East is the dealer at the Missy Mahjong table

I teach new students to play mahjong according to the National Mah Jongg League. After the first introductory lesson, I add my own spin to the game with “Missy Rules.” These table rules provide a fast and fun way to get a mahjong game started.

The Importance of a Good Shuffle

We start with a good shuffle. I enjoy hearing the tiles gently toss around. Shufflers are not just practical; they are a fun accessory for any table, especially mine. Of course, you can always use your cards or just your hands. I always prefer a sassy shuffler!

Turning Over the Tiles

The tiles need to be turned over collectively. This moment is when you can show off your latest manicure while your fellow players compliment your bracelet. It’s a group activity and a great conversation starter before the game even starts.

Building the Walls

Next, build the walls against each pusher. If you are using a standard set of tiles, each wall is 19 tiles long and double-stacked. If you have extra jokers or blanks, adjust the walls accordingly to fit your game.

Establishing East

The NMJL calls for dice to establish “East.” However, I believe this is unnecessary. At my table, I am East simply because I am the hostess. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who starts as East. Everyone will have the East advantage at some point during the game. If it happens to be a player’s birthday, I award them East. My table, my rules!

Curtsying the Wall

Assuming I’m East, I will push my wall out to the middle. I ask one player of my choice to pick a number from 1 to 10. Let’s say they pick six. I’ll count six from the start of the wall. Using tension, I’ll move it back to my rack. This is similar to cutting the deck. The tiles against my rack are going to be the last tiles played with. I like to turn over the last two tiles at the end of the extended wall and refer to it as the "tail of the dragon." This tail will point in the direction and order we select the tiles during the game.

The Role of the Dealer

In American mahjong, there is no designated dealer as per NMJL. However, in the Missy Mahjong table rules, East is the dealer. East will take the first two stacks (which contain four tiles) and place them behind her rack. The dealing goes to the right, so the dealer adds two stacks (four tiles) to each player three times.

Once every player has 12 tiles, East takes the top first and third tiles and passes one tile to each player. East will have the advantage with 14 tiles and the other players will have 13 tiles.

Waiting to Reveal Tiles

I insist that all players wait to see their tiles until everyone is “served.” This rule is just like being at a restaurant; it is rude to start until everyone is dealt in. When all the tiles are delay by East, each player adds their tiles to the sloped part of the rack.

And that is that. The deal is done!

When East deals, everything moves along much faster. It’s now time to Charleston!