FAQ #26. So You Want To Teach Mah-Jongg
This FAQ pretty much consists of reader Q&As about teaching, from the Mah-Jongg Q&A Bulletin Board (not in any particular order):
Interested in teaching Mah Jonng
>From: "cmeyer"
>Subject: Teaching Mah Jongg
>Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:25:37 -0700
>Hi Mr. Sloper,
>I love the game of Mah Jonng and I am interested in teaching beginning Mah Jongg part-time.
>Do you have any advice on how to get started?
>Can you recommend any books that specialize in teaching methods?
>Many thanks,
>Carla Meyer
Hello Carla,
No, I don't have any advice on how to get started -- I'm a good teacher, but I don't get very many students. You want advice from someone who's got a better "practice" going.
And I can't recommend any books about teaching. I suppose if you Google, you can find books about how to teach.
I have one request: please please please, if you teach American mah jongg, teach the official rules, not your own special table rules. A lot of us have to undo the bad teaching people get from teachers unfamiliar with the official rules.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
March 18, 2011
Interested in teaching Mah Jonng, part 2
Carla,
This is a follow-up to my initial response to your question. I got curious and Googled "books on how to teach." This book looks like it might be what you're looking for:
http://www.lyceumbooks.com/HowToTeachEffectively.htm
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
March 18, 2011
How do you make sure you're teaching the rules correctly?
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>From: kathleen
>Date: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:53:39 AM
>My mah-jongg question or comment is: at what point do you expose your tiles. I have not played in so many years and recently purchased a set and am trying to teach myself again and a few other ladies, but I do remember when you put your tiles exposed on the rack. I know every time you make a call you do not expose them. At what point do you. Thank you, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
It horrifies me that you're teaching people to play based on nothing but patchy memory of how to play. You owe it to your students to buy a book, and teach them from a solid foundation of knowledge of the game.
You didn't say what kind of mah-jongg you played, but I'm going out on a limb and guessing it's American mah-jongg (National Mah Jongg League rules).
Until last year, there was only one book on American mah-jongg - the official rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy. But last year two books were written on American mah-jongg: mine and Elaine Sandberg's. You can check FAQ 3 for more information on books.
Please, I beg you - get a book. You mustn't proceed with teaching when you can't remember basic things like when to expose. You're bound to misremember other important things, or even teach table rules as if they're gospel, causing problems for your students when they go to play in a tournament or with other groups.
You wrote: "I know every time you make a call you do not expose them." You remember incompletely. Whenever you call a discarded tile for exposure, you must expose the completed grouping. Not the entire hand, just the group of tiles that the called tile completes. And when you have a complete hand, you must expose the entire hand.
Lastly, I hope the set you purchased is appropriate for the kind of mah-jongg you play. It often happens that a player of American mah-jongg buys or is given a set that doesn't have jokers, then has to go on a search for extra tiles. FAQ 7, above left, contains all kinds of information about sets.
May the tiles (and a book) be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on mah-jongg East & West.
トム·スローパー
/
湯姆 斯洛珀 / 탐 슬로퍼
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
August 18, 2008
Should a player give strategic advice to others during the game?
>From: "Carla B
>Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 9:10 PM
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>My mah-jongg question or comment is: Should you encourage others to dump their hand to prevent some one from getting mah jongg? Thanks.
Hello Carla,
If you're a mah jongg teacher and the players expect you to be teaching them about strategy, then of course you should teach them about dogging. Otherwise, you should keep your strategic advice to yourself, especially during the play of a game. If you want to teach a novice player about defensive play, then you could do that between games, but you have to choose your words and tone carefully. People can get a mite touchy about such things. And you have to realize that each player is completely free to take a risk with a hot tile when she's close to mah jongg herself.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 12, 2010
Should a player give strategic advice, part 2
>From: Sushila Singh
>Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 8:10 PM
>Subject: There is a time to speak and a time to keep quiet!
>Dear Gurujee,
>Your Q & A has hit the nail on the head for me. I was plagued with questions in the middle of the game in spite of explaining [that] my teaching and playing are two different things. My solution is a new Table Rule....if anyone asks anyone a question in the middle of the game the person is dead, after the game has ended they are most welcome to ask "what should I have done" as it not fair to the other player who is waiting to MJ on a beautiful hand. It has worked for me and harmony is restored in the groups. The players learn from their mistakes instead of being bailed out of thinking for themselves; the standard of the game rises.
>Take care,
>Sushila
Namaste, Sushila.
I just started teaching a new group last week, and I already started to refuse to give advice on which tile to discard. I teach strategic principles; the specific decision has to be up to the player. But to do what Carla said, and advise someone to switch to defense, is to "give information," something strictly forbidden in the Chinese Official rules (MCR).
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 12, 2010
Teaching aids
>From: Mary E
>Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 9:58 AM
>Subject: a couple of things
>Hello, Tom,
>I was curious about this website you have listed for meeting other players. Someone must have bought it cuz now it's (strangely) to do with e-cigs: (http://www.mahjonggmatchup.com)
>I was also asked yesterday if there was some significance to the bird being on the one bam....? I sure didn't know but figured you would, if there even is a reason!
>If I may be so bold, I've made up a set of lesson plans I use for teaching MJ and attached them. I wonder if you'd care to review/edit/share them with any other upcoming teachers out there? I'd much rather use your own but hadn't seen a similar set of your own in one easily accessible place (??) You'll see that I've used (stolen?) a good deal of your ideas and information from your website! I've also used your FAQs to build my test questions (which I am also attaching) which let me know those things which need reminding about.
>I've been teaching for about 20 months now and really enjoy it, editing my own lessons over time. I hope that you will find them reasonably good enough to share. I find that 4 sessions of 2 1/2 hours each works pretty well.
>Anymore, I just kind of go with the flow of the group, but this could maybe give a new teacher a printable, all-in-one-place, beginning plan of attack....?
>Humbly hoping I'm not overstepping any bounds here,
>Mary E
Hi, Mary.
I'll find wherever I mentioned mahjonggmatchup, and delete the link. Thanks for letting me know. (Okay, I found one in FAQfindplayer.html, AKA FAQ 15 - hope that was the only link.) You also wrote:
I was also asked yesterday if there was some significance to the bird being on the one bam....?
I always just say that it has to do with the fact that birds like to perch on bamboo trees. (And of course the other bird connection is the fact that mixing bone-and-bamboo tiles sounds like sparrows squabbling over thrown bread crumbs, which led to the name "mah que," which means "sparrow," so I say the game's name means sparrow.)
If I may be so bold, I've made up a set of lesson plans I use for teaching MJ and attached them. I wonder if you'd care to review/edit/share them with any other upcoming teachers out there?
I regret that I don't have time to review/edit them, but sharing is easy. Those files are now all in the
http://www.sloperama.com/downlode/mahjongg/ folder, and anybody can click that link and read them. I added "Mary's" to the front of the two quizzes, so all your files are easy for other teachers to get.
I'd much rather use your own but hadn't seen a similar set of your own in one easily accessible place (??)
I haven't created any such materials. The handout I give to my students is subject to change, and it's too much work to keep updating on the site, and it never occurred to me to post it anyway.
You'll see that I've used (stolen?) a good deal of your ideas and information from your website! I've also used your FAQs to build my test questions (which I am also attaching) which let me know those things which need reminding about.
Aw. High praise!
hoping I'm not overstepping any bounds here,
No prob. I'm also adding this Q&A to FAQ 26, so future teachers can easily find your materials.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
トム·スローパー
湯姆 斯洛珀
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
February 17, 2015
My students refuse to play for money
>From: barbara w
>Sent: Friday, April 6, 2018 7:03 PM
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>My mahjong question or comment is: I am teaching a class in mahjong strategies to a group of fairly new players. They feel playing for money is “gambling” and don’t want to that. I feel that many strategies are more important when you are paying. Do you have a good reason or argument to try and sway them to play for money? Thank you.
Hi, barbara!
You need to adapt to your players' moral preferences. The customer is always right - so they are right, and you are wrong. You should have them play for the colorful plastic coins/chips that come with all American mah-jongg sets. Each player needs chips representing 50¢, 25¢, 10¢, and 5¢ so they can make payments to one another with colorful plastic instead of real coins. Put them on those brass prongs at the left end of the racks, each player starting with the same combination of denominations for scorekeeping purposes as I described in FAQ 7-D.
Personally, I'm happy to play for not-real-money, but the other players always insist, so I do as the Romans do. In your case, the Romans don't want to gamble.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated!
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
April 6, 2018
My students, too, refuse to play for money
>From: "lindaz
>Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 2:29 PM
>Subject:
>Hi Tom,
>I'd like your advice on teaching my students about defensive play. I taught a group of 8 people MJ a year ago; some have picked up the game quickly and others still struggle with strategy. I've brought up the subject of playing for money because I think it's more fun and it helps teach defensive play. A couple of people objected for various reasons while others said they were OK with it but only one (an experienced player) was enthusiastic. I let the issue drop but I see the 2 better players who could probably learn more strategy if they had to pay for losing! To keep harmony I have not mentioned it again-- one gal had moral objections to gambling and another had played with a cutthroat group who intimidated her. Any suggestions or should I just accept things as they are? I appreciate your experience in these minor dilemmas!
>Thanks, Linda
Hi, Linda!
When barbara w asked this question on
Friday, April 6, I not only responded to her with my advice about players who object to playing for coins, but even added that exchange to FAQ 26. In short, I say let them play without coins. There are people who enjoy gambling, and there are those who don't. People who love the Las Vegas experience, and people who detest it. There are people who are comfortable with spending a little money in the course of having fun - and there are people who worry about having enough money to get through the rest of life without having to burden their children.
