing something here...except the league refuses to do the right thing? I know you aren't 'the league', but I feel the need to vent since the league continues to ignore the subject...and I'd like your opinion on what I've written.
    Debbi

    Hi, Debbi! You're referring to column #800, but in fact, I've been harping on the multiple meanings of "call" since 2008. As to your other comments:

    DL: In Mah Jongg Made Easy, they refer to the situation where the 'call' for a discard allows a player to put up tiles from their hand before taking physical possession of the called discard; effectively slamming (which they claim to not promote) and shutting out another player who wants the discard and has 'called' as well.
    TS: I suppose the rule assumes all players are playing at a reasonable speed and not jumping to shut out any other players. At the bottom of page 14 (MJME2023), it says players must verbalize the call. I suppose the rule assumes players verbalize before acting. Which edition of MJME are you referring to, and which page?

    DL: Why does the league refuse to differentiate between the 'call' and the 'take' (physical possession) of the tile?
    TS: In what locations in MJME2023 do you recommend this distinction be drawn?

    DL: Why is a player allowed to start their turn inappropriately, with too few tiles?
    TS: You mean allowing a player to expose from the hand before taking the discard? I think it's drawing too fine a distinction to call that "starting the turn inappropriately."

    DL: Why does the call become the start of a player's turn?
    TS: Assuming nobody else is also calling the discard, I have no problem saying that the player's turn has begun with the call. Consider that the order of play has already been interrupted (if the discarder is not seated at the caller's left), and for a valid reason.

    DL: Why isn't it a rule that the 'call' is the mere halt to the natural picking order, and then the proper player has to claim the discard off the table FIRST and place it on the flat?
    TS: I can't explain why the League has not so codified the rule.

    DL: the refusal to update/codify this rule is an antiquated nod to older players who like to play a very fast game
    TS: Sounds right.

    DL: Why is there a disconnect between a wall tile and a called discard tile as to proper procedure?
    TS: I suppose "because the two actions are different" and calling a discard can happen out of turn. The dichotomy between calling and picking exists in all variants of mah-jongg, going back well over 100 years.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Does "Opp." mean “opposite” or “opposing?”

    On Monday, April 1, 2024 at 09:47:10 AM EDT, Natasha J wrote:
    Does the NMJL abbreviation “Opp.” mean “opposite” or “opposing?”
    Does the NMJL abbreviation “Opp.” represent “opposite” or “opposing?” It appears every year and I know it means the tiles described cannot be in the same suit as the other suit(s) used, but I’ve always wondered how to read this aloud to my friends, students, and beleaguered family members.
    Example from 2024 card:
    FFFF 33 66 999 DDD (Nos. Any 1 Suit, Any Opp. Dragon)
    (369 #6)

    Hi, Natasha!
    Yes, "Opp." Means "opposite" or "opposing." I usually read it as "opposite" but that bothers my anal-retentive side because when you have three things, are two of them really "opposite" the first? Say it whichever way works for you.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Will you host a webinar this year?

    Leslye G
    Facebook
    You're not friends on Facebook
    Hi Tom, Mah Jongg enthusiast here. If I recall correctly, you've done webinars following the release of the new card. If this is correct, will you be hosting one this year? Thank you, Leslye
    If you reply, Leslye G will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages.

    Hi, Leslye!
    I didn't think of it as a webinar exactly, and I didn't host it. Someone else set it up and invited me. When was that? During the height of the pandemic? I prefer doing my card analyses in writing. No plan to stream an analysis. And actually, I'm not done with the analysis yet (I don't like to rush it). But thanks for asking! btw, have you seen FAQ 16 and my recent columns?
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    April 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Backsies! Undo! Part 2

    On Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 08:31:11 PM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Kala P
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Kala P
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Kala P
    Message: Thank you
    PayPal

    Thank you, Kala!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 31, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Backsies! Undo! The "change of heart" rules

    On Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 07:16:11 PM EDT, Kala P wrote:
    Question?
    Hi again,
    Two scenarios.
    1. If “mahjong” is declared in error and the person has 4 6dots exposed and called for a 5 dot and exposed it with a joker and another 5 dot. Can she rescind her call, since she has 5 other?? jokers and can she change her hand from Quints to Consecutive and continue play?
    2. Also, if she did expose all the tiles before she realized her mistake. She played the Quints 2,3,4,5 by mistake with 4,5,6,7 not realizing that “it was these numbers only - 2, 3, 4, 5 - can she put her tiles back (the 4s and 7s) throw a 4 dot to change her hand and continue playing?
    I hope you can understand. It seems a little confusing ?? to say the least!
    Kala P
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Kala! You asked:

    1. Can she rescind her call...
    A: No. See FAQ 19-AM. Once tiles have gone up atop the rack, there are no "backsies."

    1½. can she change her hand from Quints to Consecutive and continue play?
    A: Yes. See FAQ 19-AF. As long as she hasn't discarded yet, she can change her exposure. She can change the hand she's targeting anytime she wants or needs.

    2. can she put her tiles back (the 4s and 7s) throw a 4 dot to change her hand and continue playing?
    A: No. FAQ 19-AM again covers this "change of heart" situation.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 30, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2024 NMJL card, part 1

    On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 08:29:15 PM EDT, Randy L wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Hi Tom, I read your 2024 Q&A on the 2nd quint with 2 non matching numbers but what also needs to be addressed besides 2 different suits, and 2 different numbers is can they both be odds or both be evens? Definitely not clear if that fits in the non-matching category. Does non-matching mean one odd and one even number?
    -Randy

    Hi, Randy!
    No, "non-matching" just means "not the same number." Odd, even... it doesn't matter. I'll add this to FAQ 16 (good job finding that, by the way).
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    FAQ 16 link for 2024


    Column #799, part 3
    On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 04:57:24 PM EDT, Lynn B wrote:
    Re: 2024 Card
    Hahahaha

    [LOL emoji]
    Tom


    Column #799, part 2
    On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 03:37:33 PM EDT, Lynn B wrote:
    Re: 2024 Card
    [thumbs-up emoji]
    Actually, since the 2013 card (when I started playing) that hand has been on the card 9 of those 12 years.

    So it has, Lynn! I guess we can call it an "intermittent biannual alternator!"
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Column #799

    On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 12:08:58 PM EDT, Lynn B wrote:
    2024 Card
    Hi Tom,
    Thanks for your analysis.
    I'm thinking there are 5 biannual alternates on this year's card: Year 1, Even 1,CR 7, Odd 2, and 369 1.
    It's crazy how many new hands there are on this new card--so innovative.
    Take care...I sure do appreciate all you do for the American MJ community!!
    Lynn

    Interesting, Lynn! I never noticed that "year hands" biannual variation before, and I overlooked the others.

  • Year #1: I see now that it always begins with a pung of twos, but then the variation is in the zeroes: this year it's a pung, but last year it was a kong. It, too (like Consec #7) is a "2 pungs and 2 kongs" hand. This has been a biannual variation since 2021, and I hadn't noticed. Good eye!
  • Evens #1 and Odds #2 and 369 #1: you're right, the "2 pungs and 2 kongs" hands do alternate in Odds and Evens and 369. In fact, those hands are a major source of Consec #7's power.
    Anyway, I needed to revise my pie chart...

    Thanks, Lynn!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How old? Where from? Part 2

    On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 09:05:53 AM EDT, Gerardo G wrote:
    Re: Question regarding age and origin of a Mah-Jongg set
    Hello Tom!
    Thank you for your quick reply. I appreciate the information about it and I am going to look further into the suggested column. :)
    Best regards,
    gerardo.

    You're welcome, Gerardo!


    How old? Where from?

    On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 06:32:34 AM EDT, Gerardo G wrote:
    Question regarding age and origin of a Mah-Jongg set
    Dear Mr. Sloper,
    I hope this email finds you well.
    A couple of weeks ago I have purchased a Mah-Jongg set at an auction and while trying to find out a little more about its origin and date, I came across your site.
    Could you please provide some information regarding the age and origin from the included pictures when possible?
    Below is the question checklist from FAQ 7g.
    Thank you for your help!
    Best regards,
    gerardo.
    1- The set consists of tiles, and sticks, no other items like dice nor wind indicators or racks. It is packed in a wooden box with an engraved front vertical lid and it has five drawers, four slim for the tiles and a fifth of double height for the sticks. All sticks appear to be made of bone. There are: 33 marked with two dots, 34 marked with ten dots, 31 marked with 1 dot, eight marked with five dots.
    2- The set contains a small booklet in Spanish, referring to the game as Mah-Jongg. The wind tiles, however, are marked in English (E, W, N, S) and not in Spanish (E, O, N, S). There are no indications neither of author nor date.
    3- The set as well as the sticks appear to be made of bone. There are tiles that show signs of the Haversian system.
    4- The set has been recently purchased in an auction, so no historic information regarding the origin of the set is available.
    5- The tiles are 20x28mm. The depth is 12mm, 3mm bone and 9mm wood (bamboo?)
    6- The set has 144 tiles and two blanks. It appears that in its original state it had four blanks but two were used to replace 1 bams and 4 bams tiles, as these two pieces show a different and more rustic engraving style. The remaining two blanks have the name of a previous owner engraved.
    7- The container is made of reddish wood, fairly weathered. The corners have slim metal protectors that are incomplete. It used to have two handles on the top, but only one remains. One of the shelves appears to have been replaced by a newer one and also the bottom drawer might have some parts replaced. The drawers have bronze handles, some of which are missing.
    8- Cracks are of the older kind.
    9, 10, 11 - A picture of 1 bams, dragons and flowers is included.
    12- There are no jokers in the set.
    On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 07:46:55 AM EDT, Gerardo G wrote:
    Re: Question regarding age and origin of a Mah-Jongg set
    Dear Mr. Sloper,
    I have just realized that I did not include any tile picture showing the sides. Please find one attached.
    Thank you!
    Best regards,
    gerardo.

    Hi, Gerardo! It's about 100 years old and it was made in China. Take a look at column 610.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 27, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I can't find info on the 2023 card, part 2

    On Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 09:17:01 AM EDT, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Diane B
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $20.00 USD from Diane B.
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $20.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Diane B
    Message: Thank you for all of your insight.
    PayPal

    Thank you, Diane!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 26, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I can't find info on the 2023 card.

