Michele you are so good at explaining! I tell everyone I know who is learning when they join our group to check out your UA-cam pages to help them even more and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the game. Most times when they hear it the first time or two it doesn't sink in or even make sense. And hearing it explained by someone else, like you who takes her time explaining, helps to make a light go off and encourages the beginner. So Thank You! Vita in Florida PS I think you're a keeper!
Other pain points include...different direction of play vs wall push out, not being able tp call a tile without exposure and/or the ability to complete a set. Your videos are great, Iam going to recommend them to a class I’m teaching.
I am a beginner. This video was very helpful. My main problem is trying to figure out what to keep during the Charleston. I know I'll get better with time.
I'm glad the video was helpful! As far as figuring out what to keep during the Charleston... that is a challenge for many players. See all the modeling videos for strategies and decision making :)
Michelle, Thank you for your videos, I just started playing this game 5 days ago and I am quite hooked. I downloaded all of your help cards. I used 80lb stock 8-1/2 by 14 Legal size paper and enlarged the print to 125%. Much easier on older eyes. I will make the cards available at no charge to anyone in our groups that want them.
I updated the links in the video description pointing to the new American Mah Jongg playlists. What may be of most interest to you are the Skill Builders (goo.gl/3TQAsM) and Strategy (goo.gl/3TQAsM) playlists.
Great video for beginnings. Wish I could politely show it to a few of the "experienced" players in our group who have to ponder every tile they pick up slowing the game considerably.
Thanks for your speedy replies. I just started playing and have played only three times, so things confuse me. Thanks for the clarity!!! I have learned so much from your videos.
This is excellent! You’re answering a lot of questions that I wondered. I’m really new. I’m binge watching your videos. Very informative. I can’t thank you enough
Just started this game and I have been trying to watch a lot of your videos. Last night, I watched your series of Charleston passing. You mention many times about multiples, so I went to a group to play today where almost all players were intermediate. I thought I knew what to do, but midway, I was so discouraged as I just could NOT decide what I should play from the card as fast as they were going. AND, I only got 2 Jokers in any of my hands in a 3 hour play period. But specifically, one hand I was 'dealt' was 3 2's in one suit along with 3 9's in another suit. Those were such great multiples and yet there is absolutely NOTHING that I could find on the 2023 card that uses 2's and 9's. by that time, I was a wreck and had no idea what to do, so just passed blindly. Needless to say, I did not Mahjong once today!! LOL (BUT, I still had fun!) also do you have any videos using the 2023 card of SINGLES and PAIRS? Since I never got Jokers today, I wondered if I could've tried for those???
I'm a newbie too but with only 2's and 9's I think you could have played "Any Like Numbers". You would have needed 4 flowers. If that was the hand you had the jokers in, you could have used them too.
Dear Michelle, I am very impressed with your logical teaching. However, you say at the end of your video on 10 pain points for novices, you promised you would put where we could down load cards that you had made up, and other links which as a novice would be very helpful indeed. Many thanks. Carol
@@MAHJLIFE Omg your a great teacher I am just learning and can’t seem to get enough Looking for the help cards you talk about Please forward anything you have that will help me advance Also do you find this is mostly a womens game or are men welcome? Thanks Scott S
@@scottsavo4162 I'm so happy to hear that my videos have been helpful to you! Please send me an email and I'll reply with more information michele@mahjongcentral.com
This is really great. I’m still sick, and I’m switching to my laptop in bed. I want to see your tiles! Too small on the phone. I have some thing that happened a couple of times. I’m wondering about the strategy on this.: I have picked out a section. Probably consecutive. I have a pung. No jokers in that pung. And then the fourth one comes up to make a Kong. I take the tile. So I’m locked into a hand-the top one in consecutive Later on, I see that would not be possible to make this hand. Maybe I didn’t have enough tiles in the others to pick up the tile and to expose. But now I’m locked in to a Kung and can’t figure out how to switch hands! For example: On the 2021 card I have four of the threes in the consecutive run. It’s the top one that I’m trying to make. And then I realize that I can’t get to the fours. I could switch to the fourth one down, but I don’t have any flowers. And everything’s of one suit. So I can’t do 2 suits. It’s pretty far along in the game So what I’m wondering for next time, I shouldn’t pick that tile up and expose. Maybe I should think about using a joker for that if I need to. The trade-off is I get more flexibility? Thank you for your advice
I'm so sorry to hear that you're sick - I hope you get well soon. It's hard to see my videos on a smartphone, so sorry about that. You are not locked into a hand with one exposure so taking the tile to make a pure kong is fine. When you call a discard to make a second exposure, you will typically be locked into one hand. I normally don't take a tile unless I have decided to commit to a hand and have no pair-gaps with at least one joker.
If you are on a PC or laptop, click "SHOW MORE" under the video to open the video description for show notes and links. If you are on a mobile device, click the little down-arrow under the right corner of the video :)
Question: Do you have a video that talks about the initial set-up of your tiles on your rack? In which order, etc.? I’ve just started looking at your videos and appreciate them very much. I’m not a novice player, but I certainly play like I am and I get very frustrated. This video helped some.
