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| Larry and David Unger (left/right in suits) joined by colleagues and members at NMJL headquarters |
Those who attended represented many the many sides of mahjongg. There were tournament directors, teachers, tournament goers, organizers and just plain players.
The theme of the meeting, as put so eloquently by Larry Unger, President, was "Friendship and Charity," and the many ways the League has provided opportunity for just that - through its donation program and by giving so many of us the chance to take the card and run with it, so to speak, and create spaces, virtual and concrete, that allow us to connect with others of like mind.
An interesting discussion ensued about issues that have been brought to the forefront in online forums, rec rooms and classrooms. One such topic was the distinction between tournament rules, "official" rules, and what the League considers "recommendations," i.e., good practices that are not enforced. An example of a recommendation is that you not look at a blind pass. There is no penalty if you do, but it is good practice not to. After all, you may see a tile that you need, but must give away, and that is penalty enough. However, in tournament play, directors are unanimous that looking when you "steal," is a mandatory 10 point deduction.
A question came up about demographics and it quickly became apparent that the exact number of players is difficult to determine. The League keeps records of those who order online or by mail - indeed, to be considered a member, you need to purchase your card from the League. If you buy through an organization, in order to register as a member the organization should provide a list of each person buying. The League keeps a database of registered members, but as there are many retail outlets (both online and brick and mortar) it is impossible to say for sure how many players are out there. A few things we know for sure: Mahjongg is spreading into more towns and cities than ever, particularly in the south - Texas and Tennessee were two states that came up. And, of course, as more people retire and move to communities across the country, this trend will continue. There are even expat retirement communities in places like Ecuador that are seeing an influx of players.
The League has a busy, very structured year, as the boxes all over the office could attest to. (Sadly, we were not treated to a sneak preview of the new card). Orders are coming in and it's time to ramp up to get ready to mail! The League is every bit as excited to send the card to us as we are to receive it - and they look forward to our reaction. We know they will not disappoint.
PS: I'm the one in the red glasses behind the lady in the purple shirt!
ReplyDeleteIs that little group all who attended? Hope some people lobbied for a NEWS hand which we have been missing for many years.
DeleteThis year's card has already been printed, so the time to lobby has passed. However, there is always next year. A good time to let your voice be heard is in the early fall, when the committee is working on the new card. Send them a letter or call!
DeleteA NEWS hand would be great. The way I play (the Far East way) has a NEWS hand and I miss that on the card.
ReplyDeleteRE:One such topic was the distinction between tournament rules, "official" rules, and what the League considers "recommendations," i.e., good practices that are not enforced. An example of a recommendation is that you not look at a blind pass. There is no penalty if you do, but it is good practice not to. After all, you may see a tile that you need, but must give away, and that is penalty enough. However, in tournament play, directors are unanimous that looking when you "steal," is a mandatory 10 point deduction.
ReplyDeleteI checked NMJL booklet "Mah Jongg Made Easy p. 12 under Charleston (3rd pass) and it says "without looking at them" referring to tiles in a blind pass and says same for 2nd Charleston 3rd pass. Comment above says this is a recommendation but it does NOT say this in the sentence I mentioned. So is it a RULE that you can't look at tiles you "blind pass" or only a recommendation?? Should we change the way we play and thus allow looking at aforementioned tiles? Thanks for info. Prefer answer be sent to: flwesties@tampabay.rr.com if possible
I will reply here and also send e-mail. It is a rule that you can't look at a blind pass. It is written on the card: "Blind pass of 1,2 or 3 tiles permitted on last pass of both Charlestons, without looking at them." But there is no penalty if someone does not follow the rule.
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