tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55232953362716908202024-03-15T21:09:51.429-04:00Mahjongg blogA player's experiences playing National Mah Jongg League mah jonggLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-50911819842616924242023-04-01T13:13:00.001-04:002023-04-01T13:13:31.471-04:002023 Card Overview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AaeL_kkrrw_0lkO_HOl_5JHOFxiCSp-Vtv-XKtF9wwbFr1tATpilAi1FSfd9-jGJFYSqshQABPZCpTqqpzBkGoBDpfxZ8i7kKEiJdNwzWDc2Vrf2AXrMcF2kRlYkb4djkPv2B714l28GwfgaQV6q7i-_H3P80GLwhU6tk7CpnY4-3eXIq1XsM_yq/s4032/2023card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2595" data-original-width="4032" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AaeL_kkrrw_0lkO_HOl_5JHOFxiCSp-Vtv-XKtF9wwbFr1tATpilAi1FSfd9-jGJFYSqshQABPZCpTqqpzBkGoBDpfxZ8i7kKEiJdNwzWDc2Vrf2AXrMcF2kRlYkb4djkPv2B714l28GwfgaQV6q7i-_H3P80GLwhU6tk7CpnY4-3eXIq1XsM_yq/s320/2023card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The cards are on their way!</div><p>The new card is here and at first glance I have to say it looks...well...<b>hard!</b> The hands look familiar, but subtly changed in ways that will affect play for sure. One thing that stands out is <b>all hands with flowers have either two or four flowers. </b>On its face that seems traditional, but there are some new patterns to unravel. Take out your 2022 card and see how 2023 compares:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>2023 - </b>(Three's make a difference!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The "bonus" hand is gone from this section, relegated back to its proper place in singles and pairs, leaving us with four 2023 hands. The good news is that 2's and 3's are used instead of 2's and 2's, which makes the hands more flexible. The first hand on the 2022 card used kongs of greens and reds only. For 2023 this hand has been moved to position 3 in the category, takes four flowers, with <b>pungs </b>of any<b> </b>dragons! The League has clarified that this hand must use two different dragon<b><span style="color: red;">s</span></b> - not six of one dragon - and the 2023 can be the same suit as one of the dragons. Dragon pungs appear again on the card!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The second hand in 2022 has been repositioned to hand 1 in 2023, and it is the reworked pattern hand. This year's pattern is pung, kong, pung, kong, which appears in 2023 as a two-suited hand. Of necessity the 2022 pattern hand had three suits (three different twos) and was pung, pung, kong, kong, so watch for that change! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hand 3 in 2022 has been moved to position 2 in 2023. It has gone from being a four-flower hand to a two-flower hand, and the pungs have become kongs, of course with the numbers changed from 2022 222 222 to 2023 2222 3333, still three suits. An easy switch to FF 1111 2222 3333 or FF 2222 3333 4444 in three suits if you go dead on the soap or the flower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The closed hand in 2023 is a flipped-in version of the closed wind hand in 2022. In other words, instead of pair-pung-pung-pair of winds surrounding 2022, we have pair-pung-pung-pair 2023 surrounding the much-beloved <b>NEWS</b> - a two-suited hand. This means you <b>must</b> have a pair of two's in one suit and a pair of 3's in the other. If you should happen to get a few jokers, you can always dump the winds and switch up to the pattern hand, or even consecutive...many options here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>2468 - </b>(Everything old is new)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As stated, all three and six-flower hands have been eliminated. The first 2468 hand on the 2022 card is no more, replaced with a four-flower variation on the "gate" hand. This new hand is in one suit with four flowers, kongs of 2's and 8's and a single 46. This has never been on the card before, as the traditional gate was always two flowers with pairs of 4s and 6s, always two suits (see 2021).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Position 2 on the 2023 card is identical to the hand in the same position in 2022. The pattern hand remains in position 3, but the hand is now in the pung-kong-pung-kong pattern, and in 1 or 2 suits as opposed to 2 or 3 suits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hand no. 4 in 2023 combines the hands in positions 4 and 7 on 2022, reducing the category by one hand. This gives room for the addition hands! Hand no. 4 is now two 2s and four 4s in one suit, two 4s and four 6s in a second suit and pairs of 8s in the third suit. This is also a brand-new hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The six flower hand with 2s and 8s has been eliminated, and another new hand is in position 5: pungs of 2s and 8s in the same suit with kongs of opposite dragons. We will see kongs of opposite dragons again on this card!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The closed hand of 2468 has been replaced by a one-suited hand with four pairs; two flowers, pung of 2s, pair of fours and sixes, pung of 8s and pair of dragons. I'm beginning to see why the card looks hard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Any Like Numbers </b>(Traditional yet modern)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All the like number hands have been changed. There are now two hands in this category. The first one is a traditional hand; four flowers, two kongs and a pair of any like numbers in three suits. The second hand is closed and is totally new. It's two flowers followed by three pungs of like numbers, each with a single matching dragon. Single dragons have never been on the card before - a new twist to an old hand! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Addition Hands - </b>(It <b>adds</b> up to be <b>like</b>able!