I think I'll add this, too, to FAQ 26. You also wrote:
some have picked up the game quickly and others still struggle with strategy.
Yes, that's the way it goes. If only the ones who picked up the game quickly were also good teachers!
Tom Sloper
トム·スローパー
湯姆 斯洛珀
Creator of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 3, 2018
My students refuse to play for money, part 3
>From: "lindaz
>Sent: Wednesday, July 4, 2018 6:19 AM
>Subject: playing for money pt 2
>Hi Tom,
>Thanks very much for your insight! I missed your FAQ 26 to Barbara. I had considered playing for chips but I didn't think "pretend" money would inspire the learning of defense strategy. (losing money sure did motivate me to learn years ago!) I thought some people were just not competitive enough to care about defense but I realise I need to have another strategy lesson. I mean everyone plays games to win, right? Your strategy column has been a great teaching aid. We'll see if little pieces of plastic help to motivate them. (^_^).
>Thanks, Linda
I don't think colorful plastic coins are a motivator. Winning is its own reward. In my career as a video game producer (a project management role), I've learned that people are not all motivated by the same things. Not everyone is motivated by dimes and quarters! Some are driven by a compulsive need to prove something to their peers. Some are simply happy to spend time with their friends. I often use the "ooh and aah" method of rewards when teaching - when a winner shows her winning tiles, everybody say "ooh!" And when there's something special about the hand (it's jokerless, or it's a difficult hand), then everybody say "ah!" And in both cases, add a little bit of applause for the winner. It's surprisingly satisfying! It makes non-winners want to get a little of that for themselves. Everything doesn't have to be about money.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
トム·スローパー
湯姆 斯洛珀
Creator of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
4th of July, 2018
Do I have to be certified?
> From: Dolly
> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 9:24 AM
> Subject: Mahjonng
> Hello my name is Dolly ████, I have been playing mahjonng for many years,
> and dearly love the game.
> My first learning experience was in china, then back in the state I learned, American mahjonng.
> Today I enjoy teaching A.M. As a volunteer, and I would like to pass the word, and make possible for many to learn the game. My question is if I have to be certified to do so?
> and how can I be certified?, I do not charge, is all for the love of the game,
> I'm in Sebastian Fl, right at the Senior Center, and welcome all new players,
> I follow and practice the American Mahjonng League, rules and the Red Dragon
> Thank you,
> Dolly
Hey hey hello, Dolly.
There is no certifying authority.* As a favor to me, though, please do not teach table rules as though they are official rules, and do not teach etiquette or strategy as though they are official rules. Please read my FAQs -- FAQ 9, FAQ 14, FAQ 19, FAQ 26. You can click the FAQ links above left.
You really ought to have my book, and Elaine Sandberg's book, and the official NMJL rulebook (see FAQ 3).
If you want a teacher listing here on my site, email me a notice that contains the information you see in the teacher listings in FAQ 4A, and I'll post it.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
May 10, 2013
* Things have changed since 2013. See FAQ 19-CO.
Certification for teachers
> From: Regina P
> Sent: Monday, February 24, 2014 3:56 PM
> Subject: Teaching American Mah Jongg
> Dear Tom....I have been playing American Mah Jongg for 12 years now and have gone to many Mah Jongg Madness Tournaments (I greatly admire and respect Gladys Grad) as well as to several local area (Columbus and Cincinnati) smaller tournaments. For the last three years I have been teaching Mah Jongg in the Dayton, Ohio area. I have read your book and I quote you often, especially in terms of "window of opportunity" and "table harmony". Not for nothing, but I love your approach to the game. I was just at a tournament where some people were saying that "so and so" was a "certified Mah Jongg teacher"; however, I am unable to find a "certification process" for such a claim. Is there one, and if not (as I suspect) is there a movement to establish such a program? I was reading some of your discussion on your website (which is awesome, by the way!) surrounding this topic and I wholeheartedly agree that one must teach the rules according to the NMJL and expanded upon by the Mah Jongg Master Point system. I would like to pursue certification if it exists and would appreciate your assistance in obtaining this information. Thank you so much for your time and attention to this matter. (yes, I know..you own this email; no problem). Gina P, Dayton, OH
Hi, Gina.
Thanks for the kind words. There is no certification process for mah-jongg teachers. If someone says so and so is a certified teacher, it might be amusing to call so and so and ask her where she allegedly got certified!*
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
February 24, 2014
* The situation has changed since 2014. FAQ 19-CO.
One of your FAQs needs to be updated (Teacher Certification)
On Monday, March 1, 2021, 08:50:24 AM PST, Laura H wrote:
Teacher Certification FAQ
On the FAQ page, there is a question about teaching Mah Jongg.
CO "Q: Do I have to be certified to teach mah-jongg? Who certifies mah-jongg teachers' qualifications? A: There is no certification process or authority. People all over the continent teach their made-up table rules as if they were real official rules, so I wish you would at least own an up-to-date copy of the League's official rulebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy (and read it cover to cover) before teaching. You should also own my book, The Red Dragon & The West Wind. And there are more books on American mah-jongg in FAQ 3. And read FAQ 26 for some tips on teaching mah-jongg."
The American Mah Jongg Instructor Association (AMJIA) has a Certification process now.* It provides Certification for instructors who teach American Mah Jongg. Could you please update your answer to "Who certifies mah-jongg teachers' qualifications?" part.
Your efforts to promote the official rules of American Mah Jongg is very much appreciated. My contact info is given below if you need to reach me.
Mah-Jongg Teaching Tips
Sloperama FAQ 19 - American Mah-Jongg
Sloperama FAQ 19 - American Mah-Jongg
LAURA [Full name and contact info omitted per Sloperama policy]
You're right, Laura. I forgot about that FAQ. [FAQ 19-co]
Could you please update your answer
I will. What is your connection with the AMJIA? I know you're not one of the owners (I've been in conversations with them). Did you get a certificate from them?
Play safely and stay healthy. And
may the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Author of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
March 1, 2021
Los Angeles, California, USA
* Update, 2023: While the AMJIA has been disbanded, there is a resource for instructors at mahjlife.com. - Tom
I'm afraid if I show them the NMJL card it will intimidate them.
>On Saturday, August 10, 2019, 07:17:55 AM PDT, <brownjohncarl wrote:
>Simplified winning hands for beginners
>Hi Tom,
> New to mah-jongg, and your site has been very helpful. I did look through the FAQs and did not see this question.
> I'd like to start playing with some friends to learn the game, but I'm afraid if I show them the NMJL card it will intimidate them.
> Is there a standard set of simplified winning hands that beginners can use before moving on to NMJL?
>thanks
>John
Hi, John! When you looked through the FAQs, did you find FAQ 26 (the Teaching Tips FAQ)? Yes, the NMJL card is intimidating. I don't introduce it to my beginner students until the 3rd lesson (after they've learned the tiles and the basics of play, the wall, dealing, the Charleston, picking and discarding). The "standard set of winning hands" is the card that changes every year, and as I have said repeatedly and often, Consecutive Runs #2 is the most powerful hand on the card (it's also the easiest). You could have your beginners just learn Consec #2 (and you don't even have to show them the card to do it) - or you could do what I do: have the students make any hand with four pungs and a pair (four pungs of anything, and a pair of anything). I have the students make either four-pungs-and-a-pair or three-kongs-and-a-pair or two-pungs-and-two-kongs for the first two lessons. They play! They have fun! Then I hit'em with the card in lesson #3. If you try that, let me know how it goes for you!
Some of them at this point wish they could stay with the "generic" hands instead of having to use the card - those folks might be happier learning Chinese mah-jongg instead of American!
Tom Sloper
Author of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
August 10, 2019
Los Angeles, California, USA
Teaching the NMJL card
>From: Lynn M
>Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 7:49 PM
>Subject: Question about teaching mah jongg
>I'm a first-time mah jongg teacher (volunteer position teaching age 50+ folks) and have been creating lesson plans and handouts as I go. Today was the 3rd of 10 sessions, and I started the topic of "how to select a hand from the NMJL card" and I think the students were a tad overwhelmed - is this unavoidable at this point in learning the game, or do you have any suggestions/resources for fun group exercises that can help this feel more manageable to beginners? (I have 14 students.) I think the exercises in your strategy column are too advanced at this point. I've ordered a CD called "Teach/Learn American Mah Jongg" from the Jewish Heritage Museum in NYC hoping for some ideas, but do you have any other suggestions?
>Thanks a million. I LOVE your website!
>Lynn
Hi Lynn,
The card IS the most difficult thing to teach (and the most difficult thing for an NMJL player to learn). First I make sure the students all know how to understand what the hands on the cards are about. I show them examples, by making hands with actual tiles, and encouraging them to use tiles to make hands from the card. I start at the upper left corner and explain the 2011 hands first. Then I walk them down to 2468.
With a large group (you said 14?!) I have to go slower, because there are bound to be some who are slower to pick it up. It often happens that someone in the group simply can't get it (the NMJL card is not for everyone).
Also, with 14 people, it would be hard to have them all at one table with one set of tiles (you need an oversized table, and long-handled backscratchers to reach for tiles). But it becomes impossible to teach 14 ladies if they're at different tables, because then they wind up talking to each other, with the slower students asking the quicker students for a translation of what the teacher is saying, and getting possibly erroneous or confusing explanations. The teacher can spend more time trying to get everyone's attention than conveying information.