    On Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 08:23:47 AM EDT, Pepper B wrote:
    ?
    Sorry, but I can't find info on the 2023 card.
    I have a question on the 2023 section.
    Diane

    Hi, Diane!
    The 2023 card FAQs is at https://sloperama.com/mjfaq/2023.html.


    FAQ 16 link for 2023

    As soon as the 2024 card comes out, the FAQs for that card will be at https://sloperama.com/mjfaq/2024.html. Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 26, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Why do my tiles look like this?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Friday, March 22, 2024 at 09:01:06 AM EDT, Irene G wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: This mahjongg set is different from my others. It is shiny, vibrant, very smooth, and deeply engraved. It appears marbleized on the inside. Can you help me to know why this set looks like this?

    Hi, Irene! Those tiles look like that because the manufacturer thought that looked nice and would sell.
    I imagine you might be wondering not only "why" but "how." It looks to me like two mixtures were poured together into the mold: translucent, and opaque. As they mixed together, that marbleized "applejuice" look was achieved, much the same way cream poured into coffee or tea swirls around. But the difference with the plastic mixture is that it didn't homogenize the way cream totally combines with the coffee or tea, creating that marbleized look.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 22, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Wrong player rolled the dice, part 2

    Re: throwing in and starting over
    On Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 07:18:00 PM EDT, Dottie T wrote:
    Thank you for your quick response. I knew that rule however I took that to mean the game had already begun when the error was discovered as it says, "play continues" ie: Charleston complete and East threw at least the first discard bc 'play' doesn't really begin until first discard. My question had to do with what if it's discovered prior to "play" such as maybe incorrect player rolls dice, breaks wall, takes tiles and next player realizes that the player who rolled is not supposed to be East.
    I was trying to save the $1.36 it now costs to get an answer from the league. Thank you again for replying so quickly.
    Best Regards,
    DOTTIE T

    Hi again, Dottie - you're thinking that the rule might not kick in, depending on timing - how far into the incorrect deal the error is discovered. As I see it, the rule kicks in when the wrong player rolls and breaks the wall and other players take tiles. At this point, if you really think the tiles ought to be thrown in, and the others agree, then fine, you can do that. But most people wouldn't want to reshuffle and rebuild. Maybe the players can't perfectly "roll back" their moves. The lesser evil, then, is to just continue, and fix it on the next dice roll.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated

    P.S. I hadn't heard of this $1.36 thing.


    Wrong player rolled the dice and began the deal. What now?

    On Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 09:04:24 PM EDT, Dottie T wrote:
    throwing in and starting over
    Player A was East first and the hand is completed, tiles mixed and walls built. If player C rolls dice and breaks wall, begins the deal and all others follow bc no one is paying attention until finally Player B realizes they should've been East as the Charleston is either under way or not but no tile has been discarded when the error is noticed. Does the Charleston & play continue with Player C being East? If yes, is player B next East, then D or C?
    Thank you,
    DOTTIE T

    Hi, Dottie! This is rule 5 on page 17 of MJME2023.

    Player C "incorrectly assumed position of East." Play through the hand, and then the next hand Player B will roll the dice. After Player B's turn as East, skip Player C and give the dice to Player D.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 20, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Where can I find mah-jongg shops in either Okinawa or Kyoto?

    On Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:03:31 AM EDT, Shaun H wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Where can I find mah-jongg shops in either Okinawa or Kyoto?
    Sent from my iPhone

    囧 Sorry, Shaun, but I've never been to Okinawa and I haven't been to Kyoto in over 30 years (and did not do any mah-jongg shopping on that trip). If you can't do a Google search in Japanese, then maybe your hotel concierge can help.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    First day of spring, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    I'm trying to make my own tiles

    Riverside Woodwrights
    Facebook
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    Lives in Conway, South Carolina
    Tue 6:29 PM
    Hi there!
    My name is Glenn C, and I am a 23 year old woodworker from South Carolina. My aunt and I have embarked on trying to make our own mah-jongg tiles. She created some artwork, and I have a laser to engrave the custom designs on the faces of the tiles. There is a huge lack of information about the process of making the tiles themselves, especially without a giant factory somewhere to cast the pieces individually. I happened across your site while digging for info and saw that you had quite the understanding of different plastics and some of the processes that go into making the tiles. I am currently making them out of 1/2” acrylic but I’m struggling with the round over along each edge (front and back). I’ve tried using a rock tumbler and it only slightly rounds the edges- Nowhere near the degree of the round over on most of the tiles on the market. I’m sure you are busy, but if you happen to have any time to chat on the phone or via email or text, I would really appreciate it! I’ve been brainstorming, researching, and testing out different methods and materials for weeks and have determined I need an expert! So I guess that’s you!
    Hope to talk soon,
    If you reply, Riverside Woodwrights will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages.

    Hi, Glenn!
    I'm afraid you misunderstand my level of knowledge into making tiles. I did used to be a modelmaker (engineering processes, electronic toy prototypes), so I am familiar with acrylic. Worked a lot with plexiglas. So I gather that you're taking sheets of 1/2" material and sawing it into rectangles? Then you'd need to sand and polish the saw cuts, right? I have Chinese-made sawn tiles in my collection, complete with circular saw marks and sharp edges.
    I've never tumbled rocks but I assume tumbling would scuff the faces of the tiles. You want to fillet the edges, not chamfer or bevel them. The only thing I can think of for that would be a milling machine. It would be a time-consuming process. Or maybe you can set up a table-mounted router.
    I don't know for sure how the manufacturers do it, but I imagine they mold or cast the pieces to make blank tiles with rounded edges. In Hong Kong, I saw carvers take those blank tiles and actually carve the designs by hand. I don't know how well a laser would work on that material, so you're ahead of me there.
    I hope you find this reply on my bulletin board. Good luck!
    May the tiles be with you. Literally!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 16, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Any thoughts on what happened here?

    On Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 11:36:56 PM EDT, Katherine G wrote:
    Mah-Jong Q+A
    Hello,
    I’m located in Australia and purchased this mahjong set on EBay from a seller in the UK.
    I during the shipping I was informed that it was a restricted item and it can’t be delivered. EBay refunded me the purchase price and postage.
    Maybe you have any thoughts on this?
    Thanks
    Kate

    G'day, Kate! I can only imagine 2 possibilities for why a mah-jongg set might be "restricted." Either somebody in Australian postal customs thinks mah-jongg sets are made of ivory, or they think it has real jade in it when "jade" is being used in the eBay writeup to describe the color. Ivory is a restricted material because of elephant poaching endangering the species. I just asked Google if jade is a restricted substance, and found that jade "may not be imported into the United States unless the importer certifies (see paragraph (d) of this section) that those jadeite or rubies were mined or extracted from a country other than Burma and possesses the documents" - so, maybe slave labor and/or child labor in the mines in Burma (Myanmar). I suppose there are similar restrictions in Australia. Your UK seller may have mentioned "jade" in the shipping documents. That's all I can think of.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Pi Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How to handle odd numbers of players, part 2

    On Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 09:03:59 PM EST, Shea W wrote:
    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    Thank you!

    You're welcome. Wish my reply could have offered some solutions!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    How to handle odd numbers of players at our club gatherings?

    On Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 04:07:30 PM EST, Shea W wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I belong to a club that hosts American mah-jongg play on Saturday mornings. Our goal is all tables of four, but sometimes the numbers are odd. The organizer will set up a 3-person table and Siamese table over having someone sit out as a floater. However, some people have been critical of this approach when they rotate and go from a four-person game to a 3- or 2-person table. The group does not want to have a 5th person as a “bettor.” Do you have any recommendations on how to manage this situation?

    囧 I wish I had a magic solution for you, Shea. But the problem is people who are never satisfied with a reasonable solution to an unfixable problem. If the group doesn't want a bettor, then the 5th player doesn't have to bet. There are always selfish players who want their own play experience at maximum enjoyment, even it it's at the expense of someone else. They always want the full 4-player experience all the time, but dangit, that's just not always possible in a club setting.
    Personally, I'm not enough of a warm-and-fuzzy people-person to be able to mollify those people. I'd get impatient and frustrated at their insistence that they never have to change seats or move to another table with fewer players or (horrors!) sit out a round, and I'd want to give the thankless job of organizer to some other poor sucker.
    For what it's worth, I discussed table rotation in FAQ 27 and in FAQ 21. See if any ideas in there might be worth discussing with your club. But if it means anything, I think the idea of 3-player and Siamese tables are reasonable.
    Have you ever gotten all the players to sit and discuss the problem and arrive at a group consensus on this intractable problem? Getting them to agree and set rules for themselves may help. "This is what we all agreed to, now quitcher bitchin'!"
    But I know that would also be a challenge... [sigh!]
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Replacing flower tiles, part 2

    On Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 07:26:11 PM EST, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Patricia P
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Patricia P.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Quantity: 1
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Patricia P
    Message: Thank you!
    PayPal

    You're welcome and thank YOU, Patricia!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 6, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"


    Replacing flower tiles after the deal (Chinese mah-jongg)

    On Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 03:44:41 PM EST, Patricia P wrote:
    Flower wall replacements - Chinese Mahjong
    After the deal - the dealer has a flower and replaces it from the flower wall. Question: should the dealer look at her replacement before continuing to other players and their flowers ( in case it is another flower)?
    Two of our players are arguing about this. Thank you so much for your help!

    Yes, Patricia. The flower replacement procedure following the deal is described in my book on pages 132-133. I have played in China, and I guarantee that it's correct for the dealer to continue replacing flowers until they are completely finished, before gesturing to South to proceed. Then South does the same: replaces any flowers they hold or pick, then gestures to West, and so on. It sometimes happens that a player picks a flower and has to replace that immediately before gesturing to the next player. Players wait with good humor while this process plays out. There is verbalization during this process. The Chinese say "hwar" or "hwa" ("flower") each time a replacement tile is taken. Sometimes, as you said, another flower is picked, and sometimes another after that. "Hwar, hwar, hwar..." A group chuckle can be heard when a succession of flowers sprouts up like that. When a player has no flowers, they say "mei yo" (sounds like "mayo") so the next player can say whether or not they have flowers. Of course, you folks can say "flower" instead of "hwar," and "nope" or "nuttin', honey," instead of "mei yo."

