This is where we provide additional information for all the web icons you see in the book.
CHAPTER 7 OVERVIEW OF PLAY
Errata on the top of page 114: Pay no attention to the word “South” on the top line. Although all play throughout the world plays with seats in East, South, West, and North positions, counter-clockwise at the table, the NMJL was of play, at Tournaments, uses the way we’d see seats on the compass, thus East, North, West, South counter-clockwise around the table.
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Sometimes Mah Jongg does not seem “fair”. The other day, I was playing online with friends. Two of us were playing the exact same hand, with the exact same tiles. We both (unbeknownst to each other) needed one tile. I called for Mah Jongg and won. The only reason I won is because I was to the right of the person who discarded. Had I been across or to the left, the other player would have won. (This happened when playing online. Given the NMJL’s current rules, if we had been playing together at the same actual table, if the other player had exposed her tiles on the rack, she would have gotten Mah Jongg.)
CHAPTER 8 BASIC AND ADVANCED STRATEGY
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Tournament play is mostly the same as social play. One of the major differences is that each game in Tournament play must be completed in under 15 minutes. Many are intimidated by this. You will most likely find that the fear dissipates almost immediately. Once you are a tad seasoned, play moves faster and you will join in easily. Just like learning anything, your skills will improve with practice and time.
Many sites on Facebook list tournaments. Mah Jongg That’s It is a really good place to start.
Page 125: G&T TIME
Luck versus Skill
I (Toby) played the other day online and won only once with very accomplished players. It was two hours of play. I had never played with bots and thought, hmmm, I haven’t been playing much, let me practice a bit. I won very fast games four times in a row. I asked if this was “normal” and everyone laughed at me. My point is that some days, you are a genius and the next day you are humbled. WE all have had this experience. So, when it comes to luck and skill, stay away from ladders, cracks and black cats and make sure to carry your good luck with you always!
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Top Web Icon
Learning a new card can be so much fun, once you understand the basic rules and play. To learn the new 2026 NMJL Card, start with our suggested exercise of laying out your tiles in Suits., Winds, Dragons and Flowers. Now, it’s time to study!
Afterword
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Choosing a set is like choosing an article of clothing. We each have our own style. Choose one that makes you happy!
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When purchasing a Vintage set, it is essential that you have compassion for the tiles. The color of tiles might vary, there might be a chip or a crack. You have to make sure these “imperfections” are something you can live with. The most important thing is to make sure you have 152 tiles that match on the back side.
Vintage sets often come without racks. Be sure to check and if a vintage set without racks “resonates” with you make sure to purchase them. Our Resource Tab can help you with that.