I find that the Consecutive Runs section is the section that gives the slower players the most trouble. So I don't get to that one until after Quints.
It must be repeated numerous times (and stated in numerous ways so that the point gets across) that the colors do not dictate a suit, and that in Consec., a number does not necessarily dictate a number. Examples must be shown. It takes sufficiently long to teach the reading of the card that that particular lesson can be tedious, especially for the quicker players who already get it -- and they put pressure on the slower players (or the slower players perceive pressure), and the slower players may even pretend to get it just so the class can move on. I want the students to be playing in every session, so that the learning can be fun. This session is often not nearly as much fun as the others.
Hmm... I kind of rattled on there. And I don't know if I helped you or not!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
トム·スローパー
湯姆 斯洛珀
탐 슬로퍼
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on mah-jongg East & West.
Rochester, NY
October 2, 2011
Teaching the NMJL card, part 2
>From: Lynn M
>Sent: Monday, October 3, 2011 11:01 AM
>Subject: More on teaching how to select a hand
>Hi again, Tom
>Thanks for your detailed answer about teaching the NMJL card. I was interested in your statement that you want the students to be playing at every session so that learning can be fun. I have tried to do this, too, using just components of the game, or simplified versions of the game in the early sessions.
>Re: your comment about the difficulty of having several tables of students, we're doing *pretty* well in this regard (with reminders from me to keep the talking to a minimum, so everyone can hear!). I've thought of getting MJ kards (and an oversized rack to put them on) so that I can demonstrate from the front of the classroom, and they can then follow along using the tiles at their table. But I haven't actually tried this yet.
>But actually, my question is more focused on how to teach selecting a hand once you've been dealt your tiles. I taught the NMJL card in the 2nd session and I think most of my students "got" it. In the 3rd session (how to select a hand), I talked about following the steps of (1) organizing the tiles by suits, etc. (2) looking for pairs & then hand(s) that use all pairs, (3) rearranging tiles to match various sections (odds, evens, high, low, jokers, no jokers, etc.), (4) counting how many tiles apply to each section & going for one or two sections, and (5) choosing one or two hands that use the most tiles on your rack. (and I gave them a handout with this info). Then I had them build/break the wall, deal and start to play. But I think they were overwhelmed with selecting a hand - most felt as though all they had was a "jumble" (and I remember feeling that way when I was learning, too!). Can you suggest any strategies/exercises for breaking down the process into more manageable pieces, or do they really just need to jump in and start playing (and eventually it will start to make sense)?
>Ever grateful,
>Lynn
Hi Lynn,
I, too, teach the same thing as your step 1.
But I don't point them to pairs hands in step 2. I stress the importance of the pairs, only as a clue to a direction to go in. The thing I stress for step 2 is to identify possible "families" of hands (2468, 13579, Consec., etc.) based on pairs and tile count.
I don't tell them to do your step 3. Instead, I go around the table (to the 4 racks, since there is only one table), and offer examples based on a random deal. Each rack's tiles are on top of the rack for all to see, and I show how the tiles might be used.
Your step 4 is reasonable. What I do instead, though, is to have them do a process of elimination on families for the first 1 or 2 passes, before narrowing down to 1 or 2 hands (unless the tiles are clearly 1 or 2 hands).
Your step 5 is reasonable.
No, I do not tell them to just jump in and start playing after one explanation. I have them play lesson 3, at one table, with their tiles all exposed, so I can advise (and so everyone can learn from how I answer their questions during the play). The point of lesson 3 is to learn, not to win (some of them don't get that).
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Creator of the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations welcome.
Los Angeles, California, USA
October 3, 2011
Teaching how to select a hand, Part 3
>From: Lynn M
>Sent: Thursday, October 6, 2011 1:32 PM
>Subject: Teaching how to select a hand, Part 3
>Hooray, Tom, I followed your advice of having just ONE table playing and having everyone's tiles exposed while we played, and it worked BEAUTIFULLY! I had eleven students today, and stressed the importance of letting me do most of the talking so everyone could hear. I saw the lightbulbs lighting up over several students' heads as they began to really "get" the game. They loved it, and said they want to do it this way again next week, rather than playing several tables with tiles hidden. I was worried that the more advanced students would be bored, but I asked for four volunteers to sit at the racks who were feeling pretty comfortable with the game, and of course the more experienced ones volunteered, so their interest was maintained throughout. I had them each "think out loud" about what hand they were leaning toward, why they were discarding what they were discarding, etc. This prompted lots of questions from the observers, which was great once they got the idea that they had to raise their hands and ask one at a time, and ask ME rather than each other! So, thanks for your great suggestion.
>BTW, I thought you'd like to know about a mah jongg small world experience that you & I have just had! My good friend, Laurie, was visiting last weekend from Cincinnati and I told her that I had been corresponding with you about my MJ class (she isn't a MJ player). She said, "Tom Sloper... that sounds familiar. I think my friend Sandy has a friend by that name." Sure enough, a phone call to Sandy confirmed that she has known you for decades. I've only met Sandy (who isn't a MJ player, either, as I understand it) a few times, but it was fun to discover this unexpected connection.
>Lynn
Lynn,
I'm delighted that my random meandering diatribe actually contained some gems of useful advice for you! And that's really amazing that you found a connection through my dear friend Sandy (from my pre-mah-jongg Cincinnati days)!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Creator of the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations welcome.
Los Angeles, California, USA
October 6, 2011
FAQs about teaching
>From: Lynn P
>Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 6:44 AM
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>My mah-jongg question or comment is: 1. Playing American mah jongg yesterday this happened: Player A called a flower and exposed it and 3 flowers. The next round she picked from the wall and called mah jongg. She displayed hand #5 under Winds-Dragons and said we all owed her $.60 (self-picked). Player B was ready to pay up, C was confused and I said she was dead since she had exposed on a concealed hand. She said that since nobody could tell what hand she was playing when she exposed the flowers and she got the rest of the tiles herself what she did was allowed. I read her the definition of concealed hand on page 232 of "Red Dragon & West Wind". The other two agreed with me and she stopped playing.
>2. A mah jongg player and I have decided to teach a beginning mah jongg class to 4 new players. We plan to use your book, strategy columns, Q&A and other information I have. I remember reading your comments in a couple of emails to a lady who was teaching 14 ladies to play. Is there any way I can find those emails other than scrolling through all the other ones and also how do I find any strategy columns pertaining to teaching mah jongg that you may have written? Can you add any other suggestions to the information you provided to that other teacher?
>"RD&WW" is getting a lot of use in my 3 mah jongg groups especially the newest one. Great book!!! Thanking you in advance for your help, Lynn P.
Hi Lynn,
I don't have any FAQs or columns about teaching. Since your class will consist of 4 students, you don't need my tip for how to handle 14 students. What is your plan -- how do you plan to teach the students?
By the way, your #1 was handled correctly (Player A was rightly called dead), and I didn't see a question you needed answered.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
February 25, 2012
FAQs about teaching, part 2
>From: Lynn P
>Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 12:53 PM
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>My mah-jongg question or comment is: Re: my early morning email about FAQ about teaching mah jongg. Thanks you for such a quick response. My first entry was just a comment with no question.
>My second asked how I can get to earlier Q & A emails without having to scroll back through all the newer ones. I thought I had read questions and comments in a couple of emails to you from a lady mah jongg teacher and also your answers/tips for teaching new players the game of mah jongg.
>Being a former elementary teacher my method would be hands-on learning with ditto sheets explaining tiles, etc. according to "RD&WW" information. Then learn the card, practice making hands, play, and buy "RD&WW" book. I also would recommend your strategy columns which helped me.
>Would it really be necessary to set up the walls or could the players just take 13 tiles from the table, follow the guidelines for arranging their rack, and then the other teacher and I could work with them on what tiles to pass for the Charleston? According to many new players I have met selecting tiles to pass in the Charleston and thus selecting a hand to play is the hardest part of the game. They don't seem to understand that the hand you originally select may not be the one you actually end up playing. The majority of new players can't switch from one hand to another if their first hand is dead – a lot of times because they pick 2 very different hands to play. Above needs lots of practice before games can actually be played but playing mah jongg together and discussing what was played and why is also necessary. Players should be able to explain why they played the way they did.
>So... 1. any tips for the teachers to make learning to play mah jongg a good experience for the new players. 2. any easy way to learn the new card? 3. and any way to find former emails on your Q&A site without constant scrolling? Hope the above makes sense and if not please help. Thanks, Lynn P.
Hi Lynn, you...
asked how I can get to earlier Q & A emails without having to scroll back through all the newer ones.
Yes, I know you did. I was trying to avoid the question when I told you that I didn't think those conversations would have much to inform you. But maybe they will. The reason I was trying to avoid it is because teaching you how to use your internet browser is a lot harder than answering the other questions you ask. I don't know what browser you use (and I don't want to know). You can try this:
- Scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page and click to go back to the previous page of Q&A.
- Use your browser's Find function (it is probably control-F) and see if the word "teach" is anywhere on the page.
- If it isn't, repeat the process (scroll down, click back further, Find again).
- Keep doing that until you find the conversation you're looking for.
It's too much work for me to go find them for you.
Would it really be necessary to set up the walls or could the players just take 13 tiles from the table,
That's what I do at the beginning (after I teach them all tile identification by having them build the Big Square as shown in my book) - I just turn all the tiles face-down and mix a little, pick from a pile. Wall-building takes too much time and isn't fun, so I save that until after they've at least had a chance to play a little first.
then the other teacher and I could work with them on what tiles to pass for the Charleston?