    I have to wonder what process your opposing-view player imagines? Dealer replaces one flower, then South says "mei yo," then West replaces one flower, then North says "mei yo," and then East replaces a second flower, then go around the table yet again?? The Chinese way just makes more sense.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 6, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Do you think this set, part 3

    On Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 12:09:54 PM EST, Sarita N wrote:
    I think it’s missing tiles
    I haven’t a clue what P stands for but I see only 4 flowers. How old could this set be? It looks incomplete to me. It belonged to my step mother who today would be over 103. I’m thinking it’s from the 40’s. I don’t know what I could do with these tiles. Any suggestions?
    Sarita
    Download all attachments as a zip file IMG_2553 .jpg 164.3kB IMG_2554 .jpg 240.9kB IMG_2555 .jpg 210.3kB IMG_2556 .jpg 209.8kB


    Yes, Sarita, the set is incomplete. It cannot be used to play American-style mah-jongg. It can be used to play Chinese mah-jongg, but without flowers. It's pretty worthless as is. The only people who might want it are collectors who have similar sets, to use for its parts. If you enjoy long and slow torture, you could try to obtain replacement tiles.
    Sarita, if you have further questions, I recommend you take a look at some of the articles in FAQ 7. You can learn about mah-jongg sets, what they're made of, what mystery tiles they can contain, and lots more.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Do you think this set is from the 50’s, part 2
    On Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 09:06:58 AM EST, Sarita N wrote:
    Hope this better helps to identify the age of this set. Thank you for your help. The racks I assume are a marble plastic . I thought they were so different from others I’ve seen. For the age of this set I think it’s in decent condition. Your thoughts.
    Sarita
    Sent from my iPhone
    Download all attachments as a zip file IMG_2539 .jpg 210.3kB IMG_2540 .jpg 245.3kB IMG_2541 .jpg 234.6kB IMG_2542 .jpg 247kB IMG_2543 .jpg 241.4kB IMG_2544 .jpg 215.1kB IMG_2545 .jpg 247kB IMG_2546 .jpg 228.5kB IMG_2547 .jpg 209.9kB IMG_2549 .jpg 209.2kB IMG_2550 .jpg 114.9kB IMG_2551 .jpg 167.2kB IMG_2552 .jpg 229.6kB

    I only needed this one photo for the age question, Sarita. At 640x480 pixels, it's the second-smallest common size of digital photo. I needed to zoom in on it to count the flowers/seasons/jokers. It appears that the set came with 28 flowers/seasons. As you can see by the chart in column 509, the National Mah Jongg League required 24 flowers from 1950 to 1955. They never required more than 24, so apparently this set's American manufacturer was basing its inclusion of 28 flowers on the possibility that the League would again increase the flower count. So the answer is yes, surely the set is from the 1950s.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Do you think this set is from the 50’s? I wonder what material the tiles are made of.

    On Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 02:41:50 AM EST, Sarita N wrote:
    Mah Jongg age?
    This set belongs to a 90 yr old lady who said she played back in the 60’s. Do you think this set is from the 50’s?
    The tiles have a slight pale green tint to them. I wonder what the actual material the tiles are made of. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I put Joker stickers on 8 of the extra seasons tiles so that she could play American Mah Jongg
    Sent from my iPhone
    Download all attachments as a zip file IMG_2533 .jpg 106.4kB IMG_2534 .jpg 106.7kB IMG_2535 .jpg 108kB IMG_2537 .jpg 113.9kB

    Hi, Sarita!
    So, you asked two questions:

    SN: What are the tiles made of?
    TS: Plastic, probably Catalin. See FAQ 7c and FAQ 7c3.

    SN: Do you think this set is from the 50’s?
    TS: Probably, but you didn't tell me enough information, and you didn't send me a reasonable-size photo of all the tiles (320x240 pixels, the size you sent, is just about the smallest possible size of digital photograph). I need to see all the tiles laid out the way Barry P did on December 17, farther down this board (the way I asked for in FAQ 7g).

    With a view of exactly how many tiles there are, especially how many flowers and jokers, I can make a guess as to an American-style set's date of manufacture based on how many flowers and jokers the National Mah Jongg League required for playing NMJL rules in years past. I made a chart in column 509, and I shared that chart below, in the post titled "What's the history of jokers and flowers?" in response to Judy H on August 17. The only thing I can tell you is that, since you had to sticker 8 extra seasons/flowers, the set was probably made before 1960. And since there were at least 8 extras, the set was probably made after 1946. The set's date of manufacture could be narrowed down if it was known how many flowers the set originally came with.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Looking for a database, part 2

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Friday, March 1, 2024 at 04:58:12 PM EST, Wesley M wrote:
    Thanks for your speedy reply, and thanks for collecting all this content. It certainly helped me get into the game after numerous false starts.

    You're welcome, Wesley!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Looking for a database of past NMJL cards

    On Friday, March 1, 2024 at 02:47:52 PM EST, Wesley M wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Do you know of any database of prior mah-jongg cards? I haven’t been able to find any such record, and it seems a shame for that knowledge to be lost over the years. I know the NMJL takes copyright seriously — I’m only looking for cards that are no longer in play to see trends over time and understand the history.
    Thanks!
    Wesley May

    There is no such database, Wesley. What we collectors do is laboriously, year after year, scour eBay and other auction sites waiting for old cards to come up for sale.
    That said, I had an exchange with Judy H on August 17, 2023 about trends over time gleaned from my own collection of past cards (which definitely has gaps!). You can scroll down to the post titled "What's the history of jokers and flowers?" To a future reader: if that post has fallen off the bottom of the board, just click the left-pointing hand (very bottom of this board) to go back in time and find the post.
    So, Wesley, if the trends and history you're interested in is the evolution of NMJL rules, I think my August 17 reply to Judy H should be of some help to you!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Need someone to teach my group Chinese mah-jongg next week

    On Friday, March 1, 2024 at 03:49:05 PM EST, Christine <christine.berberiangmail.com> wrote:
    Looking for Chinese tile mahjong instructor
    Hello,
    I’m hosting a group of women on March 7 and looking for Someone to teach us the Chinese tile mahjong version. I hope you can help or if you know anyone who can.
    Thank you,
    Christine

    Hi, Christine! I have a list of instructors in FAQ 4a. They're listed by geographical location. Your query is also posted in the Find Players/Teachers bulletin board - maybe a teacher will see your query and contact you... maybe. But you didn't mention what city, state, zip code, or country you're in...
    Good luck!

    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    March 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    This happened in a tournament...

    On Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 01:25:31 PM EST, Joanne M wrote:
    Mah jongg Tile on the floor
    During our mah jongg tournament, as players played at two nearby tables, a 7 Dot tile was noticed on the floor. We did not know whose table it came from, and when questioned about it during play, each person claimed that the tile was not from their table. Play continued, and then one person from each of those two tables called mah jongg. ( at different times)
    But a person from one of these tables said that it was not a valid mah jongg since there was a tile on the floor. No one knew at what point the 7 Dot tile landed on the floor, since it was only discovered there (by me) until mid game at each table. So is the disputed mahjongg valid or not?
    The judges ruled that the mah jongg at that table was still valid because no one claimed it was from their table when they were asked about it. We learned later that the 7 Dot tile was from that disputed mah jongg table.
    I LOVE your site! It has helped me many times. Perhaps your answer will help me again. Thank you, Tom.
    Joanne M

    The judges ruled correctly, Joanne. The time to call a game invalid is upon discovery of the problem, not after the [possibly-ruined] game is played through to the end. The players at both tables chose to continue playing - thereby validating the wins.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Leap Year Day, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How old is it and what's it made of

    On Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 05:24:08 PM EST, Sierra N wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Inquiry
    Hello there! To start I just wanted to say what an amazing website you’ve created and put so much time and energy into! I’m new to the world of Mah-Jongg but your site was an amazing source of information and answered questions I didn’t even know I had. I found a set at a thrift store that I couldn’t live without and am hoping you can help me identify how old it is and the materials it’s made of.
    My set includes 144 playing tiles and 4 blank extra tiles. It has 88 point sticks (x36 single, x35 8 dots, x5 8 dots that have been marked with an additional dot using a marker, x8 5 dots, and x4 with 9 dots) and 4 very small dice with a large red dot marking #1. It has a red velvet fabric wrapped case and trays for each suite of tiles the counting sticks and dice. It looks like the back of all the tiles could be bamboo and the tiles themselves appear to glow green under UV blacklight (picture attached of this). The 1 of bamboo is a peacock and the set has season and flower tiles. The manual suggests this set is meant to be played as the four winds version and goes into very detailed rules and different scenarios you may encounter while playing. The manual is in English, but I felt like I was reading another language lol.
    I would say this set is in nearly perfect condition. Other than the 8 counting sticks that were intentionally marked it has clearly been well looked after. The instruction manual looks brand new and the case has some wear on the outside corners but inside is in very good condition.
    My best guess is that the tiles are bone based on how they look under UV light and that I can’t identify any patterns that ivory tiles would contain. When they are all in the case it has a pretty good weight to it.
    I cannot find any other sets online that are manufactured by the same company as this one and therefore am unable to find anything about when it could’ve been produced. Which is exactly what led me to you!
    Height: 5/8 inch total but the white part is exactly 1/2 inch
    Width: 3/4 inch
    Length: 1 inch
    This set consists of the complete suits of dots, bamboo, craks, winds, x8 flowers, dragons and x4 blank tiles.
    (see above)
    The case that the set came in is like a briefcase. It has red velvet fabric on the outside and is made of wood. Inside the case are cardboard trays wrapped in similar fabric as the case. On the outside of the case there are two metal folding locks and a plastic handle.
    The container has some damage on the outside corners where the fabric has begun to separate a bit but inside the case is clean and overall is in good condition.
    It came with an extremely detailed manual on how to play “Mah-Jongg Chinese game of Four Winds” that is in excellent condition.
    The craks appear to be more modern in style.
    This set does not have any jokers as far as I can tell.


    Really looking forward to hearing back from you!
    -Sierra :)

    Hi, Sierra! Sorry for the delay. My webhost hadn't renewed my site's certificate, so I couldn't post this last night.

    You asked "how old it is and the materials it’s made of." It was probably made circa 1990 (give or take a decade), and the tile fronts are made of plastic (not bone). The tile backs look like bamboo but are really plastic. I have several similar style sets. They're slightly different from most sets made in Japan; they might be of Korean manufacture.