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Addition hands are back, but in a new way. There are four hands, configured simply as two flowers with three kongs in three suits. The first two kongs are like numbers and the last kong is the answer, which is an even number. So think 1+1=2, 2+2=4, 3+3=6 and 4+4=8. These hands cover many bases and can easily switch to like numbers, consecutives, and even 3-6-9.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Quints </b>(Easy to understand)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Only three quint hands this year. The first one is an "any" hand, only instead of any dragon, any wind any number, it's a quint of any number, a kong of any wind and a quint of a like number in a second suit. This keeps the mystery when a kong of winds is exposed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The 2468 quint has been replaced with an old favorite in the same pattern, two 2s, three 3s, four 4s and five 5s, all in one suit, these numbers only. I'm sure this hand will get made, as it only requires one joker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The like number hand in 2022 quints is eliminated, and the four-flower hand has changed from a one-suit to a two-suit hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Consecutive Run - </b>(Popular hands galore)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are still eight hands in this category, but only three of them are carryovers. I am referring of course to the classic runs 1 through 5 and 5 through 9, which are in the pyramid pattern this year (pair, pung, kong, pung, pair). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The pattern hand is in position 2 this year, one or two suits, in the pung, kong, pung, kong pattern, and the block hand, two flowers, three kongs <b>in any run</b> has moved from position 3 to position 5, one or three suits as usual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's about all that remains the same in consecutive run. The remainder of the hands have been pretty much gutted: No six-flower hand, no one-two-one-two-dragon, no sandwich hand, no closed hand with the single between two pungs and FFFF 11 22 333 DDD, everyone's go-to hand, has been <b>removed!</b> But have not fear, let's see what we have instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Replacing the dragon hand in position 7 is a much harder hand in the same pattern of kong of flowers, pair, pair, pung, pung. The dragons have been removed, the hand is now in three suits, any 3 consec nos four flowers, two pairs, two like pungs: <span style="color: #2b00fe;">FFFF</span> <span style="color: #04ff00; font-weight: bold;">11 22</span> <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">333</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>333</b>. </span><span>(Looks like like pungs is a theme this year!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is a dragon hand in position 3, a <b>very old</b> favorite hand in one suit only: FF 1111 2222 DDDD, last seen in 2017.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 4, a hand that borrows from a three-paired hand that appeared in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and that is any 5 consec nos. in 3 suits, but while prior cards used three pairs of consecs with two kongs, the new hand uses a single, a pair, a pung, and two kongs in any five consec. nos. 3 suits. This works as a good switch from any 3 consec kongs with two flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 6 we have another pattern hand, this one with two repeating consecutive numbers in two suits: <span style="color: #04ff00; font-weight: bold;">111 2222</span> <span style="color: red;"><b>111 2222</b>. </span><span>I'm always glad to see a hand like this, it can be a lifesaver, especially if you get jokers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lastly, in the 8th and closed position is a pattern that is the same as the closed hand in 2468, <b>four pairs</b> - two flowers, pung, pair, pair, pung of any 4 consec nos. followed by a pair of matching dragons. It is the only 30 point hand in the category.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>13579 </b>(Old favorites!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There seems to be a little more familiarity in this category in terms of carryover hands and returning hands. There are now 8 hands as opposed to 7. The first three hands are the same in 2023 as they were in 2022 - that being the classic hand in one and three suits, although now in pyramid pattern; the pattern hand, now in pung, kong, pung, kong, and the block hand; two flowers, three kongs of either 135 or 579 in three suits only. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 4 on 2023 is a one-suit matching dragon hand that replaces the one ins 2022. The new hand is: FF 1111 33 5555 DD, repeated in 579. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Position 5 is a 3-suited pyramid with opposite dragons in the middle surrounded by 11 333 and 333 55, repeated in 5-7-7-9, last seen in 2021. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Position 6 has a hand in the same pattern as the hand in position 6 in consecutive, only this time it uses odds, so four flowers, pairs of 1s and 3s and pungs of 5's OR pairs of 5s and 7s and pungs of 9s. The hands can pivot back and forth, so 11 33 555 555 can end up being 11 22 333 333, etc., etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Position 7 is a "sandwich" hand - matching kongs of 1s and 9s with pairs of 357 in the middle. Much harder than the three-flower hand in 2022, with a single 357.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The closed hand, position 8, last seen in 2019, is 111 3 555 555 7 999, two suits. You will need like pungs of 5s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On this card, there are seven exposed hands with like pungs; one in 2023, two in consecutive and four in 13579. There are also three closed hands with like number pungs; one in like numbers, one in 13579 and one in 369. Like number kongs appear in 2468, like numbers, addition, consecutive and 369. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Winds - Dragons </b>(No NEWS is good news?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More choices in the wind hands this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 1 there are two choices as opposed to one, i.e., NNNN EEE WWW SSSS or NNN EEEE WWWW SSS. This opens up the category!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hand in position 2 has wind pungs followed by a run. The pattern has changed from 2022, which was kong, kong, single, pair, pung and is now pung, pung, pair, pair, kong. So two pongs of NS or EW and any three consec nos. A new configuration, so don't get confused!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is no all-dragon hand on the card, but there are two dragon hands in windws and dragons. The first is two kongs of NS or EW followed by two pungs of any 2 dragons. This is in position 3, and in position 6 is a type of "sandwich" hand, with two kongs of dragons and NN EW SS sandwiched in the middle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are two oldie but goodie hands with winds and flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 4 you will find two flowers, wind kongs with 2023 inbetween (see 2020), and in position 5, four flowers followed by N EE WWW SSSS, last seen in 2015. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the closed hand, position 7, the hand has been altered by changing the dragon pungs to consecutive pungs in two suits, i.e., <span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <b>NNN EW SSS </b></span><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">111</span> <span style="color: red;">222.</span> </b>This is a new hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Something worth noting is there are now 11 hands in the 7 positions. This gives a lot more to work with when it comes to winds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>369 </b>(Tried and true)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Good old 369! There isn't too much wiggle room in this category, so many hands will be familiar. In position 1, the pattern hand, now pung, kong, pung, kong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 2, the block hand, now four flowers kongs of 3's and 9s and a pair of 6's, one or three suits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taking position 3 is an old favorite: pair of 3's and 6's in one suit, pungs of 3's and 6's in second suit and kongs of 9's in third suit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hands 4 through 7 in 2022 have been eliminated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 4 we have a brand-new, never before seen hand with two flowers, pairs of 33 66 99 in one suit and pungs of dragons in the other two suits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 5 we have a like-kong hand, with a single-pair-pung intro. So you have 3 66 999 followed by two like kongs of 3, 6 or 9. In 2020 this hand was 336699 followed by the kongs, so it's a little tweak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In position 6 we have a knitted hand, the only one on the card. Matching kongs of 3 and 9, matching pungs of 6 and dragons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lastly, in the closed position, we have a like-pung hand: 333 6 999 333 6 999 in two suits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On this card, there are seven exposed hands with like number pungs; one in 2023, two in consecutive and four in 13579. There are three closed hands with like number pungs; one in like numbers, one in 13579 and one in 369. Like number kongs appear in 2468, like numbers, addition, consecutive and 369. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are four hands that take an exposed pung of dragons: 2023, one in winds and two in 369. Three of those hands have two pungs of dragons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are three dragon-kong hands; 2468, consecutive, odds, winds. Two of those hands have two kongs of dragons. Take heed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Singles and Pairs - </b>(Shake it up!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There's a pairs hand for each category with the exception of winds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The odds hand has changed to the hand from 2020 -11 357 99 in two suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Also from 2020 is the much loved repeating pairs hand: FF 1122 1122 1122.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">369 dances to a new tune, and adds the touch of a single matching dragon. Three pairs and a single in two suits is a new pattern, as we are used to seeing two flowers followed by three pairs and three pairs (2021). This is now 33 66 99 D 33 66 99 D. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The evens hand shifted a couple of tiles - it took away a 2 and added a 6, so instead of 22 46 88 it's now two flowers, followed by 2 4 66 88 in two suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For consecutive run lovers the seven-pair run in any one suit returns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, lastly, in its rightful place, the Big Hand, worth 75, FF 2023 2023 2023 - thank goodness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've played in one game since receiving the card, and while it is challenging, the satisfaction that you get from making a hand is well worth the effort! Best wishes for another year of mahjongg joy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-28893471858451172942023-01-23T15:18:00.000-05:002023-01-23T15:18:27.643-05:00Buying a Card 2023 Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqA2DstFUNHi-80dXhLt5O4KnU4R4bDCVT1RYtPvxAxWZnDSDQiOrLzb_94d7vger1q-Na2tHKPmrqoBEqPacvJGp7pcXSyGGgURBEnxSJEeYUjdq1zrmtwaeY9NQcVOav-F47SZfWa4ChBVAcMcG_V3TV-fJXgO99t747lJCiG7ic3ZuOwYqTrei/s1920/2023-01-23_13-43-44.