I never teach people about the card during the first lesson. Much too steep a learning curve. I teach them the basics of play without it. I have them make hands of four pungs and a pair (of anything) to get started.
According to many new players I have met selecting tiles to pass in the Charleston and thus selecting a hand to play is the hardest part of the game.
Absolutely! I don't get to that until lesson 2. I want them to have fun before I hit'em with the hard stuff.
any tips for the teachers to make learning to play mah jongg a good experience for the new players.
Get them playing as quickly as possible. Don't explain all the complications of play up front -- layer the complexities on bit by bit, when necessitated by events that occur during play.
any easy way to learn the new card?
No. But try this: spread out all the tiles face-up on the table. Walk the students through the card, have them make a 2012 hand, a 2468 hand, a Quints hand, etc. Explain all the stuff they need to know (the color-coding means this must be a two-suit hand, with the lower two numbers in one suit and the latter two numbers in a second suit, the parenthetical says any number, dragons go with suits this way, etc.)
any way to find former emails on your Q&A site without constant scrolling?
Use control-F (assuming your browser supports control-F and you don't have a Mac) and Find the word "teach".
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
February 25, 2012
FAQs about teaching, part 3
>From: Lynn P
>Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 2:13 PM
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>My mah-jongg question or comment is: RE: your answer to my FAQ about teaching mah jongg Part 2. I found the emails I was asking about (9/29/2011, 10/3 & 10/6/2011 from Lynn M.). I didn't know about F control buttons!! The words "teach" even were highlighted in yellow every time they were found!! I also found some other interesting Q&A's. I do have one questions: You told a letter writer to look under FAQ - 8e and 8b which I did. It concerned general strategies in mah jongg and began "Develop a poker face..." then "Learn 3 stages: develop, attack, defend...". They were very interesting but can they be used with American mah jongg too?
>Thank you for all your teaching info, info about F control, "RD & WW", your answers to everybody's mah jongg questions and the great Strategy column. You have made me one happy mah jongg player! Lynn P.
Hi Lynn, you wrote:
"Develop a poker face..." then "Learn 3 stages: develop, attack, defend...". They were very interesting but can they be used with American mah jongg too?
Yes. I teach these to my American mahj students just as I do to my students of other types of mah-jongg.
Thank you
You're welcome.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
February 27, 2012
How do you teach slow players to play faster?
Q: Weekly I hear, "where do we pass this time" or whose turn is it.
Q: I'm the only one who thinks we should "keep the game moving!"
Q: can you tell me how long a beginner should take to decide what to pass?
Q: After 4 years, we still have times that a player takes 4 minutes to decide one pass.
Q: Any other advice would be appreciated.
On Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 03:11:18 PM EST, storyc wrote:
new teacher questions
Hi Mr Sloper,
I have been asked by 2 groups of ladies to teach them how to play Mahjong. I have been playing for 4 years now and have read both your book and Elaine Sandberg's book...numerous times. And watched tons of you-tube videos. In my group I am the one charged with researching a question or rule, so I am constantly reading your website.
My problem is that the person that taught , had really just learned herself. She showed us the basics but not all the details. And she never stressed keeping the Charleston and game moving. (she actually had us write down all possible hands!)
When you say going slowly gets everyone confused. I know it to be true! Weekly I hear, "where do we pass this time" or whose turn is it. I use your 4/5 step strategy for the Charleston and am pretty quick. I play online and like the "fast" games. But the rest of my group is so slow. Since I'm the only one who thinks we should "keep the game moving!" I just play quickly and let them be.
But as a teacher I want to make sure the new players learn the rules correctly and learn that the game should keep moving.
My questions- After they learn the tiles, the card, the rules, dealing...can you tell me how long a beginner should take to decide what to pass? I watch Michele Frizell Charleston Sprints and her recommended time threshold for the Charleston is 4 minutes for beginners. Which is around 10 seconds per pass. Should I encourage (or teach) my students to pass within 10 seconds? And strive to get faster? I have seen lots of instruction sheets for beginners and I have several books. But I need advice on timing and how best to teach it.
I just cannot imagine a 4 minute Charleston with my group. After 4 years, we still have times that a player takes 4 minutes to decide one pass.
Thanks in advance for helping me with the timing question. Any other advice would be appreciated.
And thank you for your great website.
Story
Hi, Story! So, as a teacher, you have the rules covered, but now you have a Slow Player problem.
When we're talking about new players (players who've played for less than, let's say, six months), you have to realize that American mah-jongg is more difficult to master than other forms of mah-jongg, since a player must make a hand from the yearly card ONLY, the card is a challenge for new players to read, and the rules for jokers in particular are rather complex.
But it's not only new players who may be guilty of playing too slowly. I wrote two columns on the topic of slow players.
Column 621 discusses the psychology of slow players. As a teacher of this game, you need to understand the psychology of your students.
Column 375 discusses some techniques you can try when faced with a slow player who's negatively affecting the group's fun.
Let's dig into some things you said:
A: Since you were ASKED to be "the teacher," you can tell your students that they must announce every pass they make. And until the pace improves, you can also forbid your students to pick up the tiles passed to them until everybody has passed.
After the deal, you will surely be the first to say, "First Right." Then insist that every other player do the same after you. Then the phrase "First Across" has to be spoken by four players, then "First Left."
I've never done this, but since you have a pacing problem, After everyone has passed First Left, you can announce, "If anybody wants to stop the Charleston, speak now." After nobody says they want to stop (and 10 seconds have gone by), you can say "Second Left" and show everybody that they have to make a pyramid with their Second Left pass. And so on. Universal verbalization helps everyone keep track during the Charleston. Insist on it until the situation has improved greatly.
A: If that's true, then I'm wasting my finger movements on my computer keyboard here. If everybody is happy with the slow pace, then the problem is YOU, not them.
But I'm guessing it's NOT true - that you're NOT the only one who wishes the game would move along. As a duly elected teacher, you have the right if not the duty to keep saying, "keep the game moving. Keep the game moving. Keep the game moving." The Marge Simpson technique of "gentle nagging" can be very effective.
A: No. In a teaching situation, you can help the player choose what to pass, along with an explanation that will help everybody. But if you're an "elected teacher" who's actually a member of the play group, that's an entirely different situation. Michelle Frizzell's 10-second rule is not unreasonable. You can make it 15 seconds if you want (as I wrote in the Slow Player FAQ, FAQ 19-BA). When the time runs out, you can tell the player, "pass three or we'll each choose one for you."
A: ONE minute is an eternity in mah-jongg!! As I wrote in column 621, I think a slow player should not try so hard to win. If she just plays to keep up, she will improve eventually; winning will happen in time.
American mah-jongg is hard, and it takes some people longer to come up to speed.
Remind everyone that it's a group activity, for the group to have fun playing with one another. When one player dampens the entire group's fun, that player needs to change. Learning mah-jongg entails "paying tuition" through a lot of losses throughout the learning process.
That said, I have run into students who never rise to the challenge, never graduate. As a teacher, I've sometimes refused to teach those students any further lessons. But if you're a member of the play group, that's not an option that's available to you.
A: See FAQ 26.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Author of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs
Donations appreciated
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Rochester, New York, USA
How do you teach slow players, part 3
On Friday, January 27, 2023 at 04:19:49 PM EST, lindaz wrote:
Fwd: slow players (pt 2)
Hey Tom-
Happy New Year! I saw the question about slow players and have some suggestions to offer.
1. Explain to beginners at the start of instruction how important it is to keep up with the group.
2. Usually slow persons are beginners, so seat them with other beginners if possible. If there is only one beginner, have her sit t an experienced person who can explain what her reasoning is for a play. Of course this is only possible if everyone at the table agrees. When the newbie is more comfortable, have her play and the experienced player will sit next to her and suggest moves--as long as the other players agree. All of us were new at one time and most will have the patience with this for a few times.
3. If slowness continues, kindly approach her and say something like "We notice you seem to struggle to make a decision when it's your turn to play. We've ALL experienced this in the beginning--it's very frustrating to everyone --you feel pressure to not hold everyone up and other players want to keep things moving. We really enjoy your company and have some ideas that have helped us." Explain that the only way to play faster is to play more often and LEARN THE CARD. Join an online group (I like Real MJ). Practice every day--you can't expect to speed up by playing once a week in the beginning. Use an egg timer while you play online and strive for improvement.
If a newcomer asks to join your group, welcome her cordially but explain there is a policy to play within 15 sec. or so. That way a new member will strive to keep up. It's really awkward to have to approach someone with this complaint but it's up to the new player to adapt to the group's rules. You can make a joke out of it--"Yeah, in the past we've had to behead a few people if they were too slow and you seem like a nice person we'd enjoy playing with."
It's incumbent upon the teacher to emphasize the importance of practice, and playing online takes the pressure off of playing in a group while learning. We've ALL struggled in the beginning!!
Thanks for all the teaching you offer--Linda
Nice, Linda!
Two tips I tell my students about are:
To learn the card, go through the card and build each hand. Make it in numerous ways (with dots, then with bams, etc.). This tip only works for students who own a set of tiles.
To learn the tiles and make it easier for yourself to scan the discard floor and recognize tiles, get one of those mah-jongg tile-matching games on your mobile device or personal computer. Playing a tile-matching game gives you lots more confidence when faced with a bunch of face-up tiles.
But yeah, your kinder gentler "we all go through it" approach is good. I'm adding this to the Teaching FAQ.