I like to arrange my tiles in this order: Jokers, Flowers, Winds, Dragons, each Suit in numerical order; no spaces. This is just for the initial assessment as I identify the strength of the hand which would be a multiple (i.e., pair, pung) or predominant pattern (i.e., Evens, Odds, Consecutive Run). If you send me an email (michele@mahjongcentral.com), I can send you a handout I give at lessons that you might find helpful :)
@@MAHJLIFE I’m still confused about the card. You said the colors can be any colors as long as they are different but I’m not understanding the numbers
Thank you; I'm just learning and this was very helpful. One hint that I just learned yesterday was checking other exposures before discarding in case I can capture a joker. I stupidly discarded a tile that someone had exposed, and I could have exchanged it for a joker. Our teacher said to ALWAYS check the other trays before discarding.
I’ll have to look at the videos I watched. I may have confused them. Cannot do today. I’ll try to get back to you later or tomorrow. Thanks for responding so quickly.
Thank you Michele for these great classes! I am just new to Mah Jong and very excited to learn. Please share the link to the mock card. I can’t find it anywhere.
Hi Michelle, I'm very new to this game and looking forward to watch more of you videos. Please send me the order of how to watch your videos. You also mentioned exercises for practicing and help cards. Please if you can send me links I would very much appreciate it.
Here is a PDF with an index of American mah jongg lesson videos: facebook.com/download/preview/1357249741126394/ If you don't use Facebook, you will get an error for that link. Instead, please send me an email so I can send it to you directly michele@mahjongcentral.com The list of links to recurring skill builders will be posted on a rotating basis beginning the week of 4/12/2020 on Monday's and Tuesday's.
These videos may help: Style goo.gl/kvyARX Tile Efficiency goo.gl/r3rRCy How to Pick a Hand I Strength ua-cam.com/video/T3ba3Hxjg3o/v-deo.html How to Pick a Hand II 3 Ways ua-cam.com/video/KY9MJ--xtc4/v-deo.html How to Pick a Hand III 3 Ways Solitaire ua-cam.com/video/V1pUZv0MDDE/v-deo.html How to Pick a Hand IV 3 Ways Solitaire Wall Game ua-cam.com/video/xLUvspuLeOg/v-deo.html
Hi Michelle - Thanks so much for these excellent videos! I noticed that you appear to be using the larger tiles in this video and have racks/pushers that fit them - which I’ve had trouble locating. Any chance you could post a link to where you got yours? Thank you!
Thanks, Patrick. The tiles are the same. The racks can be purchased here (scroll to the bottom): www.gammonvillage.com/mah-jong-shop/mah-jong-accessories/mah-jong-tile-racks/
Let`s say I played an exposed pung of 2 bams using a joker. Later I draw a 2 bam from the wall. Can I replace my own joker to my hand using the newly drawn 2 bam? ...
Do you have a recommended order of videos to watch for newbies? You have great content but there is soooo much i am sorting through trying to find the best entry level content.
Welcome to the game, Abigail. Start here: mahjlife.com/wiki/american-mah-jongg-article-162/ for a list of videos in order, look under links, and then click Mahj Life Direct Links to NMJL videos.
I think so. You definitely discarded them with 2 other tiles, sooo I do think you passed them (twice). But let’s say you we’re allowed to do so. You definitely wanted to rid yourself of them. I would think that you would keep jockeys if at all possible. I am enjoying your videos. I just started playing. I have a whole 3 games under my belt. Amazing , I used to play as a child. The last time I was 9 years old. I can’t imagine that I had all this info in my brain. 🙂
To open the video description, click "show more" under the title if viewing on a desktop monitor or click the little grey down arrow if viewing on mobile devices.
@@anitatackett7838 Here are links to everything I use to play solitaire: Solitaire Helper.pdf (print on 80 lb coverstock for long term use) goo.gl/sAzoyx Holder: goo.gl/NR8vbw Risers (I use 6 tile trays to create the tiered affect - stack them upside down with 3 in the back, 2 in the middle, 1 in front): goo.gl/52Qqpx
Categories, sections, neighborhoods are all synonymous. The style of play I recommend is called “adaptive” where the focus is on the best category for the strength of the hand plus most of the remains supporting tile. I have many videos demonstrating this strategy. Here is a wiki article with links covering it and much more mahjlife.com/wiki/amj-s2-matrix-article-210/
Thank you for the great tips! For the 2019 card, does the Consecutive Run FFF 1111 2222 DDDD mean you have to use 1s and 2s or can you use any 2 consecutive #s?
My pleasure, Lisa. In regards to Consecutive Run #5, except for the first hand in this category, all the hands in this category can start the sequence with any number. Remember, there is no around-the-world so a sequence cannot go from 9 to 1.
Thanks, Carol. Mah jongg is a complex game so, every now and again, a player may say, “I need a minute.” If the delay is more than a minute or the delay happens several times in one game, there is a fundamental problem with decision making. I would ask that player if they want some coaching. Maybe recommend my skill builders videos.
hello Michele, this is Brigitte spelled like your sister. I am going to be learning to play Mah Jongg and have really enjoyed your youtube channel so thank you so much. I am not very good with navigating the channel so here are a few questions about how to get in touch with you. Do you have an email that i can send you questions with out being at the bottom of a video and when you say below is a link to my strategy card I can never find the links. I would love a copy of your strategy cards you talk about in this video, your points are so clear and simple and i think you are wonderful!!