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqA2DstFUNHi-80dXhLt5O4KnU4R4bDCVT1RYtPvxAxWZnDSDQiOrLzb_94d7vger1q-Na2tHKPmrqoBEqPacvJGp7pcXSyGGgURBEnxSJEeYUjdq1zrmtwaeY9NQcVOav-F47SZfWa4ChBVAcMcG_V3TV-fJXgO99t747lJCiG7ic3ZuOwYqTrei/s320/2023-01-23_13-43-44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I had written a post about this back in <a href="http://mahjblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/how-to-buy-mahjongg-card.html">2018</a>, and while most things are the same, some things need to be updated. First and foremost, however is the timing.<b> Now is the time to buy the 2023 card</b>. The longer you wait, the later you will receive your card and you will be very upset when everyone has the card before you. The first mailing of the new card goes out the last week in March, and your order must be received by early February in order to make that first mailing, so don’t dally. <div><br /></div><div>Many of you have ordered from collectors who sell cards for the benefit of a charitable organization. These orders must be placed by the first week in February as well and the cards will be distributed in the first mailing as well.
If you want your card in the first mailing, and you have not ordered from a collector, you must order directly from the National Mahjongg League website – <a href="http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org">www.nationalmahjonggleague.org</a>. When you buy a card directly from the League, you become a member and will receive the bulletin in December. Be aware that there are reputable mahjongg retailers who also sell the card, but if you place your order with them, it will not come in the first mailing, and you will not become a member of the League. Retailers will often have links that will pop up and make you think you are buying from the League, but while you will be getting a League card, you will be getting it after all the members receive theirs. You also will be charged tax and shipping. <b>The League does not charge tax or shipping for cards.</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>You can also mail in a check, but do not mail it in to the 450 Seventh Avenue address. The League now uses a service to process the tens of thousands of checks they receive. If you have your bulletin, you can use your sticker order form, make your check out to the National Mah Jongg League, and send it to PO Box 50003, Newark, NJ 07101-1130. If you do not have the bulletin, include with your check your name and address, your email, whether or not you are a new member or this is a renewal, and the details of your order (number and size of the cards). If you are buying for yourself and others, specify whether you want all the cards to go to you, or delivered to each person individually, and give the order details. You do not need a self-addressed, stamped envelope. <b>You are not charged tax or shipping</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The price has gone up this year – it’s $14 for the standard size and $15 for the large print. This is a result of increased prices across the board for paper, shipping, mailing, staff and all the other work the League does, and to ensure that the quality of the card remains high. There have been many reports of counterfeit cards received by people who ordered from websites other than the League’s. These cards are very poor quality and needless to say the counterfeiters do not donate any of their proceeds.</div><div><br /></div><div>The League will also be increasing its charitable donations, which amounts to millions of dollars each year – all from the sale of the cards. We all know that people are struggling and these donations go a long way and help a lot of people, which has been the mission of the League for 86 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>So hurry up and order the cards! What are you waiting for?
</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-61910438804817041702022-03-31T10:39:00.002-04:002022-04-06T17:11:49.463-04:002022 Card Unboxing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqujADHql8pPdUXPGfHX182P9hkuSNFY8Fvsy4KRToOU9FN0rbjas4DvtdNYnTzvd_Qkic6CM04AyJCvoxGNeqJAafhgxd6WxUT4V20RbCcW6hrKi5foVQY9xDfbWpzDal-kvzK__W0HB1q3fLh2aLJdC4p9IhTNLl_xbe2PiDCcKm8P3R_Mn-60p/s791/2022%20card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="791" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqujADHql8pPdUXPGfHX182P9hkuSNFY8Fvsy4KRToOU9FN0rbjas4DvtdNYnTzvd_Qkic6CM04AyJCvoxGNeqJAafhgxd6WxUT4V20RbCcW6hrKi5foVQY9xDfbWpzDal-kvzK__W0HB1q3fLh2aLJdC4p9IhTNLl_xbe2PiDCcKm8P3R_Mn-60p/s320/2022%20card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The 2022 card has dropped!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to the National Mah Jongg League for its work in getting out the 2022 card on time. The making, printing and mailing of this card was not without its challenges, given the supply line and labor shortages that business are facing. But for us players, the challenge is - <b>2022</b>! From a mahjongg player's perspective, 2022 is VERY challenging, given the fact that one must use three two's in the same suit to make the year. There have not been many instances where three identical tiles had to be used in a year hand: 1888 (well...), 1999, 2000 and not until 2111 will it happen again (we should all live and be well - and playing)! So let's start our review by looking at the very challenging year hands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2022 - </b>Lots of challenges</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note the wording on top - <b>"Jokers may not be used in a 2022 grouping"</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first hand is straightforward but specific. A pair of flowers, kong of greens, kong of reds with 2022 in the middle. G's and R's are used instead of D's. 2022 in any one suit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern has switched to pung, pung, kong, kong, so the second year hand on the 2022 card is switched up to the new pattern using a pung of two's, pung of soaps, and two kongs of two's in the other two suits. Folks. that's <b>11 </b>2's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If that one isn't challenging enough, the third hand is a four-flower hand, 2022 with two pungs of twos in three suits, so only <b>9</b> two's. Thank goodness for jokers! Just FYI, there are <b>six</b> hands with matching pungs, so if you have two pungs of twos exposed, it's not a giveaway by any means.