Mahjong etiquette

Mahjong etiquette is a thing, y’all. When you are sitting at a mahjong table with me, please adhere to these guidelines to make me a happy opponent:

• Play Fast

• Focus on your own game

• Be a good conversationalist

• Ask questions

• Be fun and flexible

• Be clean

• Unplug

Play Fast

Even if you have no idea what hand you are going to play, pick a line and move on. Nobody actually cares if you win or lose, but they do care that the game keeps a reasonable pace.

Work on your strategy over time. If you simply pick a line and go with it, the game will move along and you may be surprised at how many of the tiles you need come your way.

If I am paying to play at a fundraiser or anyplace that I have paid for a seat, I will be annoyed if we play slowly. I’d rather watch paint dry than watch someone take five minutes on the first left pass. If someone is paying to play and much faster than you are, use the game as a teaching moment and try to play faster.

Have fun and rack and roll.

Focus on your own game

Sure, the rules are important, but you are not a mahjong enforcement officer. Someone didn’t fully rack their tile? Unless you need to dispute the pull for your own exposure, let it go. Don’t make a big deal.

Lead by example but don’t dub yourself the mahjong police.

This is a game, after all!

To be sure there aren’t any disputes, have the NMJL book ready. You can always cite the rule if you disagree. But beware- the NMJL made up most of the rules anyway, so they aren’t exactly the authority they claim to be.

Be a good conversationalist

This is the most basic etiquette, mahjong or not. Ask others about themselves. Offer a compliment. Avoid talking about yourself or dominating the conversation. Smile and be friendly.

Ask questions

If you don’t know the answer, ask. Most players are friendly and happy to help. The rules are complicated and nuanced.

Showing that you are not a know-it-all and open to other player’s help and suggestions is good practice. We have all struggled with understanding or remembering some of the more complex rules. That shared struggle connects us.

Be fun and flexible

Try new strategies. Introduce a new table rule. Play with different players. Try the latest mahjong tiles.

This is a made-up game with made-up rules. If Rules Ruth wants to play exactly by the NMJL rules in silence, I’m only good for one game with her. I’d rather bang my head against the wall then sit with her for two hours.

Be clean

Have clean hands and tiles, no negotiation.

It’s gross to play with someone that has dirt under their nails and uneven nails. Don’t even get my started on chipped polish! The only thing worse than no manicure is a chipped manicure.

I played with a group that had tortilla chips in the wooden tiles. I don’t remember anything from that day besides how dirty I felt! I wash all of my tiles, and racks between play. It’s the responsibility of the game host to keep the materials clean. You wouldn’t set the table with dirty plates, would you?

Definitely do not lick your fingers at my table. Ever.

Unplug from your devices

I feel like someone is distracted or disinterested if they are checking their phone. If you are waiting for an important call, let the group know before you sit down. This is common courtesy and people are understanding of emergencies. But texting the group chat about the latest celebrity drama? That should wait until after the game.

Those are the Missy Mahjong etiquette rules. I hope to see you at the table with clean hands for fast play and a smile on your face!

Did I miss something that should be listed? Email me! I’d love to hear your opinion on mahjong etiquette. missymahjong@gmail.com