Which device are you using? I'm guessing a smart phone. If that's the case, there is a tiny grey downward triangle to the right of the video title that you need to click in order to open the video description where you will find the link to the handout. You are welcome to send emails to michele@mahjongcentral.com.
Per the NMJL, omit the Charleston for a 3-player game. The rules are in Mah Jongg Made Easy, a booklet written by the NMJL I highly recommend that every player have their own copy. www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx# If your group wants a 3-player game including the Charleston, here is a video with a couple demonstrations: ua-cam.com/video/uYUja7aZ3bE/v-deo.html
Michele, thank you so much for all your videos. I’ve been playing for a few months now but don’t feel competent enough to teach my friend who wants to learn. Could you tell me the 2 or 3 most helpful videos you’ve posted for Newbie to get their feet wet? You have SO MANY videos I’m having a hard time finding the most appropriate. Thanks!
Michele Frizzell how do I find the cards you refer to in this video? I can only find the mock card. I’m happy to pay for the cards you refer to as they sound very helpful for beginner If you could tell me where they might be ordered or pdf downloads that would be great. You mentioned several in the video 10 pains points thanks
When playing mah jongg, your main objective is to complete a valid hand on the card before your opponents. This requires shrewd decision based on the tiles you draw, the tiles in the discard pile, the tiles in exposures, and the tiles remaining in the wall. If you can identify the hand your opponent is playing based on their exposures and you know they are ready to win or if find that you will not be able to win your chosen hand, you can abandon your hand and play with a defensive approach. This is a "switch to defense". If you decide to switch to defense, do not claim a discard to make an exposure, especially with a joker, and discard tiles that have already been discarded or are in exposures so as not to give your opponents their winning tile.
When hands are shown in one color, one suit must be used; two colors, two suits must be used; three colors, three suits must be used. In other words, a change in color means a change in the suit. Flowers, and Winds are always shown on the card in blue and they are neutral components when used with number tiles. In other words, Flowers and Winds are not related to suits. For example, Winds-Dragons #7 is a two-suit hand even though there are three colors because the Winds are neutral and are not associated with the suits.
Sometimes the league has Math Play as a category, usually called ADDITION. The standard blocks are a Kong of Flowers with a Kong of two numbers and a sum. Lucky 13 hands require a Kong of Flowers with a Kong of two numbers that equal 13, FFFF 6666 7777 13.
@@suemandry307 the house rules are in this handout: facebook.com/groups/mahjongcentral/permalink/1295268150844976/ Here is a link to the playlist: ua-cam.com/video/GNUZ62cHxRg/v-deo.html
If you are on a PC or laptop, click "SHOW MORE" under the video to open the video description for show notes and links. If you are on a mobile device, click the little down-arrow under the right corner of the video :)
Mahjong Central. I love your videos and have recommended them to close to twenty people. Our newly formed Mah Jongg group really appreciates you! OK. I. found the link to your other videos. But not the card - unless it is the link to you webpage where you sell them.
Thanks, Susan! There is a link to a PDF version of the Core Strategy card under the FREE DOWNLOADS area of my website. Here it is www.mahjongcentral.com/uploads/NMJL_CoreStrategy.pdf
The links are in the video description. Top open it, click "SHOW MORE" just above the "COMMENT" area.National Mah Jongg League Strategy-Introduction ua-cam.com/video/ZPhtB1f_6q8e/v-deo.html9DwjquzIQ0Y2IfcUK (link to PDF provided in the video description).
The reason players make an exposure with jokers is to expedite the building of their hands. The risk is that anyone can exchange the joker for a natural tile so players should assess their hand and count the cost of making the exposure. For example, if I am gathering tiles for a category and I don't know what hand I am playing, I will not claim a discard to make an exposure with or without jokers. If I know what hand I am playing and I have tiles for every block in the hand (i.e., no gaps), I may claim a discard to make an exposure with or without jokers. Assess your hand, scout the discards and exposures, count the cost of making an exposure, make a decision, then accept the consequences with dignity :)
I’m in a beginner class and twice a woman at out table announce to everyone she knew what hand I was playing and told them not to discard a Westwind. I’m re-learning Mahjong I used to play at years and years ago. But I don’t think that this is really supposed to be done. If someone has figured out the hand you’re playing, should they tell the rest of the table? Should they tell the table what not to discard?
That is not cool! No one should say anything about another player's hand. I would have a private conversation with the instructor and they should address the issue with the entire class.
@@MAHJLIFE thank you. We have had a stand in instructor and we have never had a chance to address etiquette. I gently said I don’t think we are supposed to do that.
Michele Frizzell 1 second ago Welcome to the game and thanks for watching my videos! Please send me an email (michele@mahjongcentral.com) so I can send you the new version.
Ok breathe easy. you didn’t pass the joker. However you said if you pick a joker, put it back. Then when you were organizing your hand, you thought you might DISCARD the joker. I couldn’t understand why you would ever discard a joker. I was watching Charlestón Model 20180924. At 3:15.
So sorry I missed your comment. There are lots of links in the video description but here is the bit about reading the card: Links to American Mah Jongg for The Card goo.gl/BjzQsX, The Tiles goo.gl/m3Vtro, Set Modeling goo.gl/6rJbrT, and Suit Modeling goo.gl/Tu98rG
The links are in the video description. Top open it, click "SHOW MORE" just above the "COMMENT" area.National Mah Jongg League Strategy-Introduction ua-cam.com/video/ZPhtB1f_6q8e/v-deo.html9DwjquzIQ0Y2IfcUK (link to PDF provided in the video description).