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are two closed hands in 2022 - the wind hand is a holdover from 2021, and the pattern has changed from pungs of NS and pairs of EW to pairs of NS and pungs of EW. Another FYI, pungs of winds only appear on closed hands this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are looking for the <b>big hand</b> in singles and pairs, you won't find it there. This year it is making a special guest appearance in the year section - and an extra 10 points added to its value, given the challenge. <b>Nine</b> two's and no jokers! Good luck with that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2468 - </b>Lots of choices</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some familiar hands here and some not so familiar. This year the five-flower hands have been eliminated, and <b>three-flower</b> and <b>six-flower </b>hands are back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first hand in the category is now a three-flower hand with pairs of 2s and 4s, pung of 6 and kong of 8 - one suit only, as usual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern hand has switched to pung, pung, kong, kong and can be made in two or three suits. It's on one line, whereas in 2021 it took up two lines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hand with matching dragons (3rd hand on 2021 card) has changed patterns - pair, pung, pair, pung, kong, and is also in one or three suits, effectively putting <b>10</b> hands in this category as opposed to 8.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The gate hand has been eliminated (pairs of 4 and 6 in the middle) and the new "dangling eight" hand is now: <span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">2222 44 6666</span></span> <span style="color: red;">88</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">88</span><span> pairs 8s only.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>A six-flower hand now appears: pung of flowers, kong of 2s, pung of flowers, kong of 8s - two suits <b>only</b>. This pattern appears three times on the card.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The last two hands in 2468 are eliminated, replaced an by old favorite three-suit hand: <span style="color: #6aa84f;">22 444</span><span style="color: red;"> 44 666</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">8888</span>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The closed hand is a new one and ties in to the pairs hand in the category. Both hands use a pair of flowers, and while the closed hand uses 246 888 (twice, in two suits) the pairs hand uses 22 46 88 (twice, in two suits). If you are doing the pairs and get jokers or can't get a pair of 2s, you can open it up to the closed hand. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><b>Any Like Number - </b>Lots of dragons</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This category has gotten a little bit of a makeover, but you can't go wrong with kongs and pungs of like numbers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The NEWS between kongs of like numbers has been replaced by a kong of an opposite dragon. However, the NEWS hand has not disappeared completely - you can now find a similar hand in the winds category - with the flowers removed and NEWS replaced by NN EW SS.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The four-flower hand has become a six-flower hand - pung of flowers, kong of number, pung of flowers, kong of like number in second suit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The matching dragon hand is changed to 111 DD 111 DD 1111 (three suits). Note the matching pungs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Quints - </b>Lots of difference</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every quint hand from 2021 has been changed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The "any" hand is now a quint of any dragon and any number and a kong of any wind. While five dragons will be a giveaway, the winds will no longer be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A one-suit category hand occupies the second slot: 22 444 6666 88888.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A consecutive/like number hand returns from 2020 - <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span>1122</span><span> </span></span><span style="color: red;">33333</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">33333</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A four-flower one-suit consecutive in the last slot: FFFF 11111 22222</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Consecutive Run - </b>Lots of familiarity - but not too much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This category provides the comfort level that we all know and love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first hand is the classic run 1-5 and 5-9 with a change in pattern - pair, pair, pung, pung, kong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taking the second slot is a six-flower hand, similar to that in like numbers except the second kong is a consecutive number. Switchable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern hand has also changed and switched positions - it's now on the fifth line, pung, pung, kong, kong and now can be in <b>one or two suits</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The matching dragon one-suit hand and the five-flower run on the 2021 card have blended into one hand - FFFF 11 22 333 DDD which takes the seventh slot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The block hand remains - pair of flowers, kongs of three consec. nos, 1 or 3 suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 11 222/11 222/3333 hand now has a kong of dragons at the end - 3 suits. (Note the matching pungs...