Play safe out there. And
may the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Author of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs
Donations appreciated
Friday, January 27, 2023
Rochester, New York, USA
I have a desire to teach Mah Jongg
That's the way I do it. Now I fear that I've given away my "secret sauce"!
> From: Mary E
> Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2013 2:42 PM
> Subject: beginning teacher
> Hello, Mr. Sloper,
> I have a desire to teach Mah Jongg (it will be weekly at a Senior Center). I’ve never taught in a structured way like this before, just informally around a table while playing with others. I have a very good handle on the NMJL rules (thanks in good part to you, kind Sir) and have read all your input on the FAQ #26. I’m not sure how 3 hour classes (I’m only planning on 2-hr ones) could take 10 weeks....? I was thinking along the lines of 5-6 weeks, tops. I DO want to do a good job and I’ve been told I’m a good & patient teacher from when I did it informally. I know you don’t have a specific teaching book out there (or I would definitely have purchased it!) but I’ve ordered the one you recommended that has to do with “How to Teach Effectively” but it will not cover the ways of Mah Jongg.
> I would appreciate a short summary (or listing?) of Titles for your personal teaching sessions, if you will. That will clue me in to direction and steps.
> I do plan to utilize The Big Square first thing but am not sure what to do with it after explaining what all the tiles mean. Would this conceivably take up the whole 2 hours of the 1st session? It wouldn’t seem so....... so there must be something I’m not considering in this particular phase of learning.
> Also, I had hopes of limiting the class size to 8, if this seems a reasonable thing to do? I’m sure I could handle 8 well enough but I worry if it were an open enrollment and I had beau-coup folks show up. Smile
> Hoping this all makes sense and is not too much of a request!
> Many, many thanks,
> Mary
Hi, Mary. You wrote:
I’m not sure how 3 hour classes (I’m only planning on 2-hr ones) could take 10 weeks....?
I've never had a group keep me teaching for that long.
I was thinking along the lines of 5-6 weeks, tops.
I have had a few groups keep me teaching them for that long, yes.
I do plan to utilize The Big Square first thing but am not sure what to do with it after explaining what all the tiles mean. Would this conceivably take up the whole 2 hours of the 1st session?
God, no! I want to teach people more than just "here are the tiles" -- I would lose their attention if I didn't also show them at least a little about how the game is played in the first lesson.
limiting the class size to 8, if this seems a reasonable thing to do?
You are reasonable to do it as you see fit.
I would appreciate a short summary (or listing?) of Titles for your personal teaching sessions, if you will.
I have never written it down before, and it's getting late, so I do not guarantee that this is accurate or complete.
The big square: what the tiles are, together with a few stories about the origins of the game (in answer to inevitable questions).
Tile identification: I ask each student to pick up and place atop her rack any tile I name.
How play works, without a card and without walls, with dealt tiles face-up atop the rack. First, each student is permitted to create four pungs of anything and a pair of anything. Rules are explained as situations arise in the course of play.
Play again with dealt tiles face-up atop the rack; this time, students create three kongs of anything and a pair of anything.
Very rarely do we move on to explaining the card in the first lesson -- only when the students are clearly not struggling with the game or the tiles.
To begin second lesson, use a different mah-jongg set, make the big square again, review tile identification again (goes much quicker this time).
Review gameplay by making a hand of either four pungs + pair or three kongs + pair (not 2 pungs and 2 kongs -- the pair is important). Tiles still face-up atop the racks.
Introduce the walls, use of dice, and the Charleston. Players get comfortable playing basic non-card game.
Introduce the card.
Play a game the real way (with walls, dice, card, Charleston) but still putting dealt tiles face-up atop the rack. This one will be painful while people struggle with the new concepts.
Once people are not struggling with the concepts, graduate them to concealing their tiles. When someone wants to ask for strategic help, she must put her tiles face-up atop the rack because the teaching is for everyone's benefit.
As the game is played, explain finer points of the rules and answer questions as situations arise. Make sure players understand about the official rules and the existence of table rules, that players have to adapt to different groups.
By the end of the third lesson, I've usually gone over most of it, and make myself available to help hold their hands as they polish their skills in later lessons as desired by the students.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Creator of the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations welcome.
Santa Clara, California, USA
January 19, 2013
More teaching tips
> From: "Jujubille
> Sent: Monday, January 21, 2013 7:24 AM
> Subject: Teaching Mah Jongg
> Hi Tom, I just want to add two things to the teaching ideas for new players. I always include a few minutes of the history of the game, the current news about it including local places to play, tournaments, cruises,etc, how the game is widely played so that you can move to another town and continue your hobby, also, I tell everyone that it is just what the Doctors have ordered for senior citizens and others, of course, as it keeps one mentally engaged, uses your senses...you must see the tiles, hear the tiles, and say the tiles plus pick and discard, it is also an adrenal rush to say "Mah Jongg". Additonally, I distribute a Reference/Resource Sheet that lists the League, your web site, the current books including your valuable book, Wikipedia, and the places in the area and online where a new player can purchase a set.
> Thanks Judy D
Thanks, Judy!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
MLK Day, 2013
My ten-session course structure
> From: Lynn M
> Sent: Monday, August 26, 2013 8:05 AM
> Subject: My class outline
> Hello Tom & fellow MJ teachers-
>I'm getting ready to teach American mah jongg again this fall and was reviewing your FAQ #26 about teaching. I saw Mary E's comment about 10 sessions seeming like more than necessary. The senior learning center at which I teach has 10-week semesters, so I teach ten 2-hour classes. There's a LOT of time for just playing (with support from me) in the last several weeks, and the class becomes more like a mah jongg group, which is fun for everyone. I have hand-outs for every class except the last one, including quizzes that we use for review at the next session.
>For anyone who would like more info about the lessons, here's my class topic schedule:
> Class 1
> Introduction & brief history of MJ
> Identifying tiles (using techniques you have described for hands-on learning)
> Building & breaking the wall
> The deal
> Calling a tile
> Using jokers
> Simple play (four pungs and a pair or three kongs and a pair)
> Class 2
> Review questions re: stuff learned in class 1
> Simple play as in class one, but adding the twist that all groups in your hand must
> be related in some way:
> all even
> all odd
> all one suit
> three suits all used
> all one number
> plus flowers, winds, dragons
> During play, teach about redeeming jokers
> Class 3
> Review questions re: last session
> Pairs, pungs, kongs, quints, sextets
> Simple play as in class two, but adding a couple other twists:
> Name all exposures, using the proper vocabulary (pung, kong, etc.)
> Add the Charleston
> Class 4
> Review questions re: last session
> Deciphering the NMJL card
> Play with one table of four (others watch) and exposed hands
> Class 5
> Review questions re: last session
> MJ resources (books, websites, etc.)
> Tips for buying a MJ set (and students bring their sets to show)
> Selecting possible hands
> Play with one table of four (others watch) and exposed hands
> Class 6
> Review questions re: last session
> MJ etiquette
> Play (with exposed hands or not, depending on comfort of students)
>Class 7
> Review questions re: last session
> Bring volunteers from my MJ group to play with the students
> (this is a bald-faced attempt at recruitment)
> Class 8
> Review questions re: last session
> Scoring and betting
> Play with concealed hands and support from teacher
> Class 9
> Review questions re: last session
> Strategy
> Forming a MJ group
> Playing with other than 4 players
> MJ in error
> Play
> Class 10
> MJ tournament with prizes
Thanks for sharing, Lynn!
Have I been playing wrong all these years?
>From: Maureen
>Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 3:40 PM
>Subject: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>My mah-jongg question or comment is:
>I have been trying to teach Mahjongg to seniors in my community. One of my students tells me that she found on the "MahJongg" site that you can "steal" right from the beginning so you have your "original" tiles. Have I been playing wrong all these years?
>M McB Watervliet,New York
Hi Maureen,
If you're going to teach mahjongg to others, you need to be armed with a definitive book, so you can field questions that may arise. You also need to understand, and convey to your students:
Many people play mahjongg using various unofficial table rules, then teach those as official;
Anybody and his dog can create a website and say any old darned thing he wants;
Novices reading the somewhat complicated rules of mahjongg can misremember or misunderstand what was read there;
Because there are dozens of mahjongg variants, your student might not even have been reading about American-style mahjongg at all! (I assume you're teaching National Mah Jongg League rules to your seniors.)
There isn't just one site. You said your student found this rule on "the 'MahJongg' site" (italics added for emphasis). I just now Googled "mahjongg Charleston steal" and checked all 10 of the sites on the first page of search results, and none of those sites said what your student said was written on the site she read. I'd be curious which site she was talking about, but I'd bet that she couldn't even find it again. And if she could, that it doesn't say what she says it says (for reason 3 above).
Besides, even if we were to honor one site as being "the" website for American-style mahjongg, that would have to be the website of the National Mah Jongg League itself (link in FAQ 4a). And the NMJL website doesn't give the rules, and the word "steal" is nowhere to be found on that site.
The actual and correct rule is stated right on the back of your NMJL card. I assume you have the NMJL card? Turn it over and read the back (the left pane of the card). Should some website be trusted more than the actual rules as stated by the National Mah Jongg League, right there on the card?
Some more places where you can view the actual and correct rule:
The official NMJL rulebook, page 12. You absolutely must own a copy of the official rulebook if you're going to teach! Read FAQ 3 (the FAQs are above left).
Right here on my website: FAQ 19AG.
My book, "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," p. 47 and p. 82.
Elaine Sandberg's book (see FAQ 3), p. 77.