    You said, "When they are all in the case it has a pretty good weight to it." Right, plastic is heavier than bone, and some Asian manufacturers add some metal inside for weight (and for working in an automatic table).

    You also said, "The manual is in English, but I felt like I was reading another language lol." Yes, that is a ubiquitous and infamous manual, much despised in the English-speaking world because it's frankly unintelligible.

    You said, "The manual suggests this set is meant to be played as the four winds version..." Nobody can tell what variant is being described. But there is no "four winds version."

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 28, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Where can I find out the rules and penalties for certain actions?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:04:53 AM EST, stephanie k wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Where can I find out the rules and penalties for certain actions? For example, touching a rack. I’ll but changing your mind and wanting to call a tile. I know that’s not allowed because once you touch it, it’s yours. Another example, if you throw a tile and miss call it what are the repercussions? I’m looking for scenarios and situations and the explanation on how they are dealt with.
    Thank you so much !
    From Stephanie....Sent from my iPhone??

    Hi, Stephanie! You wrote:

    SK: Where can I find out the rules and penalties for certain actions?
    TS: There is an official rulebook published by the National Mah Jongg League, it's called Mah Jongg Made Easy ("MJME"). And I wrote a book that describes the official rules, too. It's called The Red Dragon & The West Wind ("RDWW"). There are other books, too. They're listed in FAQ 3.
    If you would rather find answers online, my FAQ 19 answers the most frequently asked questions about NMJL rules.

    So, that's where! I recommend you buy the official rulebook at least, and bookmark FAQ 19.

    SK: For example, touching a rack.
    TS: In MJME2023, you'll find a recommendation that a player never touch another player's tiles. In FAQ 19, that recommendation is cited in FAQ 19-CF. As for RDWW, this is mentioned in the errata (page 58).

    SK: I’ll but changing your mind and wanting to call a tile. I know that’s not allowed because once you touch it, it’s yours.
    TS: I've gathered all the "change of heart" rules in FAQ 19-AM. This one is listed in MJME2023 on page 18, rule 13. And your understanding of it is wrong. You can move a discard, and you can change your mind about taking it as long as you didn't put it on your rack. FAQ 19-AM-2.

    SK: if you throw a tile and miss call it what are the repercussions?
    TS: That depends on what happens after you misname the discard. See the back of the card ("MISCALLED TILE", middle top of the card). Also, FAQ 19-AY lists all the frequently-asked errors resulting from misnaming a discard. In MJME2023, see page 16, rule 3.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    2/22/2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The unwritten rule that you should have 8 tiles towards a hand

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 04:21:50 AM EST, Mark C wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Hi with regard to “special” or “limit” hands I have seen somewhere that the unwritten rule is that you need 8 or your initial 13 tiles to be in place in order to make it worth going for one of these even if they are still likely to fail. Any thoughts on this ? (British rules)
    Mark C

    Hi, Mark.
    Just to be clear, rules are completely different from strategy principles. And etiquette is a third completely different set of guidelines. The British game has rulebooks that spell out the rules. It's also likely that the rulebooks mention some but not all strategy and etiquette principles. In fact, many of the rules, strategies, and etiquette guidelines in the British game are also applicable to other variants.

    This concept you mentioned, having 8 tiles towards a particular hand, is a strategy principle, not a rule. And it has a counterpart in American and Japanese mah-jongg (two of my favorite variants). Some people say you should have 7 tiles towards a hand before attempting that hand. Some say 8. Strategies are for the individual player to work out for themselves over time, trying them, to varying degrees of success. If I have 7 tiles towards a special hand in my initial deal, I'd probably go for it, at least starting out, but I'd keep my options open for a regular hand. If I have 8 tiles towards a special hand, I'd definitely want to go for it. And I'd probably still keep my options open for as long as practical.

    If you're interested in more strategy principles, check out FAQ 8.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    2/22/24
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Why are the S&P hands marked C, part 2

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 10:10:23 PM EST, Donna D wrote:
    Tom,
    Thanks for the fast response.
    Donna
    Sent from my iPad

    You're welcome, Donna! Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Why are the S&P hands marked C?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 07:09:36 PM EST, Donna D wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    You cannot draw a tile to complete any part of any of the hands in Singles and Pairs - why are those hands still designated as Concealed?
    D D
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Donna! Those hands are the very meaning of Concealed! The entire hand is concealed on the sloping front of the rack until it's exposed all at once. In the case of the S&P hands, the hand can't be exposed until then anyway. If that isn't concealment, I don't know what is.
    There are also hands on the card (often at the bottom of a family of hands) that are "arbitrarily" marked Concealed, intentionally by the card designers, often to force the hand to not be ridiculously easy (like all 4-pung hands). Those ex-S&P hands aren't Concealed by definition but rather by design (they're Concealed only because the card says so).
    I usually don't try to justify rules I didn't make. But I can see another reason why the C designation makes sense: Given that the S&P hands have to be marked either X or C, you couldn't mark them X, since it's not possible to make exposures. Nothing can be exposed in an S&P hand, so by definition, it's a Concealed hand.
    So what do you think? Make sense?
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Question about the 2023 NMJL card, part 26

    On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 04:02:28 PM EST, Carol P wrote:
    111 2222 111 2222
    Greetings,
    under consecutive run
    this pattern says any 2 suits - clear
    any 2 consec nos - question
    doesn't each set have to matching nos ?
    example : can 444 5555 with 222 3333 be a mah jongg?
    thank you
    Carol

    You are correct, Carol. If the card shows 111 2222 111 2222 (as it does in Consec. Run #6 on the 2023 card), then the two pungs must be the same number but two different suits, and the two kongs must be the consecutive number after the pungs, in the same two suits.
    But the example you gave, 444 5555 222 3333, is a different legal hand, Consec. Run #2 (since the 4s and 5s follow consecutively after the 2s and 3s). You can't claim Consec Run #6 if you make Consec. Run #2.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated

    P.S. I've now added this hand to FAQ 16.



    FAQ 16 link


    Shouldn't I have won, part 2

    Re: Mahj ?
    On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 12:54:08 PM EST, Robin P wrote:
    Hi Tom.
    Thanks for your fast reply. The lady clearly heard me, but felt i should have said “wait or hold up”. Therefore she just kept going w her turn.
    You’re the best!
    Thanks!

    Robin, you wrote:

    RP: The lady clearly heard me, but felt i should have said “wait or hold up”. Therefore she just kept going w her turn.
    TS: Well, then, on the face of it, that wasn't very nice, was it?

    RP: You’re the best!
    TS: Aw, shucks.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Banned during the Cultural Revolution, part 2

    Re: question re "original" Chinese rules of play
    On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 08:10:26 AM EST, Gregg Swain wrote:
    Dear Tom
    Thank you so much for all of this information. I’m delighted you’ve added this question and answer to your site.
    All best
    Gregg
    PS: All those calculations original to the game took away from the number of games that could be played. Hurrah for simplicity!
    Sent from my iPhone

    May the tiles be with you, Gregg!


    Shouldn't I have won?

    On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 08:21:53 PM EST, Robin P wrote:
    Mahj ?
    Hi.
    Player across from me plays a 2crack. I say what did u say? The player to my left proceeds to scoops up her next tile from the wall and discards it…..JUST as i say again, Susie, what did u say?
    Susie says OH 2 crack.
    I say mahjong.
    Player to my left goes u can’t take that i already drew and discarded. I said I asked her twice what she said.
    Player to my left says no u have to say wait a minute or hold up.
    I know the rules on when ur turn starts and ends etc. I think in this situation I had mahjong.
    What do you think?
    Thanks ?????
    Good health and peace to you??Robin P

    Hi, Robin!
    Sorry that your emojis didn't survive the conversion from email to web.
    The player at your left was correct. You should have spoken more forcefully when you could not hear the name of the discard. Going forward, I recommend that you keep an eye on what the other players are doing at all times. If it ever happens again that you miss your mahj tile, it's recommended that you not say or do anything that clues the other players as to what you need.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 21, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Banned during the Cultural Revolution

    On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:52:01 AM EST, Gregg Swain wrote:
    question re "original" Chinese rules of play
    Hi Tom
    When I was giving a talk at a library the other day, someone asked if the "style of play" banned during the Cultural Revolution was played anywhere these days. I didn't see the answer to this in your book.
    Hoping all is well.
    Best
    Gregg

    Hi, Gregg! Nice to hear from you.
    I checked FAQ 11-H to see if the Cultural Revolution was mentioned there, with hopes of finding out when that was. My mah-jongg timeline didn't say (it just said "China's Cultural Revolution briefly spilled into Hong Kong with street riots." Wikipedia says the Cultural Revolution started in 1966. So I'll add that to FAQ 11-H.
    I'm pretty sure Chinese Classical had already splintered into numerous regional variants by 1966. Chairman Mao didn't outlaw just one variant. He outlawed all gambling, and I'm sure mah-jongg players lived in fear of being tattled upon if they even played solitaire games as long as the Chairman ruled the Middle Kingdom.
    The variant that held sway in the 1920s is referred to today as "Chinese Classical," but it is not "the original." The rules went through an evolution from the 1860s and leading up to the 1920s. FAQ 11-F discusses the "original" rules, based on historical discussions on the old rec.games.mahjong newsgroup, and writings found by historian Michael Stanwick and others.
    Certainly, Cantonese rules had evolved by the 1960s, and surely there must have been other regional variants extant at the time. I imagine that whatever variants were played before Chairman Mao's edict ARE (yes) still played today in China. The Chinese weren't big on writing books about mah-jongg - some of the earliest ones are listed in FAQ 11-D.
    The asker of the question at your library talk might be wondering if 1920s style is still played in China today. My best guess is "probably not," since it has a tedious scoring system in which all players tally their scores and pay one another after each hand. A lotta math! I do hear occasionally from Western players of Chinese Classical, who use books from the twenties.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 20, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Frequently Asked Question 19-BU

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Monday, February 19, 2024 at 09:23:28 AM EST, Rob O wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Why is April the month that the National Mah Jongg League changes the card? What not at the start of the calendar year?
    Rob

    Please see Frequently Asked Question 19-BU, Rob.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is this a legal play, part 2

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Monday, February 12, 2024 at 10:19:13 PM EST, Judy H wrote:
    Thank you, I will check it out.


