Master the Basics of American Mah Jongg with Expert Teaching
- Angela Rizzo
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Mah Jongg is more than just a game; it’s a cultural experience that brings people together. Originating from China over 2500 years ago, this tile-based game has captivated players worldwide, offering a blend of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Whether you are a complete novice or someone looking to refine your skills, mastering the basics of Mah Jongg can be both enjoyable and rewarding. In this post, we will explore the fundamental aspects of American Mah Jongg and why it's important to learn the basics from an expert teacher.
Understanding the Basics of American Mah Jongg
What is American Mah Jongg?
American Mah Jongg was introduced to the US in the 1920s by an American living in China, Joseph Park Babcock. He wrote a book that simplified the intricate rules of the game, making the game wildly popular.
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) originated in New York City in 1937 when a group of interested players met. They standardized the rules and scoring for American Mah Jongg.
The standard hands and rules are printed on a new card annually in April. Cards are ordered from their website: www.nationalmahjonggleague.org and cost $15 each.
The NMJL also publishes instruction books and newsletters.
American Mah Jongg is a game played with a set of 152 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. The game is typically played by four players, and the objective is to build a winning hand by drawing and discarding tiles. The game combines elements of skill, strategy, and chance, making it a fascinating pastime.
The Tiles
The American Mah Jongg set consists of several types of tiles:
Suit Tiles: These include Bamboo, Characters, and Dots. Each suit has numbered tiles from 1 to 9. There are four tiles of each numbered tile in each suit.
Honor Tiles: These consist of Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (Red, Green, White). There are four tiles of each wind and four tiles of each dragon.
Bonus Tiles: These are Flowers and Jokers, which can provide support to many of the hands printed on the NMJL card. There are eight flowers and eight jokers.
Understanding the different types of tiles is crucial for developing strategies and recognizing potential winning hands.
Setting Up the Game
Before starting a game of American Mah Jongg, players must set up the tiles. Here’s how to do it:
Wash the Tiles: All tiles are placed face down and shuffled thoroughly.
Build the Wall: Each player builds a wall of tiles consisting of a row of nineteen tiles, two tiles high, in front of them.
Draw Tiles: Players draw tiles in a specific way to form their initial hands, usually starting with 13 tiles each.
The Gameplay
The gameplay of American Mah Jongg involves several rounds where players take turns drawing and discarding tiles. Here’s a brief overview of how a typical turn works:
Draw a Tile: At the beginning of your turn, draw a tile from the wall or from the last discard.
Form a Hand: Try to form a winning hand by creating sets (three of a kind, four of a kind, or sequences) and pairs based on the hands printed on the card.
Discard a Tile: End your turn by discarding one tile.
Players continue this process until one player completes a winning hand.
Sounds easy right?
Know The Rules
There are many rules in American Mah Jongg that players need to fully understand. Finding an expert teacher can help players learn the basics and ensure that when they play they are playing correctly!
In-Person Classes
In-person classes are provided for those who want to learn to play American Mah Jongg. Students are encouraged to take four, two hour classes to understand the basics and enjoy supervised play. Classes are offered weekly. A typical class size is twelve students.
Conclusion
Mastering the basics of American Mah Jongg opens the door to a rich and rewarding gaming experience. By understanding the tiles, developing strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your gameplay and enjoy this timeless game. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to seek out resources and opportunities to play. Whether you’re playing with friends or participating in a tournament, American Mah Jongg is sure to provide hours of enjoyment. So invite some friends, sign up for a class, and start your journey into the world of Mah Jongg today!
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