Mah-Jongg Guidelines

Mah-Jongg Guidelines at Westminster Presbyterian Church

The Joy in Learning Mah-jongg community is a ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Since it is a ministry, the main objective is not to become the best player at Mah-jongg but to form a caring and grace-filled atmosphere where friendships are built.

Westminster Café
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Park in the North parking lot, and enter by the blue outdoor umbrellas, not the portico. Please ring the doorbell.

The Café is first and foremost a place where we welcome all. It is not a space just for Mah-jongg players. We try very hard to keep the sound to a mumble, but if this space is too difficult for you to concentrate, we understand that it may not be the right place for you. This Mah-jongg group has been ongoing for three years and has both experienced and new players. We have found it to be helpful to have everyone on the same page, so we have set up these guidelines for those who participate. 

STEP 1 – BEFORE REGISTERING

  1. Make a commitment to attend on a regular basis barring occasional absences. We are not a “drop-in” group.

  2. New participants are screened for knowledge and experience playing Mah-jongg. Participants need to know rules, tiles, and official National Mah-jongg League (NMJL) card of hands.

  3. We play according to NMJL official rules. Players are responsible for purchasing an original, official NMJL card of hands (no paper or e-copies please) as this is a copyrighted document.

  4. All guidelines must be read and acknowledged. 

STEP 2 - REGISTERING AND WEEKLY COMMUNICATION

  • Sign up on the Mah-jongg page on the Joy in Learning website.

  • If you are new or new again to the game, you may be offered lessons prior to coming on Tuesdays. Once you have attended a lesson, you are invited to spend a day observing play and may then be invited to play a game. 

Beginner and Refresher Lessons: Lessons are offered on a morning other than Tuesdays and consist of a thorough introduction to the tiles, the NMJL rules, and the official card of hands. Because observation is known to enhance learning, once you have completed a lesson you are invited to observe a morning of regular play. Prior to arriving, you will have been advised to remain quiet and to not ask questions or discuss hands or moves. Regular players are requested to welcome new players to watch but to refrain from explaining the game, the tiles, or moves so as to avoid distracting other players. 

Regular Tuesday Communication:

  • A weekly email regarding the following Tuesday game day will be sent requesting REGRETS if you will not be able to attend.

  • Not attending for prolonged periods? We will assume you have resigned, and you will be removed from our list.

  • Sign our attendance sheet upon arrival on Tuesdays.

STEP 3 - PLAYING ETIQUETTE

  • Play shall be governed by the National Mah-jongg League Official Rules unless all players at the table agree to a “Table Rule.”

  • No money is exchanged at Mah-jongg tables in the Café.

  • Cell phones must be turned off or put on vibrate during regular play. If you are waiting for an important call, place your phone on vibrate, and carry the phone on your person. If you must take a call, please step away from tables while speaking on the phone. Once again, players are trying to concentrate.

  • Maintain a steady pace. All players are expected to keep the game moving along smoothly. While patience is extended to new players, experienced players should not cause excessive delays.

  • Soft voices are suggested as our space is large and can be noisy. Keep table talk to a minimum. While a certain amount of conversation is common and welcome, please refrain from excessive or distracting conversation.

  • Be welcoming to new players. It is considered good etiquette to be patient and help new players learn the rules. Some players may need more time to think through their moves. 

FAQs:

  1. Can I bring a friend to just observe a game? No. To help our players – who are all trying to concentrate – we ask that you do NOT invite individuals to attend, to watch play, or to join a table if they have not been officially registered through the website.

  2. Can I just come and observe? No. Please sign up on our website if you would like to attend. If you are curious, check out a game online.

  3. Does it take a lot of concentration? Yes and no. Just be aware that this game is not for everyone.

  4. Is there a fee to play? No, it is a ministry. If you would like to contribute, the funds from the coffee and goodies served help keep the Café sustainable. The hosts are volunteers, and our pastries are homemade.

  5. I do not attend Westminster. Can I still participate? Yes! Please sign up online.

  6. Do I play with the same table of folks every week? Unless you plan to meet them ahead of time and all arrive at the same time, you will find yourself meeting new friends to play with at any open table!