    Is this a legal play?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Monday, February 12, 2024 at 10:01:02 PM EST, Judy H wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Player A is going for a concealed hand. Player A has an 8 bam in her hand. She needs an 8 crak and a joker for Mah Jongg.
    Player B has three 8 bams with a joker exposed.
    Player C discards an 8 crak.
    Player A calls the 8 crak for Mah Jongg, places it with two other 8 craks on the rack, and exchanges the 8 bam for the exposed joker, exposing her entire concealed hand.
    She is called dead because it was a concealed hand and the called tile did not complete the Mah Jongg, even though she exchanged the 8 bam for the joker in the same turn.
    Is the hand dead?
    Thanks in advance!
    Judy H

    Hi, Judy! The hand is dead. The crucial bit of information was "it was a concealed hand." She made an exposure before completing the hand, and that is illegal. You can't first make an exposure and then claim mahj on a Concealed hand.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 12, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    A tile fell off the wall, part 2

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 03:54:37 PM EST, Barbara W wrote:
    Thank you!!
    Sent from my iPhone

    You're welcome, Barbara!


    A tile fell off the wall and she put it in her hand

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:44:34 AM EST, Barbara W wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Here’s a new one A tile accidentally falls from the middle of the wall The player thought it fell from her hand. She picks it up and puts it in her hand Now she has 14 tiles. (It’s not her turn) Is her hand dead? What happens to the wall with a missing tile in the middle? Player is not sure which tile she put in. Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Barbara!
    That's pretty funny. This illustrates why the League can't foresee every possible weird thing that can happen when you have four fallible humans at a table.
    Yes, her hand is dead. In addition to making her hand illegal, she also created a quandary at the table by not being able to accurately repair the wall (if she could have just put it back, then all would have been well). The game will just have to play through that wall with the gap in it.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 10, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What if the player who took the tile for mah-jongg turns out to have been in error, and now she's dead? Does the other claimant get to take the tile now?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 09:53:03 PM EST, Kathy S wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    If a person calls a tile for mahjong, displays their tiles only to realize she played the hand wrong and is therefore dead, can another player (who did actually say CALL) when the tile was thrown) call that tile from a now dead hand? Most of us said no, dead is dead but one player argued so we are going to you!!
    Thank you
    Kathy S
    Happily playing in NJ
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Kathy! If the other player can use the tile to declare mah-jongg, she can take the tile and win. But if she wants it just to make an exposure, then she's out of luck. See FAQ 19-H4.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How many points do I get, part 2

    On Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 06:15:36 PM EST, JooFang J wrote:
    Re: Tally up one's scores - A set (meld) of one Dragon
    Hello Tom,
    I am not getting the answer I need, its my bad, its probably my use of the word "expose hand" in my inquiry, so let me try again.
    I am not referring to Pung from a discarded tile - I am referring to a self drawn Pung in my concealed hand.
    1) In Malaysian Mahjong, if I am the non-winning player, I have a set of one of these Dragon tiles in my CONCEALED hand ....so to tally up my scores (to pay the other non-winning players), am I allowed to include as "points" as well as fann (double).
    2) As a non winning player - I assume is same for the Winds (Tung Nam Sai Pak) - if its the Tung round and I am Seat#4 (Pak) and I have both sets of Tung and Pak (self drawn) in my concealed hand, am I allowed to include them (points and doubles) when I tally up my scores?
    Thanks
    -cindy

    囧 Hi, Cindy!
    I knew you were asking about a concealed pung of dragons. It's in the hand, so it's concealed. I understood that.
    1. As I said before, I only know what Vincent Cheah told me. He did not say a concealed pung counts as more than an exposed pung. He only said it was worth 1 fan. Then he also said 1 fan was 20 points. He never said a fan actually doubles the score. If it does, maybe 10 points is doubled to get 20 points. Maybe 20 points should be doubled to 40. You need to figure out your scoring system yourself, since Vincent's detailing doesn't seem to jibe with what you remember.
    2. Since all players count their scores and compare them for the paying-up tally, yes, you score points for your sets, whether concealed or exposed. See what Vincent said. You get 1 fan for East (Tung) and 1 fan for Own Wind (Pak). You should also get 1 fan for North (Pak). (In many mah-jongg scoring systems, fan are additive like that - you can have your cake, AND you can eat it, too! Double-dipping is a real permissible thing in the world of mah-jongg.) That's 3 fan for your two wind pungs, 1 fan for your red dragon pung. 4 fan = 80 points, according to Vincent's stated scoring system. He doesn't mention doubling.
    Vincent told me table rules may vary among Malaysian players. He says before beginning play, make sure you know the fan counts at the table (see FAQ 14 for more about table rules). This means you can set the scoring system the way you want. You'll just need to adapt to others' scoring when you play at their table, and you have to tell newcomers how your scoring works. It's all good.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    How many points do I get for a concealed pung of dragons in Malaysian mah-jongg?

    On Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 04:13:07 PM EST, JooFang J wrote:
    Tally up one's scores - A set (meld) of one Dragon
    I play Malaysian Mahjong (assume with its own house rules its different from HK version) and I am trying to re-fresh my knowledge to teach my friends.
    If I am one of the non-winning player and I have a set of 3 of example a Red Dragon (concealed). When its time to tally up my scores, do I move my set of complete Red Dragon (3 tiles) out to "expose" and this will give me a "double"? How points will I get?
    Thanks
    -cindy

    囧 Hi, Cindy! I've not played Malaysian rules myself. All I know about Malaysian scoring is what Vincent Cheah emailed me twenty years ago ( https://sloperama.com/mahjongg/malaysian.html). He wrote that a pong (pung) of dragons is worth 1 fan. And later in the page he says 1 fan is worth 20 points. Vincent never said a concealed pung of dragons is worth more than an exposed pung of dragons. He did make a distinction about concealed vs. exposed kongs (gongs) - but kongs are rarer than pungs, and are scored instantly during play, he indicated.

    So in my opinion, you should take his "1 fan = 20 points" concept, and see how that fits into the way you remember playing.

    When you are tallying up your points, you say "I have a concealed pung of dragons," while you show everyone your concealed pung. You don't ruin the "concealment" when you reveal what tiles you were holding. You score for it being concealed. It's necessary to reveal your tiles to prove your claim for points.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Why is THAT player punished but not the other?

    On Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:59:30 AM EST, Michael R wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    Greetings Mr. Sloper
    This question comes from your article American Mah-Jongg FAQ’s, under ‘JOKERS’, question # M4. You give a source as the NMJL p.20, rule 14…. “An incorrect exposure makes the player’s hand dead.
    In the January, 2024 newsletter of the NMJL, question #10, it is stated that if the mistake is made before a discard is made, no penalty is incurred.
    Once the redeemer has discarded and the incorrect tile remains atop the rack, you state the “player who has the incorrect exposure atop their rack is dead.”
    My question: it seems that the player whose joker was taken and then that player is called dead is being inappropriately punished. Are they being punished for having an incorrect meld on their rack following the exchange?
    Thanking you in advance for clarification,
    Regards
    Michael R

    Hi, Michael! I understand why you might think that the holder of the illegal/incorrect exposure is inappropriately punished. But consider: what was the holder's part of that move? Let me paint a picture:
    1. Player A has a joker exposure atop the rack. Let's say it's 1B. Player B wants to get that joker, and on his turn he hands a tile to Player A, saying "I'd like that joker, please." Player A is reluctant to look up from her card (much less hand over the joker) but she takes the tile and hands over the joker and goes back to studying her card. Player B discards, sealing Player A's fate. Player A has 1Bs and a Flower atop the rack. It's an incorrect exposure, and she played a part in the making of it.

    Now let me paint a different picture:
    2. Same setup as before. Player B hands a tile to Player A, asking for the joker. Player A takes the tile from Player B and looks at it. She says, "Hey, this isn't a one bam." No problem for Player A!

    I like to get carried away with these hypotheticals...
    3. Same setup as before. Player B takes a tile from his rack and puts it on Player A's rack, taking a joker and leaving a Flower among the 1Bs. Player A is a 2nd Amendment advocate, and she lives in a Stand Your Ground state. She pulls out her revolver and shoots Player B dead on the spot. "Nobody touches my rack," she says, as she blows the smoke out of the end of the barrel.

    The real point is that the recipient of the natural tile is responsible for what's atop their own rack. And nobody should ever put anything on (or take something from) someone else's rack.

    As for why the exchanger/redeemer is not punished, I can't say. For further reading, you might want to scroll down to the December 30 post from Kathie W.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Grundsaudaag, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    When can I chow down?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 12:44:19 AM EST, Frances S wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is: can someone pick up a discarded tile to complete a chow when it’s not their turn? Thank you
    Sent from Mail for Windows

    Hi, Frances! The answer is no. As I wrote in FAQ 20-B1, you can take a discard to make a chow only when it is thrown by the player at your left. That means it's your turn, and you can start your turn by taking the discard. I don't think I mentioned in FAQ 20 the reason why: because the game would be too easy, not to mention too chaotic, if anybody could interrupt the flow to chow willy-nilly.
    FAQ 20 explains the most commonly misunderstood rules of Asian forms of Mah-Jongg. You might want to bookmark it.


    FAQ 20 link

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Re: The 2023 NMJL card, part 25

    Re: ? on 2023 card
    On Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 05:55:55 AM EST, Carol P wrote:
    Thank you for answering my questions.

    You're welcome, Carol.
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    February 1, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    The 2023 NMJL card, part 25

    On Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:48:39 AM EST, Carol P wrote:
    ? on 2023 card
    under consecutive run
    FF 1111 2222 3333 OR ...
    DOES NOT SAY ANY 3 CONSECUTIVE NOS NOR THESE NOS ONLY
    how to interpret ?
    THANK YOU

    Hi, Carol!
    No need to shout! (^_^) Your email got waylaid to my spam folder for an unknown reason, but I found it before heading off to bed.
    You're asking about Consecutive Run #5. As I wrote in FAQ 16, the hand can be any 3 consecutive numbers. The only hand in Consecutive Runs that has to be specific numbers is the top one. You can see plainly that there wasn't enough space to write any more in the parenthetical on that line.


    FAQ 16 link

    FAQ 16 answers the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 NMJL card. You might want to bookmark it!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you, Carol!
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 31, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can we use dragons as wild?