The mock card can be found under downloads in this article: tinyurl.com/4n2bzb6j.
Michele you are so good at explaining! I tell everyone I know who is learning when they join our group to check out your UA-cam pages to help them even more and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the game. Most times when they hear it the first time or two it doesn't sink in or even make sense. And hearing it explained by someone else, like you who takes her time explaining, helps to make a light go off and encourages the beginner. So Thank You! Vita in Florida PS I think you're a keeper!
Thanks for the KUDOS and for sharing, Vita!
Other pain points include...different direction of play vs wall push out, not being able tp call a tile without exposure and/or the ability to complete a set. Your videos are great, Iam going to recommend them to a class I’m teaching.
Ohhhh great points! Thanks for the input and for being willing to share!
Learned more from this then the 6 times I have played with our group. Thank you
Excellent! Did you see the other videos in the At the Table playlist? Some of this may help too :)
You are SO RIGHT calling it pain points. I’m thinking of giving up and I needed this.
Hang in there, it will get better!
@@MAHJLIFE thanks so much. I’m studying the card. That’s where I need to concentrate right now.
Just started playing a few weeks ago and this video was so helpful for my day 1! Thank you!
Welcome to the game and the community!
I am a beginner. This video was very helpful. My main problem is trying to figure out what to keep during the Charleston. I know I'll get better with time.
I'm glad the video was helpful! As far as figuring out what to keep during the Charleston... that is a challenge for many players. See all the modeling videos for strategies and decision making :)
Michelle, Thank you for your videos, I just started playing this game 5 days ago and I am quite hooked.
I downloaded all of your help cards. I used 80lb stock 8-1/2 by 14 Legal size paper and enlarged the print to 125%.
Much easier on older eyes. I will make the cards available at no charge to anyone in our groups that want them.
Excellent! I'm so happy to hear the videos and handouts have helped :)
I updated the links in the video description pointing to the new American Mah Jongg playlists. What may be of most interest to you are the Skill Builders (goo.gl/3TQAsM) and Strategy (goo.gl/3TQAsM) playlists.
Thank you. I feel a little less confused listening to your videos. Going for my second mah jong game tonight.
Michelle, I have learned so much from you! Thank you for your efforts to help us improve and for your love of the game!!
Thank you, this is so helpful to me as a new player!
Thanks, Sandra and welcome to the game!
Great video for beginnings. Wish I could politely show it to a few of the "experienced" players in our group who have to ponder every tile they pick up slowing the game considerably.
LOL go for it and let me know what happens!
I would like to know the answer to this also.
I love your videos Michelle. You are so calming. Your voice soothing.
Thanks for watching my videos, I'm happy to hear you like them. Thanks to for the sweet compliments too :)
I am a new player and your lessons are very informative and helpful. Thank you
You're very welcome!
Very informative for a new player. Thank you!
Thanks for your speedy replies. I just started playing and have played only three times, so things confuse me. Thanks for the clarity!!! I have learned so much from your videos.
Welcome to the game and my pleasure :)
I love your videos. You present the information so clearly. Hoping to play a 'real' game soon.
I'm so glad you find the videos helpful! Do you have a set at home?
Michele this session was very helpful to me !! I found myself shaking my head yes and saying out loud..now I got it! LOL Thanks so much
This is excellent!
You’re answering a lot of questions that I wondered. I’m really new.
I’m binge watching your videos. Very informative. I can’t thank you enough
Welcome to the game and thanks for watching my videos!
I am just learning, and your teaching is terrific!
Welcome to the game and thanks so much for the compliment.
You are an awesome instructor!
Thank you, Tony and welcome to the game!
How to get your Variations card. Your videos are so helpful
Just started this game and I have been trying to watch a lot of your videos. Last night, I watched your series of Charleston passing. You mention many times about multiples, so I went to a group to play today where almost all players were intermediate. I thought I knew what to do, but midway, I was so discouraged as I just could NOT decide what I should play from the card as fast as they were going. AND, I only got 2 Jokers in any of my hands in a 3 hour play period. But specifically, one hand I was 'dealt' was 3 2's in one suit along with 3 9's in another suit. Those were such great multiples and yet there is absolutely NOTHING that I could find on the 2023 card that uses 2's and 9's. by that time, I was a wreck and had no idea what to do, so just passed blindly. Needless to say, I did not Mahjong once today!! LOL (BUT, I still had fun!) also do you have any videos using the 2023 card of SINGLES and PAIRS? Since I never got Jokers today, I wondered if I could've tried for those???
Failure is success in progress. RE: no jokers, if you have singles and pairs try Singles and Pairs :)
I'm a newbie too but with only 2's and 9's I think you could have played "Any Like Numbers". You would have needed 4 flowers. If that was the hand you had the jokers in, you could have used them too.