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The three pair hand has been eliminated, replaced by the good ole "sandwich" hand - 1111 22 22 22 3333 - any 3 nos, kongs match suit, pairs in three suits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The closed hand is now a gate hand of sorts: <span style="color: #6aa84f;">111 2 333</span> <span style="color: red;">111 2 333</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>this pattern has appeared in the past in 369 and 135, but rarely in consecutive.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><b>13579 - </b>Lots of "everything old is new again"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The top hand in this category is <i>identical</i> to the hand as it was in 2021. The pattern has not changed, and it remains in one or three suits. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The matching dragon hand from 2021 has moved from the second slot to the fifth slot - take away the flowers and add two 1's. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Taking the second slot in the category now is a block hand - pair of flowers and three kongs, <b>but....three suits only. </b>You heard that right - FF <span style="color: #6aa84f;">1111</span> <span style="color: red;">3333 </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">5555</span> and FF<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> 5555</span> <span style="color: red;">7777</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">9999</span><span> a hand that hasn't been seen in decades. This hand switches nicely with the block hand in consecutive.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span>The pattern hand is in - modified pattern - pung, kong, pung, kong.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The opposite dragon hand is out, but you will see it in 369.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hand with three pairs is out, replaced by a very unusal, never-before-seen hand: <span style="color: #2b00fe;">FFF</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">1111</span> <span style="color: red;">357 </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">9999</span> - two suits, 1's and 9's match, singles in 2nd suit. Fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A two-pung hand is in slot 6 - pair/pung/pair/pung/kong in 135 and 579. Note the matching pungs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The closed hand is a hand that spans the category: FF 1 33 555/5 77 999 two suits - very tricky as it contains <b>three</b> pairs and two singles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Winds - Dragons - </b>Lots of things turned on their head</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much of this category has been revamped. There is still a block hand of winds - kong N, kong E, kong W, pair S, a flower hand, FFFF NNNN EW SSSS, and the closed hand has been retained. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The much loved flowers with three dragons - has returned - pung/kong/pung/kong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wind hands with odds/evens and red/green have been removed, replaced by a winds with like numbers (1111 NNEWSS 1111) and winds with consecutive numbers: NNNN SSSS or EEEE WWWW followed by a consecutive run: 1 22 333. This is definitely NEWS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>369 - </b>Lots of matching pungs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much of this category has been retained. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern hand at the top is now pung/pung/kong/kong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The block hand has changed - take away a 6 and add a flower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The popular hand with like kongs 3 and 6 and two pungs of 9s remains unchanged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The matching dragon hand has shaved off two 3s and added two flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The opposite dragon hand has the dragons in the center - <span style="color: red;">33 666</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">DDDD</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">666 99</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a brand-new hand in an unusual pattern: <span style="color: #2b00fe;">FF</span><span style="color: #04ff00;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">333 66 999</span><span style="color: #04ff00;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3333</span>. Any two suits, kong 3, 6 or 9. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The closed hand is the same pattern as 13579 - FF 3 66 999 3 66 999 in two suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Singles and Pairs - </b>Lots of old friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pairs hands are mostly returning favorites, each one matched with a category. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The top hand is pairs of winds with pairs of dragons in three suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The second hand is pairs of odds with pairs of like odds in opposite suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The third hand is like numbers: <span style="color: #2b00fe;">FF</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">11 22 33</span> <span style="color: red;">11 22 33</span>. This is a new configuration of an old hand that used three pairs of two consecutive numbers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is followed by a familiar run - pairs of any seven consecutive numbers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The even number pairs hand is easily switchable with the closed hand in 2468 - using two flowers and two sets of 224688 in two suits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last but not least is a cha-cha - 336 33669 336699.