    On Monday, January 29, 2024 at 05:43:31 PM EST, Barbara S wrote:
    Dragons
    We’re learning the Chinese version…..kinda/sorta, I think! We were told dragons are wild in their set, but nothing I read confirms that. Are they only for melding their own pairs, Pungs and Kongs, or can we use them as wild? There are no other wild cards in the Chinese version.
    So many different rules!
    Thanks,
    Barb
    Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

    囧 Hi, Barb! When you emailed me on Saturday (below), and said you had my book, and asked about "wildcards," I assumed you were learning American rules (the mah-jongg variant described in the first half of my book), so I gave you the American answer to your question.
    Wildcards are not used in Majiang Competiton Rules (the Chinese version described in the second half of my book).
    It sounds like you have a friend who plays some Chinese variant, using dragons as wildcards as a table rule. In that case, much of what I wrote in my book may not gibe with how your friend plays. My book describes the same basic play procedure, but the scoring differs from version to version (there are numerous regional Chinese variants, each with different scoring).
    FAQ 2-B describes all the variants known to me. You might want to show that to your friend so you can find out which variant they play.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 29, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is there a limit to how many jokers I can use in a set?

    On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:24:59 PM EST, Barbara S wrote:
    Wild card question
    I have your book, but couldn’t find the answer to this question:
    In a Pung or Kong, can there be two wildcards (2 jokers OR 2 dragons), or is only one wildcard permitted? Thank you!
    Barb S
    Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

    Hi, Barb! Always nice to hear from someone with my book! See rule 83 at the bottom of page 57. "When using jokers to build a set concealed in the hand, the player may fill the set with as many jokers as she wishes. There is no requirement that the player must have any minimum number of natural tiles to complete a set."
    I should add to the errata one more sentence about making exposures with multiple jokers: "An exposed set must include at least one natural tile (the called discard that initiated the exposure), since a discarded joker may never be claimed. "
    (The term "natural" is defined in the glossary on page 239. A "natural" tile is sometimes also called a "symbol tile.")
    So that answers where in the book you can find the answer to your question. Here on my website, you'll find that answer in FAQ 19-L.
    Play safe out there, Barb! And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 28, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Re the legalities of "finessing" and "slamming"

    On Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 03:52:19 PM EST, Sally C wrote:
    Finesse Move
    Is the finesse move a legal move only in tournaments according to the National MahJongg League?
    Is "slamming" a legal move?

    Hi, Sally!
    Yes, "finessing" is legal. It says so right in the rulebook. Page 23, rule 7.


    Mah Jongg Made Easy, the official rulebook.
    Every table should have the new 2023 edition!

    If you don't have the rulebook yet, you can see the rule in FAQ 19-AN.


    FAQ 19 link

    As for "slamming," I assume you mean an aggressive play like very quickly exposing tiles from your hand to prevent another player from calling a discard that you want. There is no rule that prescribes a specific amount of time a player should wait before calling a discard. When a discard goes out that you want, it's a rule to speak your desire for the tile, then it's best etiquette to reach and take the tile, put it atop your rack, and then expose the tiles from your hand. There is no penalty for consequence for doing it differently. You are required to speak the claim. That's stated right on the back of the card. But there's no rule per se against slam-exposing; if there was, it would be very difficult to enforce. As a general principle, aggressive play is not nice, and therefore is frowned upon.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 24, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    If a discard has been named but not yet touched to the table...?

    On Monday, January 22, 2024 at 06:03:11 AM EST, Service Mails wrote:
    mah jongg question
    If a tile being discarded has been named but not touched the board, can it be used instead to replace a joker on someone else rack of the same name ? Thank you,Frankie

    Hi, Frankie! The discard is "DOWN" (and cannot be un-discarded) if the tile has been EITHER named OR touched to the table, whichever happens first. See FAQ 19-A.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 22, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Have you published any updates to “The Red Dragon & The West Wind”?

    On Friday, January 19, 2024 at 04:12:11 AM EST, Kelly G wrote:
    Your book updates d
    Have you published any updates to “The Red Dragon snd The West Wind”?
    Sent from my iPhone

    Yes, Kelly, thanks for asking! At the bottom of https://sloperama.com/mjfaq/rdww.html there is a PDF file of errata for the book. The file not only contains corrections, but also includes updates based on rule changes that have occurred since the book's publication. It was last updated February 3, 2023, and now it needs a couple more additions, since the National Mah Jongg League has updated their rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy. You can download the errata file now, but do check back in a few weeks for the updated version. You can just click the link to read in your browser, or right-click and "Save As" (Firefox/Chrome users: "save link as" - IE/Edge users: "save target as") to download the file to your computer.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 19, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is this a legal play?

    On Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 06:26:16 PM EST, Carol C wrote:
    Question regarding discarded tile missed exchange
    Thank you so much for helping our relatively new Mahjong group w. a situation:
    3 players at table: Player #1 discards 5 Bam and misses her opportunity to exchange as she realizes too late that Player #3 had Laid-up 3 - #5 Bams with a joker to make exposure of Qnty 4 - #5 Bams. Player # 3 now calls for the discarded 5 Bam/exchanges it for the joker on her exposed tiles and then calls Maj as she is able to complete her final play by using this now just-acquired joker. Is this a "Legal Play" that counts as a winning Maj? Hope I explained clearly.
    Many thanks for your insight Carol

    Hi, Carol!
    Please allow me to rephrase what you told me...

    1. Player 1 discards a redeemable 5B.
    2. Player 3 calls for the 5B and uses it to redeem a joker....

    That is an illegal play. See FAQ 19-G2: a redeemable tile 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.
    Please allow me now to show you how to find that answer in FAQ 19.


    FAQ 19

    At the top of the FAQ, you see that "JOKERS" is the third category of questions and answers. Click that and you see a list of the most frequently asked questions about jokers. Your question (this time) is "Can I claim a discarded redeemable tile? (Somebody discarded it and I want to use it to redeem a joker)." You just click that and there's your answer.
    In case you're interested, the next question that might come to mind is, "can somebody win by redeeming a joker? Is that legal?" The closest thing to that question in FAQ 19's "Jokers" section is "What's my score if I win by redeeming a joker?" - FAQ 19-AN, which question inherently implies that winning by redemption is, indeed, legal.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 18, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What if 2 players go dead in a 3-player game, part 2

    On Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 07:07:56 AM EST, service@paypal wrote:
    suzic... sent you money
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    PayPal
    You were sent $25.00 USD from suzi...
    To see all the transaction details, please log into your PayPal account. It may take a few moments for this transaction to appear in your account.
    Transaction date
    Jan 18, 2024 04:07:47 PST
    Instructions from buyer
    None provided
    Description Unit price Qty Amount
    Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Item #: MJ@Sloperama $25.00 USD 1 $25.00 USD
    Total: $25.00 USD
    PayPal

    Very generous donation, Susan! Thank you!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 18, 2024


    Does it have great value?

    On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 07:18:22 PM EST, M E wrote:
    Mah-jongg set
    After she passed away, I found my mother's mah-jongg set and wondered whether it had great value. They had given us ivory pieces [in the family from long before the ban] and, at first, wondered if these were vintage. However, after reading your information and directions, I organized the tiles and looked at ebay as you suggested. The set is clearly an American Mah-Jongg set with plastic tiles [whatever process]. I have attached a picture of the complete set and here are details you require:
    The basic 136-tile set [dots, bams craks, winds, dragons] is complete and there are 20 flowers [8 of them are seasons] plus 10 jokers and 2 blanks. Total is 168 tiles, all in excellent condition [no obvious defects to my untrained eyes];
    The tiles are 13/16 in. by 7/8 in. by 7/16 in
    Hard case [vinyl covered] with 5 plastic racks; a pair of ordinary dice.
    I welcome your evaluation, but after reading your FAQs and looking at ebay as you suggested, I'm not sure that this set has great value. After I started the process of organizing the set, reading your information and preparing to contact you, my daughter informed me that she is starting to learn the game with some new friends and would like her grandmother's set. Still, I'd like to let her know what this is worth, other than just the family connection.
    Thank you for your help,
    Michael

    Hi, Michael. It's a standard American-style mah-jongg set, made in China by an unknown manufacturer. It's worth about $150, maybe $200, if it's in like-new condition. Please give it to your daughter. It would be a nice starter set for her beginner group to use when they come to play at her place. By the way, nice job on the picture.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    What if 2 players go dead in a 3-player game?

    On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 03:12:22 PM EST, Susan Z wrote:
    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    My mah-jong question or comment is: When playing with 3 players and two of them reveal they are dead, yes I know we should not call ourselves dead, what happens to the third player? Does the single legal player continue to draw and play alone until she possibly makes Mah-Jong? Or is the game over. If the game is over is the single player paid anything?
    I did look but could not find this question.
    Thanks for all of your knowledge and sense of humor!
    Suzi
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Susan! Two things first, and then I'll tell you the answer.
    1. It would be very silly for one player to play alone while others sit there. So let's forget that scenario forever and never may that idea rise again.
    2. The rules for a 3-player game are exactly the same as the rules for a 4-player game, once the deal is done and the Charleston skipped.* Once play has begun, the game progresses with the same rules as a 4-player game. It's as if one of the (4) players was declared dead and now only 3 are left playing (except there are more tiles in the wall, since no tiles were dealt to a 4th player). So you don't have to find a special rule for "in a 3-player game...." The rule you're seeking is "what if 3 players go dead in a 4-player game," which is never worded with "... in a 4-player game" on the end. Because then we'd have to take that onto the end of just about every question.


    FAQ 19 link

    So now if we go to FAQ 19, and then scroll down to the "You're Dead" section, we find "What if three players go dead?" (FAQ 19-BW).
    And we find that the answer is, of course, that the game ends. As for whether the single player is paid anything, "it depends." It depends on how the others went dead. Quoting from 19-BW:

      Did one or more players declare mahj in error? Did somebody throw in the hand or destroy the wall before verifying that the mahj was erroneous?
      (b): One player declares mahj in error, another throws in the hand. Two players continue playing. If one of them declares mahj in error, that player pays the survivor double the value of the hand the survivor was attempting.
      (c): One player declares mahj in error, and two players throw in the hand. The erring declarer pays the survivor double the value of the hand the survivor was attempting.
      (d): One player declares mahj in error, and a player destroys the wall before it's realized that the mahj was erroneous. Wall destroyer pays 25¢ to the two surviving players.
      (e): If the three players went dead by any other means, then the survivor throws in her hand (nobody gets paid). Shuffle, deal (next dealer takes over), and play another hand.