Dear Michelle, I am very impressed with your logical teaching. However, you say at the end of your video on 10 pain points for novices, you promised you would put where we could down load cards that you had made up, and other links which as a novice would be very helpful indeed. Many thanks. Carol
Please send me an email and I can reply with the handout michele@mahjongcentral.com
Many thanks for your reply. Unfortunately your email is invalid. I don’t know why? I was so looking forward to your notes
@@carolsteyn2643 So sorry, I corrected it michele@mahjongcentral.com
@@MAHJLIFE
Omg your a great teacher
I am just learning and can’t seem to get enough
Looking for the help cards you talk about
Please forward anything you have that will help me advance
Also do you find this is mostly a womens game or are men welcome?
Thanks
Scott S
@@scottsavo4162 I'm so happy to hear that my videos have been helpful to you! Please send me an email and I'll reply with more information michele@mahjongcentral.com
very helpful to me as a beginner i will continue watching your other videos thank you
I'm so glad you liked the video and welcome to the world of mah jongg!
I had my second lesson today and am lost. I am hoping your lessons will help me.
I understand and I have your back. You can review fundamentals here: ua-cam.com/play/PLLk097vMqukZECQNPNqSK2q99DiLNgkzj.html&si=lnUXDF-8Qz0fDok7
This is really great. I’m still sick, and I’m switching to my laptop in bed. I want to see your tiles! Too small on the phone.
I have some thing that happened a couple of times. I’m wondering about the strategy on this.:
I have picked out a section. Probably consecutive. I have a pung. No jokers in that pung. And then the fourth one comes up to make a Kong. I take the tile. So I’m locked into a hand-the top one in consecutive
Later on, I see that would not be possible to make this hand. Maybe I didn’t have enough tiles in the others to pick up the tile and to expose.
But now I’m locked in to a Kung and can’t figure out how to switch hands!
For example:
On the 2021 card I have four of the threes in the consecutive run. It’s the top one that I’m trying to make. And then I realize that I can’t get to the fours. I could switch to the fourth one down, but I don’t have any flowers. And everything’s of one suit. So I can’t do 2 suits. It’s pretty far along in the game
So what I’m wondering for next time, I shouldn’t pick that tile up and expose. Maybe I should think about using a joker for that if I need to. The trade-off is I get more flexibility?
Thank you for your advice
I'm so sorry to hear that you're sick - I hope you get well soon.
It's hard to see my videos on a smartphone, so sorry about that.
You are not locked into a hand with one exposure so taking the tile to make a pure kong is fine. When you call a discard to make a second exposure, you will typically be locked into one hand.
I normally don't take a tile unless I have decided to commit to a hand and have no pair-gaps with at least one joker.
I appreciate finding you and learning so much! Thank you.
I'm so glad you are finding the videos helpful! So much more to come...
Very helpful information 😊 thanks
Just begun. Learning names of each. Wish I had these suggestions written down.
If you are on a PC or laptop, click "SHOW MORE" under the video to open the video description for show notes and links. If you are on a mobile device, click the little down-arrow under the right corner of the video :)
I am new to the game and came across your video's, they are wonderful. I am so excited to try out what I have learned.
Welcome to the channel! I can't wait to hear about your progress :)
Great advice. Thank you
Michele, I looked at this and first glance... she looks like Sally Fields!! If you know who that is, from the old days!
I love her LOL
Michelle, you are the best!
Thanks just started a week ago, this really helped.
Welcome to the game!
Question: Do you have a video that talks about the initial set-up of your tiles on your rack? In which order, etc.? I’ve just started looking at your videos and appreciate them very much. I’m not a novice player, but I certainly play like I am and I get very frustrated. This video helped some.
I like to arrange my tiles in this order: Jokers, Flowers, Winds, Dragons, each Suit in numerical order; no spaces. This is just for the initial assessment as I identify the strength of the hand which would be a multiple (i.e., pair, pung) or predominant pattern (i.e., Evens, Odds, Consecutive Run). If you send me an email (michele@mahjongcentral.com), I can send you a handout I give at lessons that you might find helpful :)
@@MAHJLIFE I’m still confused about the card. You said the colors can be any colors as long as they are different but I’m not understanding the numbers
Thanks!! You're doing great! So helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! Thanks for the beginner tips.
You're welcome! I hope they helped :)
Thank you; I'm just learning and this was very helpful. One hint that I just learned yesterday was checking other exposures before discarding in case I can capture a joker. I stupidly discarded a tile that someone had exposed, and I could have exchanged it for a joker. Our teacher said to ALWAYS check the other trays before discarding.
I really learn a lot from watching your videos. Thanks so much. Only been playing six months and love the game.
Thanks, Irene. I'm happy to hear that you like my videos :)
very helpful to me as a beginner!
I have trouble just trying to figure out what I'm doing...to me thats the most important ..can't keep track of others peoples hands..
I’ll have to look at the videos I watched. I may have confused them. Cannot do today. I’ll try to get back to you later or tomorrow. Thanks for responding so quickly.
It would be a huge infraction to pass jokers so I'm sure I didn't. However, if you figure out which video it was, please let me know!
Thank you Michele for these great classes! I am just new to Mah Jong and very excited to learn. Please share the link to the mock card. I can’t find it anywhere.
The mock card can be found under downloads in this article: tinyurl.com/4n2bzb6j.
Terrific help! Thank you!
Hi Michelle, I'm very new to this game and looking forward to watch more of you videos. Please send me the order of how to watch your videos. You also mentioned exercises for practicing and help cards. Please if you can send me links I would very much appreciate it.