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, the eye is drawn to the bottom right looking for the "big" hand - which we have already seen has been placed in the "year" catagory, still jokerless, but not really considered singles and pairs, as there are 3 2s in each 2022 And it wouldn't do not to have a <b>BIG</b> hand now, would it? Let's see - 85, picked yourself, bet on...you might want to think about raising the pie!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do YOU think about this year's card?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div> <p></p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-50782877272380627202022-01-17T21:36:00.000-05:002022-01-17T21:36:16.002-05:00<p> <b><span style="color: red;">Mahjongg Jeopardy!</span></b></p><p><i><b>While you are waiting for your newsletter to arrive (due to supply chain issues, they will be mailed out mid-January), enjoy a round of Mahjongg Jeopardy! Play solo (No Team) or screenshare on Zoom just for fun. And don't forget to order the 2022 card from the League at<a href="http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org"> www.nationalmahjonggleague.org</a>. Do it right away so you will get it in the first mailing!</b></i><br /><br /></p><div style="background-color: #2a3698; box-shadow: rgb(42, 54, 152) 0px 0px 5px 0px; max-width: 500px; padding: 5px 10px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://jeopardylabs.com/play/mahjongg-jeopardy?embed=1" width="100%"></iframe></div><div style="background-color: #2a3698; box-shadow: rgb(42, 54, 152) 0px 0px 5px 0px; max-width: 500px; padding: 5px 10px; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-79019854851435503772021-04-22T20:46:00.001-04:002021-04-22T20:46:53.291-04:00Four-Joker Anomalies<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBV3JwaN5QFh2CDS9BMDftfo3amDAUXWnEtPsTQe1qwEeNltsGj0JfbbF5M0eM3ZSmKg-nleWHSTztsb52GOO9TSVdW_lFnrPCP5l7RfSTEEp6ZxKw2V3j7QHQMcpBQDHXGp8Cf9C_8w/s2787/IMG-0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="2787" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBV3JwaN5QFh2CDS9BMDftfo3amDAUXWnEtPsTQe1qwEeNltsGj0JfbbF5M0eM3ZSmKg-nleWHSTztsb52GOO9TSVdW_lFnrPCP5l7RfSTEEp6ZxKw2V3j7QHQMcpBQDHXGp8Cf9C_8w/w400-h50/IMG-0151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Someone posted this hand on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/modernmahjong">Modern Mahjongg</a> site saying she had been dealt four jokers and was set at the Charleston. She had made the bottom quint on the 2021 card. When I saw it, I realized that it could also be<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt-O5UTFQtPlys5MB0cLgQexMsM1hPO5_80lP4RqEC2GK9IiwJ5zQS-QSd4xXUDqCiBueQR2QuaIZaejWBncz-iw5yyiF_A3DaXDxpXUZne5cL2eZ8s_V8CYyuuUYeMDWqvKQxzJAzOU/s2976/IMG-0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="2976" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt-O5UTFQtPlys5MB0cLgQexMsM1hPO5_80lP4RqEC2GK9IiwJ5zQS-QSd4xXUDqCiBueQR2QuaIZaejWBncz-iw5yyiF_A3DaXDxpXUZne5cL2eZ8s_V8CYyuuUYeMDWqvKQxzJAzOU/w400-h56/IMG-0150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the sixth hand down in consecutive run. Luckily, she had made no exposures and declared mahj as the quint, or else would have cheated herself out of 15 points. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, later that day when I was playing, I also had four jokers - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe5aLnhbwlse6Xrt2vdnreYFPRlb3QgaC_HhrqOO3Zj4CTUcNuvH_MRQURjCcafc6djQPsRhivz3tXeTZMGzW2FHlQitfg0AAgUJRPQG-PhmwmNVCOPG4RMb5s0_rdNFL76ceqnppdUo/s2968/IMG-0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="2968" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe5aLnhbwlse6Xrt2vdnreYFPRlb3QgaC_HhrqOO3Zj4CTUcNuvH_MRQURjCcafc6djQPsRhivz3tXeTZMGzW2FHlQitfg0AAgUJRPQG-PhmwmNVCOPG4RMb5s0_rdNFL76ceqnppdUo/s320/IMG-0163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It made me a little crazy. I knew I was set, but for what hand? Did I need:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05MDVXiCUlS4gI6CGXB9bXc5bmGIgw-B028RcJe36anJ8xGAcKuSlJK4zuLr4QvdZvB6g0TLYWDk4MLrwxNCILvf3AmAh4v1ETf-kGN5gYXlKeQ1_qDHC-ygtD-7xivxTjOkaTIxdz2U/s3264/IMG-0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05MDVXiCUlS4gI6CGXB9bXc5bmGIgw-B028RcJe36anJ8xGAcKuSlJK4zuLr4QvdZvB6g0TLYWDk4MLrwxNCILvf3AmAh4v1ETf-kGN5gYXlKeQ1_qDHC-ygtD-7xivxTjOkaTIxdz2U/s320/IMG-0162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a flower?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoSAyvVUKfJZ8gRcr8bS_jxyR8ofwxx1u2JWIg8Jq31IrHo1ffoq6HWe3dXt0U8D71K3Oa9_yQ_D0bFwStsp3uWrI1niYjBiiI4qRk1z2OJFZIcCDZ8UUI2QTA9AM8nEuluSFNd8jmPA/s2924/IMG-0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="2924" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoSAyvVUKfJZ8gRcr8bS_jxyR8ofwxx1u2JWIg8Jq31IrHo1ffoq6HWe3dXt0U8D71K3Oa9_yQ_D0bFwStsp3uWrI1niYjBiiI4qRk1z2OJFZIcCDZ8UUI2QTA9AM8nEuluSFNd8jmPA/s320/IMG-0161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a two or a three?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQCx9Eshq4UoROvlnLiR7x7_-ZsSEJhhErTi2EpL4u8rl8BzMLogVQKWlHBkjVsyg4-pi12mROaAwIHvXbU6jaIQa8gDTWNF60_1VvvMqacP-fIqnfszTH6FeOgFUWcBlKDkZwx_IXLA/s3052/IMG-0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="3052" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQCx9Eshq4UoROvlnLiR7x7_-ZsSEJhhErTi2EpL4u8rl8BzMLogVQKWlHBkjVsyg4-pi12mROaAwIHvXbU6jaIQa8gDTWNF60_1VvvMqacP-fIqnfszTH6FeOgFUWcBlKDkZwx_IXLA/s320/IMG-0159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or a 1 crak? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BUT WAIT!! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found some others...