    Happily, you don't have to read (b) through (d), because nobody declared mahj in error, and nobody threw in or destroyed the wall.
    So rule (e) applies. Nobody gets paid. Tiles are thrown in, shuffled, and built into walls. Next East rolls the dice and starts a new game.


    Mah Jongg Made Easy
    A 2023 edition is now available!

    These rules came from Mah Jongg Made Easy. In the 2020 edition, these are Mah Jongg In Error rules 4(b) through 4(e). In the new 2023 edition, these are rules 5(b) through 5(e). I still have to go through all of FAQ 19's rule citations and update them according to the newly revised rulebook. Procrastinating on that... 囧

    Update, 1/18: I relooked, and found that I didn't need to cite the Mah Jongg In Error rules; the "3 dead" rule is also stated elsewhere in the rulebook. It's unknown why Susan's two players called themselves dead - we know it wasn't mahj in error. If it was wrong tile counts, rule 6(c) on page 17 of MJME2023 states that if 3 players are dead (in a normal 4P game, it should go without saying), the game is "replayed," which is a different thing from the dice moving to the next East for another game. To me, "replay" means East rolls again. If two players call themselves dead because they realize their hands are unwinnable, they both erred significantly (unwinnability is not a justifiable cause of death unless the unwinnability is visible to all players - and of course, it must be another player who issues the death challenge). So whether the dice should move to the next player or not is the only remaining question. Again, that "depends" - on how the 3 players all managed to go dead! Sometimes it's a do-over and sometimes it isn't.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 17, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated

    * Or not skipped, as many are wont to do...


    Corian® mah-jongg tiles, part 3

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:15:43 AM EST, Sandra T wrote:
    Thanks for answering my question and you can be assured I’m not headed to Western New York any time soon!
    I just saw you posted an addendum to your first answer. I’m guessing my friend doesn’t have a set made of Corian after all. She’s definitely not a Crazy Rich Asian! lol
    The set must be plastic, but it’s definitely made by a different manufacturer than any other set I’ve ever played with. The sides of the tiles are more squared off—not as rounded and they have a different heft.
    Sandra
    Sent from my iPhone

    You're welcome, Sandra.
    Okay, so we're not talking about a crazy expensive material after all. I have some Chinese sets with very squared edges and sharp corners. Squared sides sounds like so-called "Chinese Bakelite." There's no consensus among collectors as to what material "Chinese Bakelite" actually is.
    If you're still curious about what your friend's tiles are made of, you could read FAQ 7-C. And you could check the "other excellent sites" listed in FAQ 4-A. But if you want an opinion from me, I would need pictures. Good pictures.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 15, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Corian® mah-jongg tiles, part 2

    囧 In hindsight, dear readers, I should have done some research before replying to Sandra a short while ago (below). A Google search* does, in fact, easily and immediately turn up mah-jongg sets made of Corian®:

  • artemest shows the "Fa'I' Mahjong Chinese Game Table" for USD 12,325. I don't think it's actually a table, since the site says you can display it on a coffee table or "tucked away on a shelf."
  • 1stdibs lists the same set for $9,335.80
  • 2modern also lists the Fa'I' set for $12,522.00, starting at $1,131/mo
  • mahjonggandme describes a limited numbered edition Corian® set made by Cartier, for £37,100 including VAT tax - about $57,268.12. I briefly looked through the Cartier site and couldn't find the set. Sold out?

    Personally, I don't care for the look of the Fa'I' tiles' designs. I don't know what the tile designs look like in the Cartier set, but the panda-themed box is undeniably gorgeous.

    So, there you have it. If you're morbidly rich, you can buy one of these to play any Asian variant (except Japanese or Vietnamese, and maybe also excepting Singapore style). The Cartier set has 148 tiles, not enough to play American rules. The Fa'I' set contains an unknown number of tiles; the set was designed by the Chi Wing Lo furniture company, so it's unlikely their set contains enough tiles to play American/NMJL rules either. In case you are morbidly rich, and play American rules only, this would just tuck away prettily and not get played with. These luxury items seem to have been intended for morbidly rich ... sorry, momentarily forgot the cultural reference... Crazy Rich Asians. I can just see Eleanor and Rachel playing with the Cartier set. But that imaginary scene needs the Awkwafina character at the table, too. And I'd like to see James Hong fill it out as the fourth. (He wasn't in the movie but he should've been.)

    As far as I'm concerned, the SEOs and SMMs can knock themselves out shilling these exorbitantly gaudy doodads. ;op
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated

    * After posting, I got to thinking, "When Sandra Googled it she didn't find anything. But maybe I can find something, if it's there, if I try Googling it?" - Duh, I slap my forehead. Shoulda Googled it in the first place. - Tom


    Corian® mah-jongg tiles

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 12:56:52 PM EST, Sandra T wrote:
    Hi Tom,
    I apologize in advance if the answer to my question is on your website and I missed it. Assuming it’s not too expensive, I am interested in buying a modern American mah jongg set made out of Corian. A friend of mine was given a mah jongg set when the owner of the set died. We have no idea where the set originally came from, but I like it very much and would like to purchase a similar set. After doing some research on the internet, I have determined my friend’s set may be made of Corian. Do you know where I might find a set made of Corian?
    Sandra T

    囧 Sorry, Sandra, but I would be surprised if the material used for kitchen countertops is also used for manufacturing mah-jongg tiles. But I could be wrong. I can point you to my lists of vendors in FAQ 4a (short list) and FAQ 4b (long list), if that helps.

    Or you might want to contact DuPont de Nemours, Inc.®, the chemical company that invented Corian®. You could ask them if they know of any companies that use Corian®, or any of DuPont®'s other polymers, like Vespel™, neoprene, nylon, Teflon, Mylar, Kapton, Kevlar, Zemdrain, M5 fiber, Nomex, Tyvek®, Sorona, Corfam, or Lycra, for making mah-jongg tiles. According to the Corian® Wikipedia entry (which Wikipedia says is "written like an advertisement"), Corian® is manufactured in only three thicknesses: 6 millimetres (0.24 in), 12 millimetres (0.47 in), and 19 millimetres (0.75 in). The 6mm and 12mm thicknesses are too thin for mah-jongg tiles, so if the material is, in fact, used for mah-jongg tiles, it would have to be the 19mm sheets, and that would still make the tiles non-standard thickness (see the standard tile sizes in FAQ 7a). Most Corian® is manufactured at a DuPont® facility near Buffalo, New York, where they're having very wintry weather currently, if you're thinking of going there to ask in person. I should mention that travel in Western New York State is inadvisable this weekend.

    I fear that your internet research may have misled you, most likely due to the shenanigans of SEOs (search engine optimizers) or SMMs (social media marketers). Do you know about SEOs and SMMs? They're scurrilous tricksters who go to inordinate lengths to disguise themselves with fake names, and disguise their paid advertisements to look like genuine conversations in social media (forums, bulletin boards, chat boards, etc.). So I think there's no such thing as Corian® mah-jongg tiles, and that you've possibly been misled by SEOs or SMMs. They're sneaky, and they're everywhere! These tricksters have been around since the 1990s. I remember on America OnLine seeing posts saying something along the lines of "Hey everybody, I wanted to share a great product I just ran across!" Early SMM wasn't as sophisticated then as it is nowadays in the misInformation Age.*

    If you do find a vendor of Corian® mah-jongg tiles, or tiles made of any other DuPont de Nemours, Inc.® polymers, please by all means, do share the information with me, and with any SEOs or SMMs you come across in your travels, so that the word can be spread far and wide. (^_^)
    Good luck with your search! May the tiles (literally) be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 14, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated

    * Which makes me think, should we call our current phase of mankind's existence "misinformation" or "disinformation"? Misinformation is just incorrect, either by accident or misunderstanding. Disinformation is intentional false information intended to achieve a predetermined result. - Tom


    Where can I find your famous Charleston-stop chart?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 01:14:44 PM EST, Minda M wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I watched a Zoom episode on YouTube where you mentioned a chart which tells when to stop the Charleston. I looked on your bulletin board and was unable to find the chart. Can you tell me where to find it? Thank you.

    Well, Minda, I had a hard time finding that myself. I thought to myself, "I ought to find it and put it in FAQ 8.e (the Strategy FAQ)." Then I wondered if maybe I already had. And guess what, I had! Anyway, here it is so you don't have to click anything:

    You can right-click that and save it to your computer if you want. Hope it helps!
    I should mention that this is not a hard-and-fast or definitive "rule" - you are free to stop the Charleston if you want to, no matter what the above decision flowchart suggests. I myself do not use this thought process; but I think most people would find it a helpful guide when facing a difficult on-the-spot decision. At some tables, "disharmony" could result if you stop the Charleston, no matter that the rules say you have the freedom to stop. Some people begrudge freedom for anyone but themselves....
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Is it a rule you have to rack.

    On Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:23:11 AM EST, JoAnn S wrote:
    Racking
    Does a player have to rack a picked tile from the wall, some players pick a tile, look at it, call it, then discard it with out ever actually racking it. Is it a rule you have to rack.
    Thanks
    JoAnn

    No, JoAnn. As I wrote in FAQ 19-BL: There is no rule that says a player must rack before discarding. The NMJL says it is "best practice" to rack, but it's not a rule. (Source: the 2021 newsletter.)


    FAQ 19 link

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 9, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Does win on a replacement tile count as self-pick in Chinese Classical rules?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Monday, January 8, 2024 at 02:52:50 PM EST, Francis N wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    In traditional Chinese mahjong, if a player picks up a discarded tile to make a kong and then on the same turn goes out with that replacement tile, do they score 2 for going out on a self-drawn tile? In other words, does a replacement tile count as “self-drawn” if it enables you to go out (as well as giving you a double)? Or does the initial pick up from the discard mean no?
    Sent from my iPhone

    Hi, Francis! Actually, winning on a replacement tile counts a lot more than 2 measly points! Per A.D. Millington in the seminal The Complete Book of Mah-Jongg (1993), "Opening a flower on top of the mountain" (AKA "winning on the roof") doubles the score! Page 64, rule 117 (h).