Besides, just think about it a minute. How could you possibly blind pass on an across? To blind pass, you have to wait for another player to pass three tiles to you first. Then you can take up to 3 of those tiles and pass them along, correct? Well, if you do that on an across, how would that work? First the player opposite you would hand over three tiles. Then what, are you going to just give those back to her? (^_^) Can you even imagine what kind of reaction you'd get if you tried that?
And lastly, I have to nitpick your use of the word "steal." The act of passing along tiles that were passed to you, in order to keep your original tiles in the hand, is properly called "blind passing." Read the official NMJL rulebook, and see my Column #353 (purple banner above, I recommend you bookmark it) and my FAQ 19AW (please bookmark FAQ 19 for your future reference).
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
May 22, 2009
Have I been playing wrong all these years? Guess not, huh.
>From: Maureen
>Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 7:51 PM
>Subject: Re: Mah-Jongg Q+A
>Thank you for your prompt answer. I am chuckling about the word "steal" as I know better. This is my first time teaching and I have been trying to use the proper terms. However, I find that pungs and kongs only confuse beginners (and me) more. I will order your book and reread my card and Mahjongg official book.
>Also, I have leaned even more myself since I've taken on this task of teaching. I only started because there were not enough players in my area to play, especially since several go to Florida for the winter. Our classes started in September of 2008 and have increased to more than 16 regular players now. I am so glad to have a source like you to help me.
>May the tiles be with you also.....MMcB Watervliet, NY
That's cool, Maureen. (^_^)
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
May 22, 2009
How to use an online game as a teaching aid or platform?
On Friday, July 7, 2023 at 12:41:34 PM EDT, L S wrote:
Question about teaching others how to play
Hi,
I learned so much from your website several years ago that I was able to teach 6 friends how to play. Since the pandemic, I have been playing everyday online at realmahjongg.com because we stopped playing in person. We will probably get back together to play in person but until then, playing online has been great!
So now, one of the gals I taught is trying to teach her sister how to play but they are in 2 different states. (I taught all of my friends in person at my home.)
Do you have any suggestions on how to play on the computer but “share” open hands at the same time in order to help someone learn how to play?
It may sound like a strange question but I thought if anyone had an answer, it would be you.
Thanks so much for all you do!
Leslie S
Hi, Leslie!
It's not a strange question. You can use Zoom or Teams and Share your screen with the students - and the students can share their tiles with the group, too. But one drawback of this method is you'll probably have to deal with students who need to be taught how to use Zoom or Teams, how to Share, and other questions that inevitably arise when newbies try to use online conferencing software. "How come I can't hear anybody?" "Hey Susie, you have to turn your mic on!" "How come I can't see Deborah?" "How do I get back to the game?" "Now I can't see Zoom!" "What's a browser tab?" And so forth and so on. And that's if you get everybody to manage to get to your Zoom room in the first place! Good luck!
I'll add this to FAQ 26.
Play safe out there. And
may the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
7/7/2023
Donations appreciated
Was I being overly strict?
>Sun, July 31, 2011 8:00:36 PM
>Dead on a Joker exchange
>From: Donna M
>Hi Tom,
>I have a question and checked your book and website to the best of my ability. I play regularly with several women in various games who are seasoned long-time players. Occasionally someone forgets to pick when they make a beeline to first exchange a joker. When this happens someone usually says "did you pick a tile", reminding them to do so.
>Page 58. Section 86 a. states that a tile must be picked (or called for first) (I teach this in my beginning MJ class to all my new players)
>Today I watched a player exchange a joker and discard another tile from her hand without picking. I then called her out for only having twelve tiles, which she had no problem with. Interesting that the next time she did a joker exchange she did it right.
>My question is was I being being overly strict (as you discuss on your site referenced below)? Should players be allowed to remind another player to pick? I'd appreciate your answer and any other comments on this particular issue.
>FYI We play by standard NMJL rules, but do have a table rule that if someone throws a tile to a third exposure (regardless if it could be more than one hand) that person pays for the table.
>Hope you are enjoying your summer!
>Donna
> BEING OVERLY STRICT -- When you're playing in a tournament, strict enforcement of the rules is expected and proper. But if you have a friendly group, you can be a little looser with the rules. I know one group that wanted to adopt the strict "you touch the wall tile, it's yours" rule, and another group that says "as long as you didn't look at it, you can change your mind and take the discard." I am adaptable to either rule. The latter rule is more friendly, and I like it better. But when I'm in a tournament, stand back. You touch that tile, it's yours
Hi Donna, you wrote:
was I being being overly strict
No. Rules is rules. And there's a good reason for this one. If you permit a player to redeem before calling, then she might make an otherwise-illegal win, or she would collect double winnings from the wrong person or persons.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Creator of the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations welcome.
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 31, 2011
Need teaching guidance, and that FAQ
>From: Lynn M
>Sent: Monday, September 24, 2012 4:52 AM
>Subject: Question about teaching American MJ
>Hi Tom,
> I'm teaching again at Forever Learning Institute in South Bend, Indiana. With your help, I have refined my lesson plans over the past couple of years. Now I have another need: my students (8 seniors, as in "senior citizens," not high school!) are requesting that I show sample hands so that they can see the different ways to make the same hand. I have composed hands of tiles before class and put them into baggies so I can show them at the next class. Alternatively, I've made hand-outs by putting tiles on the copy machine, shrinking them to 75% (so a whole hand will fit on a portrait-orientation 8.5 x 11 page) and literally cutting and pasting (with scissors & glue) them onto a page and copying that page. I *am* willing to do almost anything for mah jongg J, but this is very cumbersome. Can you tell me what your resource is for the little graphics of individual MJ tiles that you use on your site? It would be GREAT to be able to electronically place tiles into a hand that I could then print for handouts. Also, might I humbly suggest that you consider starting a FAQ called "Tips for teaching MJ" so that all this stuff is in one place? That would be ever so lovely!
> A million thanks,
>Lynn M. (Sandy's friend-of-a-friend)
Hi, Lynn. You wrote:
my students are requesting that I show sample hands so that they can see the different ways to make the same hand. I have composed hands of tiles before class and put them into baggies ... Alternatively, I've made hand-outs by putting tiles on the copy machine
I find it's very effective to make the students make those hands. "Here's the Xth hand in 2468. It works like this... [explain]. Now, I want each player to make this hand. Turn all the tiles face-up on the table, and make the hands atop your racks." Then if you see that one player won't be able to make the hand because there aren't enough of a needed tile (even with jokers), you can either use that to teach about what can happen when players are in one another's hair, or you can alert her to make the hand a different way. Students learn better when they make the hands themselves.
Note: when the class is 8 people, a "player" is 2 people.
Can you tell me what your resource is for the little graphics of individual MJ tiles that you use on your site?
I have 2 mah-jongg fonts, and some mah-jongg tile graphics sources, listed in FAQ 5.
Also, might I humbly suggest that you consider starting a FAQ called "Tips for teaching MJ" so that all this stuff is in one place?
Yeah, that idea occurred to me, but when I got your email, I got serious and started collecting some material for an FAQ. One of these days soon I'll put it up.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
September 24, 2012
Our beginners group - what's going wrong?
>From: susan v
>Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:55 AM
>Subject: nobody is winning
>Hi, my friends and I are learning to play Mah Jongg. We play only 1time /month, so our learning curve is not very steep. So far we have played 5 games, and no one has managed to get a mah jongg. We all have the book 'A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg' It's getting discouraging-any suggestions?
>Thanks,
>Susan V
><font color="#407f00" size="4">Susan V
Hi, Susan.
If you're playing only one time each month, and you've only tried playing 5 times (and I assume you're all self-taught), then I'm not surprised nobody has yet managed to make mah-jongg. A month is a long time. People forget how to play. It's normal and recommended to play once a week instead.
If you have not had a teacher (if you've all worked out how to play from that book), then I think it's time to bring in a teacher. She can guide you all and tweak your play. Let me tell you how I teach. I have the players expose all their tiles atop their racks, so I can speak openly to them about strategy (and so the other players can benefit and learn from the tips I give one player). When everyone's tiles are open to everyone's view, players get a better picture of what works, more quickly. Even if you can't find a teacher to guide you, you could give that a try. Rather than each player trying to win, the group should be trying to level-up their play, to learn faster. Look at one another's tiles, give each other ideas about what she might do. The goal could be to get somebody (anybody) to win (and that would educate everyone).
Also, I don't know if you have food and drink on the table, music playing, a TV on, iPhones ringing, or everyone chatting. Distractions and a lack of focus also might be a factor.
Good luck! May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
November 29, 2012
I am starting to teach a group
Mah-Jongg Q+A
On Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 07:36:35 AM EDT, Terry L wrote:
My mah-jongg question or comment is:
Sent from Mail for Windows
I am starting to teach a group of 4 players who know the basis of the game but have never been exposed to interesting defense or strategies. The first time I played with them, they were shocked as they watched me switch to another hand when the hand I was playing became dead.
From that first experience, they started throwing questions at me right and left. New to the group, I was very hesitant to butt in and change the way they played. But, honestly, for me, it was too boring to return to another session with them.
They played with one dice, the dealer passed out the tiles to each player, made a wall but had no idea why
(not that playing a hot wall is necessary), and, without any defensive knowledge and nothing to lose, discarded tiles randomly just to improve their own hand.
They are very enthusiastic and seem to be interested enough that I would like to continue working with them. I like the idea of starting to play with beans or some form of payment other than money. But I don’t believe one can play defensively or strategically without some sort of reward other than the group clapping when someone gets a Maj.