Here is a PDF with an index of American mah jongg lesson videos: facebook.com/download/preview/1357249741126394/
If you don't use Facebook, you will get an error for that link. Instead, please send me an email so I can send it to you directly michele@mahjongcentral.com
The list of links to recurring skill builders will be posted on a rotating basis beginning the week of 4/12/2020 on Monday's and Tuesday's.
Thank you!!!!
Great beginning explanation. Still need more help moving through Charleston and picking a hand.
These videos may help:
Style goo.gl/kvyARX
Tile Efficiency goo.gl/r3rRCy
How to Pick a Hand I Strength ua-cam.com/video/T3ba3Hxjg3o/v-deo.html
How to Pick a Hand II 3 Ways ua-cam.com/video/KY9MJ--xtc4/v-deo.html
How to Pick a Hand III 3 Ways Solitaire ua-cam.com/video/V1pUZv0MDDE/v-deo.html
How to Pick a Hand IV 3 Ways Solitaire Wall Game ua-cam.com/video/xLUvspuLeOg/v-deo.html
Thank YOU!!!!!! I found this VERY helpful!!!
You're welcome! There are many more to see and more to come...
Thank you!!!
Is there an order to these videos? I feel like I must have missed several videos in between as I'm not familiar with the references you are using.
This video is stand-alone. Here is a PDF with direct links to lessons and skill builder playlists tinyurl.com/3xy4brmy
Hi Michelle - Thanks so much for these excellent videos! I noticed that you appear to be using the larger tiles in this video and have racks/pushers that fit them - which I’ve had trouble locating. Any chance you could post a link to where you got yours? Thank you!
Thanks, Patrick. The tiles are the same. The racks can be purchased here (scroll to the bottom): www.gammonvillage.com/mah-jong-shop/mah-jong-accessories/mah-jong-tile-racks/
@@MAHJLIFE Amazing - ordered! Thanks for the speedy reply! 🙏
Let`s say I played an exposed pung of 2 bams using a joker. Later I draw a 2 bam from the wall. Can I replace my own joker to my hand using the newly drawn 2 bam? ...
Yes
You are the best!
Do you have a recommended order of videos to watch for newbies? You have great content but there is soooo much i am sorting through trying to find the best entry level content.
Welcome to the game, Abigail. Start here: mahjlife.com/wiki/american-mah-jongg-article-162/ for a list of videos in order, look under links, and then click Mahj Life Direct Links to NMJL videos.
Please add links! This is very helpful!
There is a lot of information in the video description including links. Click "SHOW MORE" under my name to expand that section.
Thank you so much.
My pleasure :) Please let me know if you have other pain points that are not covered in this video!
I think so. You definitely discarded them with 2 other tiles, sooo I do think you passed them (twice). But let’s say you we’re allowed to do so. You definitely wanted to rid yourself of them. I would think that you would keep jockeys if at all possible. I am enjoying your videos. I just started playing. I have a whole 3 games under my belt. Amazing , I used to play as a child. The last time I was 9 years old. I can’t imagine that I had all this info in my brain. 🙂
I do not see where I did the Charleston in this video. Can you provide a timestamp? Regardless, jokers cannot be passed in the Charleston.
How do I find the links referred to in the video?
To open the video description, click "show more" under the title if viewing on a desktop monitor or click the little grey down arrow if viewing on mobile devices.
Michele Frizzell where can I get or print the flip chart for the Charleston ?
@@anitatackett7838 Here are links to everything I use to play solitaire:
Solitaire Helper.pdf (print on 80 lb coverstock for long term use) goo.gl/sAzoyx
Holder: goo.gl/NR8vbw
Risers (I use 6 tile trays to create the tiered affect - stack them upside down with 3 in the back, 2 in the middle, 1 in front): goo.gl/52Qqpx
When you say multiple categories do you mean sections??? Under you don't have to pick a hand. Could you show an example. Thanks sooo much!
Categories, sections, neighborhoods are all synonymous. The style of play I recommend is called “adaptive” where the focus is on the best category for the strength of the hand plus most of the remains supporting tile. I have many videos demonstrating this strategy. Here is a wiki article with links covering it and much more mahjlife.com/wiki/amj-s2-matrix-article-210/
I liked this program and how can I get your card to play-by self to learn how to play better!!!
Thanks, Catherine. What card are you looking for?
Thank you for the great tips! For the 2019 card, does the Consecutive Run FFF 1111 2222 DDDD mean you have to use 1s and 2s or can you use any 2 consecutive #s?
My pleasure, Lisa. In regards to Consecutive Run #5, except for the first hand in this category, all the hands in this category can start the sequence with any number. Remember, there is no around-the-world so a sequence cannot go from 9 to 1.
We actually called the National Mah Jongg League about that....we were told you can use two any consecutive numbers.
I really enjoyed your video.
I have a question: how do you handle players that stop the game constantly for long periods of time to make decisions?
Thanks, Carol. Mah jongg is a complex game so, every now and again, a player may say, “I need a minute.” If the delay is more than a minute or the delay happens several times in one game, there is a fundamental problem with decision making. I would ask that player if they want some coaching. Maybe recommend my skill builders videos.
Very helpful. Thank you!