    But it might depend on which author you use as your bible. I checked an older source too. According to Milton C. Work's Mah-Jongg Up-To-Date (1924), it's 2 points for replacing a flower and either 10 points or double score for replacing a 4th kong tile, "depending on which style of game is being played." Note that Work was trying to reconcile the classical game with "the American Code of Laws" (which incorporated both the One Double and the Cleared Hand games, two different rule sets expert players came up with to prevent beginners from winning with cheap easy hands).

    Having found competing rulings on your question, I needed to check other sources. I checked two other books: Foster on Mah Jong (R. F. Foster, 1924) and An Advanced System for Playing Mah Jong by Chung Wu (1973), and they both agree with Millington: winning on a loose tile (Wu calls that "Picking a flower on the kang") indeed doubles the score.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated

    P.S. Jan. 12: I may have missed the question. No, you don't get 2 points AND double the score. Just double. - Tom


    Can I promote an exposed pung, part 2

    On Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:09:32 PM EST, Elizabeth M wrote:
    Re: Question
    Thanks Tom!
    I'll be sure to donate!
    Liz

    You're welcome, Liz!
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom


    Can I promote an exposed pung to a kong in American mah-jongg?

    On Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11:17:00 AM EST, Elizabeth M wrote:
    Question
    Hello Tom!
    I have a question about American Mahjong.
    If a player has an exposed pung from the card and they draw the fourth identical tile, are they able to add it to their pung to make a kong (and therefore change what they're collecting?)
    Thanks!
    Liz

    The answer is no, Liz. See FAQ 19-AF. Once you make an exposure and discard, the exposure will remain, as is, for the duration of the hand. You cannot later (after discarding) change a pung to a kong, quint, or sextet. If you want an authoritative source, see MJME2020, page 15.


    MJME2020 = Mah Jongg Made Easy (2020 ed.)
    A 2023 edition is now available! I've ordered it.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 8, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can you give me an idea of when, part 4

    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:08:38 PM EST, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Malayna T
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $20.00 USD from Malayna T
    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: Malayna T
    PayPal

    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:14:18 PM EST, Malayna wrote:
    Re:
    Thanks so much, it was very helpful!

    Yee-ha! Thanks, Malayna!
    Tom


    Can you give me an idea of when it was made, part 3

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 08:09:59 PM EST, Malayna T wrote:
    Here are some more pictures. I’ll just paste one at a time so it’s not too big.

    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 08:15:40 PM EST, Malayna T wrote:
    Mah-jongg set
    A few have an ink marks on them.

    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 08:33:59 PM EST, Malayna T wrote:
    (No Subject)
    Last one. Both sides look the same.

    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 08:38:47 PM EST, Malayna T wrote:
    (No Subject)
    This one has a chip out if it. But maybe you can tell what it’s made of.


    Well, Malayna, your question is a little tricky. I can't tell you when the tiles themselves were made, but I can tell you approximately when the tiles were packaged in that box: in the late 1990s or early 2000s, most likely. At least, that's the timeframe when I saw a lot of these artificially-aged sets being sold in Los Angeles' Chinatown.

    A manufacturer (yes, in China - possibly in Taiwan but probably not) bought up a lot of old sets of tiles and ran them through some sort of aging/dirtying process, and got hold of fancy antique-looking boxes, lined them with paper printed with those patterns and then applied shellack or some other coating for an antique look. The pattern printed inside your box's bottom half (vertical columns, numbered from right to left) is identical to the pattern printed inside the lid of a boxed set of bone and bamboo "playing card tiles" in my collection. So I guess the manufacturer printed the paper to line the boxes with because it looks kind of mah-jonggy.

    The front exterior of your box has (I'm guessing) Hindu writing, Sanskrit, on it, and what could be an Indian design on the top (Buddha and two of his disciples). The gaudy box is a dead giveaway of fairly recent Frankensteining. Your set has no dice, no scoring chips, no wind indicator. Just tiles in a box (and no compartments in the box for those extra bits and pieces). That indicates that the box was not originally manufactured to contain an entire complete mah-jongg set: just the tiles - and not so that the tiles could fit attractively. It's customary and proper for tiles to store in 4 rows of 9 in a properly-made mah-jongg case; observe the rattling-around space in the box when all the tiles are in it).

    The sets I saw around Y2K were bone-and-bamboo, "aged" in mud or something. Your plastic tiles may have been soaked in yellow dye to improve their looks, or maybe they're actually made of yellow plastic (perhaps Catalin/Bakelite). If you ever accidentally chip one of those tiles, I wonder if you'll find they're white inside.
    I took a close look at your 6th photo above:

    Your set of tiles includes Singapore "animal flowers" (top right of the left photo above), which indicates the tiles were probably carved in the late 20th century.
    In sum: Could be anytime after ~1950 for the tiles, anytime after 1990 for the box. That's the best I can do. Maybe another reader might know more about the writing on the box or the paper lining, but that information isn't likely going to narrow down the set's date of manufacture for us.

    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Can you give me an idea, part 2

    Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 12:23:24 PM EST, Malayna T wrote:
    Thanks so much! I will send more pictures when I get home from work. I bought it from someone in Hong Kong off of Ebay about 15 years ago. They don’t speak English so I just went off the picture they had posted. No paperwork came with the set, but it is in a pretty box.

    Okay, Malayna.
    Tom


    Can you give me an idea of when it was made?

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10:46:16 PM EST, Malayna T wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    I have a mah-jongg set that has orange tiles. No western markings. There isn’t any color. All of the tiles only have black ink. I believe it’s a Chinese set. 144 pieces. Can you give me an idea of when it was made?
    Thank you,
    Malayna T

    Maybe I can, Malayna, if you send me more pictures. I need to see all the tiles, all the extra bits and pieces that came with the set, the case, and what the set looks like when the tiles and other pieces are packed attractively in the case. It looks like an interesting set, but I can't possibly be helpful based on just one photo. Looking forward to seeing more...
    May the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 4, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Conflicting claims, two scenarios

    Mah-Jongg Q+A
    On Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 02:09:49 PM EST, Ann S wrote:
    My mah-jongg question or comment is:
    If two people call for a tile, one abit faster than the second one, who has priority? The person next in turn or the fastest call? If it is for Mahjongg, does that take priority over all?
    Ann
    Sent from my iPad

    Hi, Ann! To answer your two questions:
    1. MJME2020, p. 20 rule 13.(a) and
    FAQ 19-H1 and H2: It's not a race to see who speaks first. When two players claim a discard for exposure, the player whose turn would be next in order of play (counterclockwise from discarder) gets the tile. Likewise when two players claim a discard for mah-jongg.


    MJME2020 = Mah Jongg Made Easy (2020 ed.)

    2. MJME2020, p.20, rule 13.(c) and FAQ 19-I1: When one player claims a discard for exposure, and another claims it for mah-jongg, the player who needs it for mah-jongg takes priority. New, 2020: even if another player has begun to expose tiles, the mahj claim takes priority.

    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Conflicting claims, one claiming the discard for exposure and one claiming mahj by self-pick... non-simultaneously

    On Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 08:21:00 AM EST, jamesc wrote:
    Mah Jongg call timing
    Greetings,
    This came up the other day:
    4 players (A to D) around the table in that order.
    Player A needs a 1 dot to Mah Jongg.
    Player D discards a 7 crack.
    Player B calls the 7 crack for exposure.
    This is where it gets tricky.
    Once Player D named the tile, Player A lifted the next tile from the wall (a 1 dot) and said Mah Jongg.
    There was much discussion about timing.
    Player B said she called the 7 crack tile prior to the 1 dot being lifted and before the Mah Jongg words being spoken.
    Player A said no he had seen it first before saying Mah Jongg and recognized it as his Mah Jongg tile.
    Player C agreed with Player B and Player D remained silent.
    We need the rule number or info about this type of situation and how does the timing affect the outcome?
    What should have happened in this case?
    Thanks for any help on this.
    Jim M.

    Hi, Jim! As I interpret what you wrote:

      1. Player D discards and names a tile.
      2. Then, simultaneously, Player B calls the discard for exposure and Player A picks from the wall and SEES his mah-jongg tile.

    From what you described, it sounds like Player A spoke AFTER Player B spoke.
    If I have interpreted your words correctly, then Player A should have kept his mouth shut. Player B declared a claim for the current live discard, which means Player A can't take his turn. He has to put the tile back on the wall. Secrecy as to what he saw (NOT claiming "mahj") could result in him getting that tile anyway if the next picker discards it.

    I know you wanted a "rule number," but there is no rule in the 2020 edition of MJME that covers this exact situation.


    Mah Jongg Made Easy, the official rulebook of the NMJL. The 2023 edition is available now!

    FAQ 19-CL says the caller gets the tile if a call for a discard is spoken at the exact precise instant that the next-in-turn racks his picked tile from the wall. But your Player B was not racking and was not speaking at that exact precise instant - he was just SEEING the picked tile. FAQ 19-CL is based on an October 25, 2016 letter to Donna E from the NMJL. I suppose the case cited by Donna E in her original query to the League involved a call for exposure and a pick that wasn't for mahj.

    Is this a case where "mah-jongg trumps everything" (FAQ 19-DK)? I don't think so, because it seems (from your description) that player A spoke AFTER Player B spoke; that player B only SAW his mahj tile at the moment that player A spoke her claim. Player C, you said, "agreed with Player B" that Player B's verbalization came first.

    If the above doesn't satisfy, and you want an official ruling from the League, I recommend you send them your question in a snailmail letter, not by telephone. Then when you get a written reply, you could share a photo of it with me and I can share it here on the board, and in FAQ 19, for future askers of the same question.
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 3, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


    Make, material, value, age or anything else, part 2

    On Monday, January 1, 2024 at 09:18:56 PM EST, service@paypal wrote:
    Reference: MJ@Sloperama Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers - Donation from Melanie C
    Hello Thomas Sloper,
    PayPal
    Donation Received
    This email confirms that you have received a donation of $25.00 USD from Melanie C
    You can view the transaction details online.
    Donation Details
    Total amount: $25.00 USD
    Currency: U.S. Dollars
    Quantity: 1
    Purpose: Sloperama Mah-Jongg Answers
    Contributor: Melanie C
    PayPal

    Thank you, Melanie! Happy New Year!
    Play safe out there. And may the tiles be with you.
    Tom Sloper
    Rochester, New York, USA
    January 2, 2024
    Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind"
    Donations appreciated


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