Mahjong Table Host

Mahjong table host (noun): a person that organizes a mahjong game, sets the mahjong game table with tiles, decides the table rules to be followed, and serves as a referee to mediate disputes during gameplay.

The mahjong table host provides the tiles.

The mahjong table host quite literally decides on the game-plan when players first sit down to the table. The host or hostess is the architect of the upcoming game.

If you have ever played at the library, in a tournament or at an open play event, mahjong games always have a host.

If you come to a Missy Mahjong social club event, I let the individual table appoint their table host. I am around to serve as the overall mahjong table hostess and I have rulebooks handy to cite specific rules in question. 

As a mahjong table hostess, I love to spice up games with little table rules. This game should be fun and evolving! 

There are certain rules that need to be enforced by a mahjong host

1. Never use a joker with a single or a pair

2. Concealed hands cannot call a tile except for mahjong

3. A player must fully rack the tile to begin their turn

4. Play to the right, break walls to the left

5. No finger licking at my table

Why do we need a mahjong table host?

There should always be a clear leader of every mahjong game. In a game with so many rules and table rules, the mahjong table host clearly articulates how the upcoming game will be played. 

A mahjong table host can choose to play by strict NMJL rules. Another mahjong table host may choose to add in blanks. If you are playing at my Missy Mahjong table, I will start as East, I deal everyone in and I never use dice. 

If there is a dispute in mahjong, as with any game, we need a referee to settle the matter. The mahjong table host serves as the referee. Sometimes they may make a questionable call, but players need to respect that the mahjong table host makes the call. 

When I am the table host, we don't use dice and I start as East in the first game.

I’m planning a mahjong game. What do I need to do as the host?

If you are organizing a mahjong night at your home or another venue, you are the mahjong table host. You can also choose to outsource the role of mahjong table host by hiring an instructor or asking another guest to serve as the mahjong table host.

Hiring an instructor to set and enforce table rules, referee disputes, answer questions and confirm wins is always a good idea, especially if you plan to host more than two tables of players. Another bonus of hiring a mahjong instructor? The instructor provides all the tiles, racks, cards and dice.

Every game needs a game host

The mahjong host or hostess is similar to the banker in Monopoly, the umpire in a baseball game or the Dungeon Master in D & D. This player needs to be trustworthy and knowledgeable in the rules set for the particular game. 

Because mahjong is so much more than a game...

Mahjong is so much more than a game. It is an invitation to connect with other tile enthusiasts and challenge your brain. When we have a mahjong table hostess to give us the gameplay, play will move smoothly.

Missy Mahjong loves to be the table host