Questions? I've got answers!

It's inevitable—with each class I teach, there are certain questions that someone, at some point, asks. Are you curious about what people are brave enough to ask and how I answer? Stay right here… I'm spilling the tea!

Q: How long have you been playing mahjong? And how did you start?

A: Ah—the origin story! About 11 years ago a friend offered to teach me to play. I thought sure, why not. I grew up in an area where all my friend's mom's, aunts, and grandmothers played. Turns out my own grandmothers played, I just didn't know it! Anywho, I was not prepared to love the game—but I was wrong!

Q: How long have you been playing mahjong? And how did you start?

A: Ah—the origin story! About 11 years ago a friend offered to teach me to play. I thought sure, why not. I grew up in an area where all my friend's mom's, aunts, and grandmothers played. Turns out my own grandmothers played, I just didn't know it! Anywho, I was not prepared to love the game—but I was wrong!

Q: How often do you play?

A: Unfortunately, only once a week. And due to my teaching schedule, it's not unusual to miss a game each month. So, bottom line—not often enough!!

Q: How many sets of tiles do you own?

A: That's a little bit like asking how old a person is or what they weigh. But, because I know you won't tell anyone…the current number is 12. I've had more; I've had less. And by the way—a dozen sets of tiles is amateur stuff compared to many.  But when I see tiles that make my heart beat a bit faster, I listen to that. I've sold sets that I purchased early on, before I knew to listen to my gut. And that's why I suggest always buying what you love. 

Q: Do you play in tournaments?

A: Short answer—no. The idea doesn't float my boat. I'm competitive, but not that competitive. And yet, several of my friends play in tournaments and love it. To each their own.

Q: But even if you don't play in tournaments you must be an expert player, right?

A: You might think so. But as long as we're dishing, here's my dirty little secret:  I'm an average player. I know the card inside and out, but I don't play often enough. And since I teach beginners all day it's a challenge for me to get out of "beginner mode" when I play. Although, I do seem to be the go-to person in my group when there are questions about the rules. 

Q: What do you do if someone you're playing with is being a pain?

A: Ooooh! This one is a toughie. My opinion is you have one of several choices: 

• Ignore it and move on.

• Talk to the person privately and explain nicely that something they are doing is ruffling feathers. Chances are they don't even know it's an issue.

• Make a light hearted joke about it to highlight it without making the person the bad guy. It can help!

• If the behavior continues, play with other people.

Q: Do you play with blanks?

A: No! And before anyone gets their knickers in a twist, this is about me, not you. If you like playing with blanks, have at it! However, my reasoning has nothing to do with NMJL rules or being a purist. I just love the game as is, and do not like the way blanks fundamentally change the strategy of the game—which is my favorite part.

Q: Is it okay to have snacks and beverages while you play?

A: lol! This is actually a really good question! The answer is a qualified yes. My personal rule is no food or beverages on the mat. Full stop. If the table isn't big enough to have space around the mat for snacks, you absolutely need side tables. But even with a larger table, we're always an enthusiastic elbow away from bumping a beverage all over your tiles and mat. Side tables are the best solution. And please, no sticky or greasy snacks while touching tiles. Gross.

Q: Does your husband play?

A: Ugh. No. Despite promising that he'd learn when he retired, it's been four years! Now, he claims he's just not interested. He's left me with no other option than to assume that he's afraid that I'll clean his clock. And losing to me consistently when we play gin is enough for him. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Q: Do you get bored watching newbies stumble their way through a game?

A: Absolutely not! In fact, I love watching the little light bulbs go on as each player starts to click with the game in their own time and at their own speed. Besides, I remember clearly what it was like for me to learn the game.  It takes a beat—and I love being there for it!