In my opinion, because they know the tiles and can read the card, learning to switch hands, and defensive playing (understanding exposures and discards) are the best way to begin the process.
What other suggestions can you provide? My goal is not only to make them better players but I would like to develop their enthusiasm to get more involved with the smaller details that really make the game, at least for me, an absolute delight.
Thank you.
Terry L
Hi, Terry!
I would educate the group on the normal procedures (two dice,* and each player taking their own tiles from the wall, for starters) just so they'll be prepared to join other tables someday as circumstances permit.
You don't have to use beans to teach scoring. Most mah-jongg sets come with colored chips. Easier than beans, since beans are not denominated. I guess one bean could be 5 points/cents. If there are no chips in the set they're using, another way is to keep score on paper.
You might find other useful teaching tips in FAQ 26.
* (By the way, the singular of "dice" is "die.")
Play safe out there. And
may the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Rochester, New York, USA
June 6, 2023
Donations appreciated
How much should I charge?
>From: Michele F
>Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 8:02 AM
>Subject: Going Rate for Mahjong Lessons
>Hi Tom,
>I've been a fan of yours for years – KUDOS for all the work you do!
>I run a Mahjong meetup in Atlanta and I'd be honored if you'd stop by our meetup site at www.meetup.com/greateratlantamahjong. We have groups playing several styles of Mahjong in the greater Atlanta area just about every day of the week. We also offer lessons. This year we're focused on building membership so we are not charging for lessons but in the past, we charged $25 for a 4-hour class and usually includes 4-8 students.
>I have an opportunity to teach on a larger scale and wondered what you've seen as the going rate for lessons of the National Mahjong League style. I was thinking $110 for 4 4-hour lessons including player card.
>Kind regards,
>Michele F
Hi, Michele.
I agree $25 per person is right.* I ask for more if I have to drive more than 30 minutes.
I find that 3 hours is a better length for a lesson, but if you're having good results with 4 hours, that's fine. Sometimes my students can't spend more than 2 hours. The lesson price is the same either way (I state that up front).
I always recommend a minimum of 3 lessons. Most students want a 4th lesson, so I think you're right on there.
I don't include a card. Some students buy their own card beforehand.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your meetups!
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of these Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
August 17, 2012
* That was 2012. Now, in 2023, the value of $25 is less than what it was then, and there's the risk of catching COVID. Of course you'd screen the students in advance, make sure they're vaccinated, and I'd probably ask more than $25. I haven't taught since 2020, so I haven't had to decide on the price of tuition lately. - Tom
To Rae W from Kirkwood, MO
I hope you come here and see this reply, because I'm not returning your phone call. Because (as it says above, and on a screen you have to go through to find my phone number) I do not answer mah-jongg questions over the telephone. I share this information with everyone -- none of my readers can listen in on a private phone conversation. Please don't phone me with mah-jongg questions again.
To Rae, who telephoned and left me a voicemail at 1:02 PM (Pacific Time) today, and asked (paraphrased):
"I'm teaching mah-jongg from Elaine Sandberg's book, and she refers to the 2010 card, which I no longer have. I need a 2010 card to use with my students. Is there any way I can get one?"
Sandberg's first book included a 2004 card printed on the last couple of pages. Maybe she did that in the book you're talking about, too (I assume you're talking about her "Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies"). If not, you can try eBay. Or you can try asking the NMJL. Or you can post on my Accessories Wanted bulletin board. In my book, I didn't have any references to any specific NMJL card (instead, I made up some hands, and gave general principles). Did you know I write a weekly strategy column (referring to the current card)? See purple banner above.
Tom Sloper
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
July 22, 2013
Questions about Chinese mahjong
>From: (Lana) looky.lou
>Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 4:18 PM
>Subject: Just a half dozen MahJongg clarifications would help...
>Good day to you, Tom.
>Finally getting some gals together to start learning Chinese Mahj and then I discovered that there's the "official" and there's the "classical" and now I don't know which one to go with.
>In your book "The Red Dragon and The West Wind" you devoted pages 127 through 249 to the Chinese Official Mahjong. You devoted pages 2 through 126 to the American version, along with some history of Mahjongg. By the way, your book is a "keeper!" I decided to go with your book's instructions for Chinese Mah-Jongg.
>So I went online and copied your instructions for CHINESE MAH-JONGG SIMPLIFIED, which uses 136 tiles, but, but, but...I'm unsure about tackling this easier version. Until I compared both sets of rules I didn't realize that they were two different versions.
>Would the simplified version be best for current American MahJongg players who just want to experiment with some Chinese version?
>Should we jump right into the version that uses no jokers or flowers, or is that too big of a jump?
>Tom, we're anxiously waiting at the edge of the cliff and we're ready to jump...but how far? (Bite your tongue.)
>Just curious: What's the story behind the artistic sketch you use with your emails?
>A lesson learned: The other day I was playing for money and tossed away a 4 Bamboo which was really a Flower. I threw away a Mahj hand and didn't even know it until it was too late. The lesson learned is to carefully preview the tiles of any set you're not used to playing with before the game starts. The hand ended up as a wall game and cost me money. Strange, but no one caught the error at the time. Double duh...
>Lana
Hi Lana,
I'm so glad you like my book. You asked:
I discovered that there's the "official" and there's the "classical"
Look in FAQ 2b - there are a lot more Chinese variants than that!
and now I don't know which one to go with.
That's what FAQ 2a is for.
I went online and copied your instructions for CHINESE MAH-JONGG SIMPLIFIED, which uses 136 tiles, but, but, but...I'm unsure about tackling this easier version.
The simplified rules are intended to be a way to break in gently into any Asian variant. Actually, all it is is Asian mahjong, without any flowers, and without any scoring. You can accomplish the same thing by playing the rules in my book but ignoring flowers and scoring. FAQ 10 simply shows you the basics of Asian mahjong, is all. To get you started.
Until I compared both sets of rules I didn't realize that they were two different versions.
You haven't looked at Chinese Classical yet, if all you've printed is FAQ 10. FAQ 4b lists lots of websites where the CC rules are given. And as I said above, FAQ 2b lists all known variants - there aren't just two Chinese and one American. Take a look at Appendix 5 in my book. Personally, I think the CC scoring is too complicated, since every player pays every other player. But some folks think CO is too complicated because there are so many patterns to either memorize or look up. If playing CO, photocopy Appendix 7 as a tableside guide. After breaking in gently via FAQ 10, of course.
Would the simplified version be best for current American MahJongg players who just want to experiment with some Chinese version?
Sure.
Should we jump right into the version that uses no jokers or flowers, or is that too big of a jump?
As opposed to what?
What's the story behind the artistic sketch you use with your emails?
You mean the little drawing of me that I use to precede my answers here on the BB, and atop each of my weekly strategy columns? That's a caricature of me, from the Japanese manga "Kindai Majan" (2007年10月1日 issue, in the comic strip "愉快な人々," by artist 有元美保. Jenn Barr, an American who lives in Japan, is a professional mahjong player. She came to the Open European Mahjong Championship in Copenhagen last summer, and we first met there. She went back to Japan and was interviewed by 有元美保. In that interview she told him about meeting me, so I was part of the story. I'm chuffed to be a Japanese manga character! (^_^) Even if it was only the one frame.
The lesson learned is to carefully preview the tiles of any set you're not used to playing with before the game starts.
Yes, which is why I said that on page 30. And which is why I always use a different mahjong set in each class when I'm teaching.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on mah-jongg East & West.
トム·スローパー
/
湯姆 斯洛珀 / 탐 슬로퍼
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
June 7, 2008
Wright-Patterson
>From: Charles/Cordelia
>Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 12:58:05 PM
>Subject: My mah jongg comment is:
>Hi Tom,
>I love your website, I love mah jongg. I appreciate the 3 answers to questions you've given me: 1 on applejuice mah jongg sets, 1 on original color of bakelite tiles, and 3. what book to refer to for basic classical Chinese rule set.
>My daughter asked what I wanted for Mother's Day and I said, "The Red Dragon and THe West Wind". I thoroughly enjoy it even though there is almost no focus on Wright Patterson, which I knew before I requested your book. But on page 227, you mention that we play with 144 tiles. We actually play with 146 tiles-2 jokers, which you might want to change when your next edition comes out.
>With appreciation,
>Cordelia
Hi Cordelia,
I'm glad you enjoy my work. (^_^)
I had heard previously from a Wright-Patterson player, who also mentioned using 2 jokers, but I hadn't thought much of it at the time. Prompted by your email, I just now rechecked the official Wright-Patterson rulebook, and could not find any mention of jokers anywhere in any of the four booklets available from the WPAFB-OWC. So I have to assume that the use of 2 jokers is not the official practice, so much as an unofficial table rule. The use of jokers certainly necessitates rules governing exactly how jokers may be used. The use of jokers probably causes more questions about NMJL rules than any other thing. So it's unthinkable for a rulebook to omit something so likely to raise questions. Thus my assumption that it's an unofficial rule.
If I'm wrong, and jokers are now part of the official rules, then one would assume that the WPAFB-OWC would need to issue a revision of the rulebook. It's been a few years since I ordered my booklets (less than ten years). So it's possible that a revision has already been issued since then. If this has happened, I need to order a new copy of the rules.
For now, I've added the use of 2 jokers to FAQ 2b, with a mention that it's probably an unofficial practice. If/when I can confirm that all W-P players use 2 jokers, or at least that a majority of W-P players use them unofficially, I will definitely add that tidbit to the errata for my book, and modify the entry in FAQ 2b as well.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on mahjong East & West.