My pleasure :)
hello Michele, this is Brigitte spelled like your sister. I am going to be learning to play Mah Jongg and have really enjoyed your youtube channel so thank you so much. I am not very good with navigating the channel so here are a few questions about how to get in touch with you. Do you have an email that i can send you questions with out being at the bottom of a video and when you say below is a link to my strategy card I can never find the links. I would love a copy of your strategy cards you talk about in this video, your points are so clear and simple and i think you are wonderful!!
Which device are you using? I'm guessing a smart phone. If that's the case, there is a tiny grey downward triangle to the right of the video title that you need to click in order to open the video description where you will find the link to the handout. You are welcome to send emails to michele@mahjongcentral.com.
@@MAHJLIFE What about finding the links on my desktop rather than a smart phone?
@@alicefelts2097 For the desktop, click "SHOW MORE" under the left side of the video title :)
Great intro, thanks.
Hi Michelle. Do you have written rules or instructions for playing the three player mahjong?
Per the NMJL, omit the Charleston for a 3-player game. The rules are in Mah Jongg Made Easy, a booklet written by the NMJL I highly recommend that every player have their own copy. www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#
If your group wants a 3-player game including the Charleston, here is a video with a couple demonstrations: ua-cam.com/video/uYUja7aZ3bE/v-deo.html
@@MAHJLIFE three player mahjong
The colors/suites are very confusing! Why doesn't the National Mah Jonng League choose colors other than red & green to use on the card?
Great Video! Do you have any particular strategies for when playing online? I am learning but with covid I am online only- ex: no walls.
Thanks, Pat! For online play, look for Strategy Theory and Let's Play Livestreams :)
great advice thank you !
You're welcome :)
Michele, thank you so much for all your videos. I’ve been playing for a few months now but don’t feel competent enough to teach my friend who wants to learn. Could you tell me the 2 or 3 most helpful videos you’ve posted for Newbie to get their feet wet? You have SO MANY videos I’m having a hard time finding the most appropriate. Thanks!
I understand, there are a lot of videos! I recommend that she start with the fundamentals goo.gl/R1oFqk
Michele Frizzell mah Jon classes
@@carmenpaparteys4288 I'm sorry, did you have a question about the online lessons for American Mah Jongg?
I am new to this game. Do you have a list somewhere that shows me what videos I should watch 1,2,3,
Tricia Kiehne here is a PDF with an index of videos bit.ly/2QhyFe8
If you can’t download lis PDF from my Facebook files page, send me an email and I can reply with it michele@mahjongcentral.com
Michele Frizzell how do I find the cards you refer to in this video? I can only find the mock card. I’m happy to pay for the cards you refer to as they sound very helpful for beginner If you could tell me where they might be ordered or pdf downloads that would be great. You mentioned several in the video 10 pains points thanks
I know this might be a stupid question, however I don't understand what you mean by switching to defense, ?
When playing mah jongg, your main objective is to complete a valid hand on the card before your opponents. This requires shrewd decision based on the tiles you draw, the tiles in the discard pile, the tiles in exposures, and the tiles remaining in the wall. If you can identify the hand your opponent is playing based on their exposures and you know they are ready to win or if find that you will not be able to win your chosen hand, you can abandon your hand and play with a defensive approach. This is a "switch to defense". If you decide to switch to defense, do not claim a discard to make an exposure, especially with a joker, and discard tiles that have already been discarded or are in exposures so as not to give your opponents their winning tile.
Question on flowers and winds, how do you play them as blues with other suits?
When hands are shown in one color, one suit must be used; two colors, two suits must be used; three colors, three suits must be used. In other words, a change in color means a change in the suit. Flowers, and Winds are always shown on the card in blue and they are neutral components when used with number tiles. In other words, Flowers and Winds are not related to suits. For example, Winds-Dragons #7 is a two-suit hand even though there are three colors because the Winds are neutral and are not associated with the suits.
What is a lucky 13 hand?
Just what do you mean by a "lucky 13 hand"?
Sometimes the league has Math Play as a category, usually called ADDITION. The standard blocks are a Kong of Flowers with a Kong of two numbers and a sum. Lucky 13 hands require a Kong of Flowers with a Kong of two numbers that equal 13, FFFF 6666 7777 13.
Your videos are excellent! I tried the link below for the card but it is broken. Can you please provide a good link to get the card. Thanks!
I thought I updated all the links. If you tell me which one is broken, I'll check it out :)
Can't seem to find the link to your variations card. Can't find the link to the play list. Appreciate your lessons. Thanks
Here is a link to my new handout which includes variations: facebook.com/groups/mahjongcentral/permalink/1295268150844976/
I'm happy to help... which playlist are you interested in?
@@MAHJLIFE The card that is a generic list of house rules. I believe you called it variations.
@@suemandry307 the house rules are in this handout: facebook.com/groups/mahjongcentral/permalink/1295268150844976/
Here is a link to the playlist: ua-cam.com/video/GNUZ62cHxRg/v-deo.html
Where are the links below that you speak about.
If you are on a PC or laptop, click "SHOW MORE" under the video to open the video description for show notes and links. If you are on a mobile device, click the little down-arrow under the right corner of the video :)
In the video you said you would provide links to a couple of PDF documents and also to other videos referenced. I don't see those links.
