Mahjong and AI - Oil and Water

Shirts with two sleeves on one side, stairways to nowhere, and hands with two thumbs. We’ve all seen weird AI images that we know immediately are the fever dream of some computer algorithm. 

On the other hand, you may have used AI to analyze complex sets of figures or statistics and been blown away by the speed and accuracy of the calculations, to say nothing of the brain drain that it spared you. 

But AI has its limitations. Mostly, because it really likes to make things up. I mean really. Even when you ask it not to. It’ll be sweet and solicitous while it does it–but if you’re looking for factual information… well, good luck with that.

What does any of this have to do with mahjong? Good question! We seem to be turning to AI for info more and more often, whether it’s part of an online search response or our go-to for the everyday stuff that stumps us. But, people know mahjong. AI does not. Not even a little bit.

Aside from the original Chinese version, there are over forty variations of the game. Some are similar, some are different from the rest. Enter American mahjong. Not just different, but wildly different. 

So, imagine asking AI for a recap of the rules concerning flowers. The response will appear to be a thoughtful and extensive explanation, complete with images and graphs. AI will take every bit of information available and stir it well, roll it out, and present it with a shiny bow. And none of it will be accurate.  Every bit of the information will be thoroughly made up. It’ll sound great. But calling it ‘bogus’ would be generous. Been there, done that.

Even when asked to discern the difference between American and all other versions of the game, AI could not. Repeatedly. With multiple specific prompts and instructions. It was humorous and maddening at the same time. 

In an effort to frustrate myself further, I asked AI to create an image of four people playing American mahjong. What it produced was…interesting. Seven different times in seven different ways I explained tile layout and rack configuration. I even gave it several photos to use as reference. Each time AI proudly declared that the image was fixed! Fixed? Ummmm. In an effort to save a thousand words, here’s the best of the many attempts. 

The bottom line is AI isn’t a remotely reliable source for helping us with American mahjong rules, procedures, and strategies. The good news is that knowledgeable people are. People who have played for years, and who have made a point of learning. You know, smarty pants people like me. So, what would you like to know or have clarified? Ask in the comments so everyone can learn from the answer or send me an email. Anytime. I’m happy to help, and promise not to make anything up.