A lot of beginners struggle with handling the tiles and making efficient decisions, which just won’t fly if you want to play with serious mahjongeros. For those who have never watched a real game with experienced players, it is truly a sight to behold. No more than a few seconds pass between discards, with players swiftly grabbing and dropping tiles like hot potatoes. Taking too long to throw a tile or sending tiles tumbling as you fumble an attempt to move a wall are sure fire ways to get you uninvited from a really competitive table. Or at least suffer some disapproving murmurs.
But don’t be intimidated! You too can sling those mahjong tiles like a pro with these tips.
Pro Tip 1: Really shuffle those tiles.
Anybody who has ever felt the impulse to jump on a sand castle will be a natural at this. Basically you’ve got to really dig into the tiles, mess up any existing walls, and scatter the tiles around. I like to actually pick up and drop tiles across to opposite sides of the table to really mix them up. Especially if this is after a round of play, you definitely want to break up those pongs and chows.
Pro Tip 2: Build walls in segments of six.
Assuming a standard 144 tile set, you will need to build four walls that are 18 tiles across and 2 tiles tall. Since there are four players, each player should build one wall each. The best way to build a wall is with three segments that are 6 tiles across and 2 tiles high. These wall segments will be easier to count at a glance and move into position. Don’t waste time counting them one-by-one. Counting is not building, and building is not playing.
Pro Tip 3: Handle rows of tiles in smaller segments.
Moving rows of tiles is easier in segments of around six across. I mean, sure, you can move a whole wall 18 across if you feel like showing off. But I’d rather not risk the embarrassing tumble.
Squeeze the row together from each end, gripping firmly from the bottom, using your fingers to support the other tiles. The longer the row, the more firmly you have to grip.
Pro Tip 4: To move a longer row of tiles, shimmy it diagonally, never perpendicularly.
Note that when you’re holding a row of tiles in front of you with both hands, one hand on each end, it is easier to move it horizontally to the left or right rather than vertically/perpendicularly. So if you need to move a longer row perpendicularly, it’s better to slide it back and forth in diagonal motions to shimmy it into position. 😏
Pro Tip 5: When seizing a tile, declare it loudly and quickly.
When seizing a pung or kang, make sure to declare it loudly and quickly. If the next person has already picked up their next tile, you may have missed your chance. As soon as you declare it, then display your tiles completing the set, grab a gift if it was a kang, and discard a tile in order to keep the game going.
Pro Tip 6: When drawing a tile, dip it low, pick it up slow.
You don’t want anybody to see your tile. Experienced players will keep the tile face down and slide it towards them along the felt until it’s in front of them, safe from prying eyes.
If the draw wall or flower wall are all the way across from you, you can ask somebody to pass it to you. Etiquette would be for them similarly to keep the tile low and place it on the felt within your reach. Older mahjongeros like to joke that they’re reading your tile by feeling the face of the tile like it’s Braille. At least I thought they were joking. On second thought, maybe it’s better to not let anybody feel up your tile, I can think of a few tiles that would be relatively easy to identify by feel.
Pro Tip 7: Discard tiles where they are visible (and maybe even announce the tile if that’s your custom).
Tiles are discarded in the center of the table. The most important thing is for the tiles to be face up and visible. Do not stack discarded tiles on top of each other because everyone needs to be able to clearly see what tiles are out of play. In my family, we also announce the value and suit as we discard.
Pro Tip 8: Always make sure to have a plan for which tile to throw, and have backup choices.
Remember, your turn doesn’t end until you’ve discarded a tile. Other players will get annoyed if you hem and haw, holding up the game. However, you still need to be adaptable in case the tile you draw changes your decision about what to throw. So just have a plan, and make your choice quickly.
Pro Tip 9: Go from GAT to GTA.
For beginners, each turn can be summarized as GAT:
- Get a tile, either by seizing a discard or by drawing from the wall.
- Arrange your tiles, incorporating the new tile.
- Throw a tile, ending your turn.
But for faster gameplay, more experienced players will usually make their decisions quickly and discard right after getting a tile so that the next player can go, making it GTA:
- Get a tile
- Throw a tile, ending your turn
- Arrange your tiles while the next player goes.
Just keep these tips in mind and you’ll be a mahjong pro in no time.
mahjongero 