The links are in the video description. Top open it, click "SHOW MORE" just above the "COMMENT" area.
Mahjong Central. I love your videos and have recommended them to close to twenty people. Our newly formed Mah Jongg group really appreciates you! OK. I. found the link to your other videos. But not the card - unless it is the link to you webpage where you sell them.
Thanks, Susan! There is a link to a PDF version of the Core Strategy card under the FREE DOWNLOADS area of my website. Here it is www.mahjongcentral.com/uploads/NMJL_CoreStrategy.pdf
The links are in the video description. Top open it, click "SHOW MORE" just above the "COMMENT" area.National Mah Jongg League Strategy-Introduction ua-cam.com/video/ZPhtB1f_6q8e/v-deo.html9DwjquzIQ0Y2IfcUK (link to PDF provided in the video description).
stephanie abbott I got that today too.
How do I get the 2 cards you showed in the video? You’re the best teacher!
Please send me an email so I can reply with handouts michele@mahjongcentral.com
Don’t have a link to pdf
Please send me an email (michele@mahjongcentral.com) so I can send you the new version.
Thanks!
Very helpful Thanks
Glad it helped :)
Some more experienced players could also benefit from watching this. We all make mistakes playing. JMHO.
Agreed :}
Why would a player want to put out an exposure that contains jokers? Doesn't that then help a player who might be able to take their joker?
The reason players make an exposure with jokers is to expedite the building of their hands. The risk is that anyone can exchange the joker for a natural tile so players should assess their hand and count the cost of making the exposure. For example, if I am gathering tiles for a category and I don't know what hand I am playing, I will not claim a discard to make an exposure with or without jokers. If I know what hand I am playing and I have tiles for every block in the hand (i.e., no gaps), I may claim a discard to make an exposure with or without jokers. Assess your hand, scout the discards and exposures, count the cost of making an exposure, make a decision, then accept the consequences with dignity :)
I’m in a beginner class and twice a woman at out table announce to everyone she knew what hand I was playing and told them not to discard a Westwind. I’m re-learning Mahjong I used to play at years and years ago. But I don’t think that this is really supposed to be done. If someone has figured out the hand you’re playing, should they tell the rest of the table? Should they tell the table what not to discard?
That is not cool! No one should say anything about another player's hand. I would have a private conversation with the instructor and they should address the issue with the entire class.
@@MAHJLIFE thank you. We have had a stand in instructor and we have never had a chance to address etiquette. I gently said I don’t think we are supposed to do that.
@@janetbrooks9203 good job and kudos for standing up for yourself and others :)
How do I get pdfs of cards u mention? Am new n love ur videos.
Michele Frizzell
1 second ago
Welcome to the game and thanks for watching my videos! Please send me an email (michele@mahjongcentral.com) so I can send you the new version.
Where are the links for your cars?
cards?
Here are the links:
Core Strategy goo.gl/6NrWkA
When To Stop the Charleston goo.gl/dvVfdY
Ok breathe easy. you didn’t pass the joker. However you said if you pick a joker, put it back. Then when you were organizing your hand, you thought you might DISCARD the joker. I couldn’t understand why you would ever discard a joker. I was watching Charlestón Model 20180924. At 3:15.
Can a player call mahjong with a joker pulled from the table for a single or double pile?
Any joker discarded may not be claimed.;
Hi Michelle, where is the link for the cards?
The single handouts have been incorporated into my kindle e-book: mahjlife.com/books/
Which of your videos talk about the card?
So sorry I missed your comment. There are lots of links in the video description but here is the bit about reading the card: Links to American Mah Jongg for The Card goo.gl/BjzQsX, The Tiles goo.gl/m3Vtro, Set Modeling goo.gl/6rJbrT, and Suit Modeling goo.gl/Tu98rG
Do you give private lessons?
Yes, I offer private lessons. You can find information on my website services page: https:/;/mahjlife.com/lessons
Hi, new to mahjong and I wanted to print the card you mentioned in video, I do not see it anywhere?
Welcome to the game! The mock card can be found under downloads in this article: mahjlife.com/wiki/american-mah-jongg-article-162/
@@MAHJLIFE This comes up as a 404 not found for me.
@@geretyl I updated the link mahjlife.com/wiki/american-mah-jongg-article-162/
Would like the variations card. Don't see how to get it. AM
You can download it goo.gl/X9A235 or purchase a 4-pack goo.gl/PwLr3C
Awesome
Don't see the links for your cards
The links are in the video description. Top open it, click "SHOW MORE" just above the "COMMENT" area.National Mah Jongg League Strategy-Introduction ua-cam.com/video/ZPhtB1f_6q8e/v-deo.html9DwjquzIQ0Y2IfcUK (link to PDF provided in the video description).
Why do you pass jokers? Aren’t they important for helping your hand.
Uh oh... did you see me pass a joker? It's against the rules to pass jokers :/
OH MY NO WAY PASSING A JOKER IN THE CHARLSTIN NEVER.
I see on pain point 9. If someone passes you a joker, you exchange. However ask person to exchange vs reach in to grab it from their hand.
how do i get the strategy card and the other cards?
Please send me an email michele@mahjongcentral.com so I can send them to you :)
I cannot make this full screen- help!
There are some icons in the lower right corner of the video, click the one on the far right for full screen :)