American Mah Jongg 101

Learn to play American Mah Jongg with real confidence - not just the rules, but exactly what to do in the moments that actually trip up beginners.

You've watched the tiles click across the table for years. You've smiled and nodded through games you didn't understand. This book changes that - not with a dry rulebook, but with a genuine beginner's guide that gets you table-ready for your first real game.

Inside, you'll learn:

• How the game actually works - tiles, the wall, the Charleston, and the year's official NMJL card
• Every tile type explained clearly, including the small traps (like the 1 Bam bird) that confuse every beginner at least once
• How to read the card and choose a hand pattern you can realistically complete
• A full in-game situations glossary answering the exact "what do I do right now" moments - calling tiles, using jokers, reading opponents' exposed sets, and more
• Etiquette and rule violations decoded, so you never freeze up wondering what just happened
• What to expect at your very first live game, start to finish

Every chapter ends with a Quick Recap cheat-sheet, so this book doubles as a reference you'll keep reaching for long after your first game.