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
May 17, 2009
Wright-Patterson, continued
>From: Charles/Cordelia
>Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 10:27:54 AM
>Subject: Follow up on Wright-Patterson and 2 jokers
>Hi Tom,
>On may 17th I wrote to mention that in your book, "The Red Dragon & the West Wind" that you say Wright-Patterson uses 144 tiles and I wrote that actually we use 2 jokers (146 tiles.) You were right about the rule books NOT mentioning the use of 2 jokers-and I checked the new 2009 booklet with 102 hands. So I checked with my Mah Jongg maven. She learned as an Air Force Wife stationed at an Air Force base in Japan in late 60's early 70's. Many of them were teaching with 2 jokers as it became easier to teach the method using the 2 jokers. So there you are, right again-it is an unofficial practice to use 2 jokers. as you posted on your website.
>Thanks
>Cordelia
Hi Cordelia, you wrote:
I checked the new 2009 booklet
It's always good to check! (^_^) And as I always say, it's always good to have a copy of the official rules to check.
Many of them were teaching with 2 jokers as it became easier to teach the method using the 2 jokers.
I don't think that's the real reason. I think the real reason for teaching it that way is either:
That's the way the teacher was taught, or;
That's the way the teacher likes to play.
In fact, I think it's more difficult to teach with jokers, because now you have to explain all the joker rules. I think the real reason people use jokers is because they like to, because it makes the game easier (once you've learned all the rules). The NMJL has many joker rules, and even a casual scroll down through the Q's on this board will show that most of the confusion in the NMJL game comes from the joker rules. Since Wright-Pat rules don't govern the use of jokers, each group would have to make do with word-of-mouth, and per-table governance. But now I've gone off on a tangent.
Thanks for writing, Cordelia! May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
June 12, 2009
Which ruleset should I teach?
> From: Leon U
> Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 1:22 PM
> Subject: Teaching questions
> Mr tom
> So ive been having problems finding players in my style so i found a lot of players that ive been playing wright patterson n nationals with that are interested in learning riichi. My question is would it it be more efficient to teach the japanese riichi ruleset or the ruleset of ema riichi. The differences pertain but not limited to using red doras, tanyao being open and or closed, and a 2 yaku requirement after 5 repeaters on the dealer
Leon, I apologize for letting your question go unanswered for four days! I just realized now that I had let it fall through the cracks.
I don't see why you think you have to choose one of those two slightly different variations to the exclusion of the other. Both are variations on the Japanese game. Anytime a player sits down at someone's riichi table, the host must explain the house rules. So it's part of your job as a teacher to tell your students what to expect. You have to let your students know about the most common variations. I would teach the Japanese rules with red fives, open tanyao (kuitan), and the 2-han rule, and make sure the students know that at some tables the rules vary. Play one or two games with different rules, so the students see how the changes impact play.
If you teach one ruleset to the exclusion of others, students will come to think that the way you taught them is "correct" (implication: other ways are "incorrect"). And if you never mention other ways of playing, you do your students a disservice.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
October 21, 2013
Which ruleset should I teach, part 2
> From: Leon U
> Sent: Monday, October 21, 2013 8:14 AM
> Subject: Re: Teaching questions
> thank you for replying back, i do plan on teaching both variations since the changes are minor and i would have my students understand the full spectrum of the game. any other changes are and house rules and requirements will come up. but i wasnt sure, since they have the ema, and you stress the fact of teaching by regulations and not just house rules, i got concerned maybe that japanese riichi was so different from ema. Then i realized its not that much different once i looked into the context of the rules. my only concern left would be possible scoring rulings, shall i still incorporate the payments for pure and impure yakumans that lead to single and double yakumans or should that hold off till the end. last but not least, furiten i read up on the rules since theres variation on this as well. i was just curious about it since im hearing many different things. i understand the concept of not being able to claim your winning tile if it were to be one that you have previously discarded. but my question is about a version where if your in furiten for one tile ie 1 you have 23 in you hand your still considered furiten and cannot claim the tile 4 for a ron. only tsumos. could you clarify this for me please? or is this the same rule and im missing something >.<.
> thank you for all your help, ps i purchased a copy of your book loving it so far ^^.
Hi, Leon. You wrote:
i wasnt sure, since they have the ema, and you stress the fact of teaching by regulations and not just house rules
I teach my students the official rules when there are official rules in effect, and I also warn them that they'll encounter house rules. And who's to say which Japanese rules are "the" official rules? If you are in Europe, then the EMA rules is the way to go. If you are in Japan, then teach the rules prevalent in the local parlors. If you're not in Europe or Japan, then teach them whichever way you prefer to play, and tell them about the other ways.
shall i still incorporate the payments for pure and impure yakumans that lead to single and double yakumans or should that hold off till the end.
I usually teach in context with play. I would tell the students that there are even higher-scoring ways to win, and that they should get a good book (the most readily available one in English is Jenn Barr's book). Or I'd buy the books (hopefully at a discount) and sell them to the students. I don't teach every conceivable detail that the students might or might not encounter.
my question is about a version where if your in furiten for one tile ie 1 you have 23 in you hand your still considered furiten and cannot claim the tile 4 for a ron. only tsumos. could you clarify this for me please? or is this the same rule [as furiten]
Yes, that's part of the furiten rule. See Jenn Barr's book, pp. 78-79.
i purchased a copy of your book loving it so far ^^.
I'm glad. I'm sorry, though, that it probably won't help you much with teaching riichi/dora majan.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
October 21, 2013
Teaching kids
>From: Elaine D
>Sent: Monday, December 10, 2018 8:33 PM
>Subject: Teaching Kids American Mah Jongg (ages 7 - 10)
>Hello Tom - First, I love your book The Red Dragon and the West Wing. I used it as a text book when I taught American Maj Jongg to senior citizens as a volunteer at the San Pablo Senior Center, San Pablo, CA from July 2015 - July 2017.
>Now I would like to teach American Mah Jongg to elementary school children, grades 3 to 5, ages 8 to 10 years old. Although I have no research or evidence to support this, I believe that their skills for reading and arithmetic will be greatly enhanced by learning and playing American Mah Jongg. Needless to say, no money will be involved with the children, but rewards they appreciate, e.g., stickers.
>Since you are my expert regarding American Mah Jongg any information and advice you share will be greatly appreciated. In return, I would love to share with you any evidenced based results from the classes with the children.
>With respect (for your skill) and gratitude (for the sharing of your knowledge),
>Elaine D
>Former American Maj Jongg Teacher (2015 - 2017)
>President of the Friends of the Richmond Public Library (CA) (2018 - 2019)
Hi, Elaine! Gosh, such high praise!
With only a few exceptions, I have not taught the game to children. The conclusion I have reached from the few kids I have taught is that you will probably find that the kiddos learn the game MUCH quicker than adults. I wish you success, but I don't have any tips for you.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
トム·スローパー
湯姆 斯洛珀
Creator of the
Sloper On Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
December 11, 2018
New book for teaching
>From: Stacey
>Sent: Friday, August 7, 2015 5:43 PM
>Subject: Something New for Teachers of Mah Jongg
>Hello, Tom,
>First of all let me say I am a BIG fan of the Mah-Jongg-a-rama section of your website www.sloperama.com. I also want to tell you I recently re-joined FB and have been reading many of the posts on "Mah Jongg, That's It!." In fact, two days ago a player posed a question about racking tiles and someone responded by referring to your column #458. I read that article and found very helpful. It makes sense if the calling and the racking seem to happen at the same time we take into consideration if the racker was really quick or not.
>I just purchased your book The Red Dragon & The West Wind: The Winning Guide to Official Chinese & American Mah-Jongg and can't wait to read it. The reason I am writing to you is because I saw your name on a list of Mah Jongg teachers at www.mahjonggmaven.com and I wanted to let you know about a new teaching tool I have written and published, "Let's Play Modern American Mah Jongg! A Flipbook Reference Guide." Attached is a photo of the cover, and I’ve included a link to my website, where you can find more information and see a few sample pages.
>I’ve had so much enjoyment and made some wonderful friendships playing Mah Jongg. As a career classroom teacher, I’m pleased to know of people like you who are working to help newcomers get into the game.
>When I first began learning, I found some good, full-length books about Mah Jongg, but not a guidebook with quick answers to help a confused novice like me navigate actual game situations. Seeing a need, I decided to write one.
>Gregg Swain, co-author of “Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game,” recently gave my flipbook a thumbs-up and has recommended it for teachers and learners of American Mah Jongg. I’m charging $9.99 (plus tax where applicable and $3.99 for shipping/handling), and I’m offering a “joker special” of free shipping for those who purchase 8 or more copies. I hope you'll consider buying a copy and, if you like it you will want to order some copies for your students.
>Happy Mah Jongging,
>Stacey Rea
>Author of "Let's Play Modern American Mah Jongg! A Flipbook Reference Guide"
>?Available for purchase here:?
>Website: www.26thavenuepress.com
>Twitter: @mahjongg_stacey
>Instagram: staceyrea1955
>Please "LIKE" my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Letsplaymahjongg
Cool, Stacey. Too bad you already bought my book - I would have suggested we trade. I'll definitely check out your flipbook.
May the tiles be with you.
Tom Sloper
トム·スローパー
湯姆 斯洛珀
Creator of
the weekly Mah-Jongg column and
the Mah-Jongg FAQs -- donations appreciated.
Author of "The Red Dragon & The West Wind," the definitive book on Mah-Jongg East & West.
Los Angeles, California, USA
August 7, 2015
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