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WC3kLr8_61LEIKTsD0FFzQTYn0UsBd5A9GN4P59IspM_LjTLXudugwpAOzjnLHRqwlAwF4ILHNvGsgeSlOhT0AC7eF1QK6EKr4pmlk3uI46UZv-pEtrce8HrM9ttVvuGZqCcwh_VBzI/s2823/IMG-0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="2823" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WC3kLr8_61LEIKTsD0FFzQTYn0UsBd5A9GN4P59IspM_LjTLXudugwpAOzjnLHRqwlAwF4ILHNvGsgeSlOhT0AC7eF1QK6EKr4pmlk3uI46UZv-pEtrce8HrM9ttVvuGZqCcwh_VBzI/s320/IMG-0155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNK1LCHHTUfopA0CkTrygp-ud4KkgGnm8S6xpnx0HA4tiQXOQcehsAlBgUILDWhgz8CjNe4HhIgyt_HRJctYrO3QBHGPacrNglOVzYdONxn58RqKgruHs8wbA2bHznPgzOohRe8lmOyY/s2904/IMG-0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="2904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNK1LCHHTUfopA0CkTrygp-ud4KkgGnm8S6xpnx0HA4tiQXOQcehsAlBgUILDWhgz8CjNe4HhIgyt_HRJctYrO3QBHGPacrNglOVzYdONxn58RqKgruHs8wbA2bHznPgzOohRe8lmOyY/s320/IMG-0154.jpg" width="320" /></a>???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and how about...</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZKaxQvbXtcxA5DyFvgLpgAjQ5TlGQ99DNwnQPorRNOOw7FbysJU8vijg3KgBTJSnRBEaiW5kcJn2eTA-yuUZ3KSdnmeCss0MzT-WKkQSzdICLGryIJypr3wys-Tz_YuByfJn1ue49z0/s2864/IMG-0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="2864" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZKaxQvbXtcxA5DyFvgLpgAjQ5TlGQ99DNwnQPorRNOOw7FbysJU8vijg3KgBTJSnRBEaiW5kcJn2eTA-yuUZ3KSdnmeCss0MzT-WKkQSzdICLGryIJypr3wys-Tz_YuByfJn1ue49z0/s320/IMG-0152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is this 222 0000 222 DDDD</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or 222 000 222 1111?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and this three-joker anomaly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmumNstZ4VIP-rIdr3oMcfmCxwKX8Hrwbjufdv_pKo_-EW8XKj44e88M9Ti3YIxObVNO59KDHkdDN30CA0p35y2VLQCmKI5CMhCwQkkkvp_86CSLq92CWYfxZvFhuncTmLWb3WVC9XNyM/s3063/IMG-0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="3063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmumNstZ4VIP-rIdr3oMcfmCxwKX8Hrwbjufdv_pKo_-EW8XKj44e88M9Ti3YIxObVNO59KDHkdDN30CA0p35y2VLQCmKI5CMhCwQkkkvp_86CSLq92CWYfxZvFhuncTmLWb3WVC9XNyM/s320/IMG-0156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUd3joVg_qQlkf-Vb-6BzuBZhweUwZ2q_4MJbLC7vmjYklXYU1eSvOkPEjZuj_Ub77ZVXh4_ZiUlKMbz62vdSwDg8DDViQGr5Uw58Cx6EiZrTAEBsZtNxplKGXT4cVoEmg2lkPx2ou3k/s3255/IMG-0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="3255" height="59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUd3joVg_qQlkf-Vb-6BzuBZhweUwZ2q_4MJbLC7vmjYklXYU1eSvOkPEjZuj_Ub77ZVXh4_ZiUlKMbz62vdSwDg8DDViQGr5Uw58Cx6EiZrTAEBsZtNxplKGXT4cVoEmg2lkPx2ou3k/w400-h59/IMG-0158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wonder how the bots decide which hands these are????</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-11431428205764232742021-03-29T14:13:00.001-04:002021-04-05T11:48:57.667-04:00Let the Games Begin - with the 2021 Card!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Axk_nQpBP3cUQP8gCq61ZRv69QEzp1MCbzFd4k4I1Q8tofrDwzWIDa-qVUTycNKglO_4K-hm1VWxA0HVWJsHjkDHGk1u2XdDGXkq-4GUiCq6tM8tFCUuQd6v_HncqC1VhMRbuCdS4yA/s2048/2021+card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Axk_nQpBP3cUQP8gCq61ZRv69QEzp1MCbzFd4k4I1Q8tofrDwzWIDa-qVUTycNKglO_4K-hm1VWxA0HVWJsHjkDHGk1u2XdDGXkq-4GUiCq6tM8tFCUuQd6v_HncqC1VhMRbuCdS4yA/s320/2021+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Thank goodness we can put away 2020 for good! The 2021 card has been released and is making its way to mailboxes far and wide. And since it is still a violation of copyright protection for me to show the inside of the card, I will continue my tradition (since 2015) of posting a summary of the changes. This is not an analysis, per se, but a description. I understand there will be many who will analyze the card, and their impressions will soon be available online, and, of course, you can do your own analysis when you get the card and when you actually start playing. But for now, get out your 2020 card and follow along with this side-by-side comparison.<p></p><div><b>2021</b></div><div>As in 2020, there are four hands in the 2021 category. The first hand is essentially the same, with the year changing to 2021 and the second kong being 1's instead of 2's. The next two hands in the category are gone, replaced by two hands which both use a kong of soaps. One hand is a "pattern" hand; pung/kong/pung/kong, in two suits;<span style="color: #04ff00;"> </span><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">222 0000</span> <span style="color: red;">222 1111</span>.</b> The next hand is in one suit, kong of flowers, kong of 2's, kong of soaps and a "pillow" of 21. The bottom, closed hand is a twist on the 2020 closed hand - North and South are pungs and East and West are pairs. 2021 is in the middle.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>EVENS (2468)</b></div><div>Some things old and some things new here. Still eight hands in the category. The top hand is a pyramid (pair/pung/kong/pung/pair), with four flowers in the middle and the pairs at the end being 2's and 8's. The second hand on the 2020 card appears on the 2021 card in one suit. The third hand on the 2020 card appears on the 2021 card in the sixth position. The "pattern" hand switches to a pung/kong/pung/kong pattern instead of pung/pung/kong/kong. The next four hands on the 2020 card have been replaced. There are no multiplication (or addition or any other "math" hands) on the 2021 card. The four hands have been replaced by: (1) The "gate" - two flowers, matching kongs of 2's and 8's with pairs of 4's and 6's in a second suit. (2) A three-suited hand: matching pungs of 2's and 4's, a kong of 6's in a second suit and a kong of 8's in a third suit. (3)What the...<span style="color: #2b00fe;">. </span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FF</span> <span style="color: #04ff00;">DDDD</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">2468 </span><span style="color: red;">DDDD</span></b> any three suits, 30 points. <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> 2468 </b></span>is a new configuration of singles, maybe the beginning of a trend? (4) The closed hand is three suits: pung of 2's, single 4 and 6, pung of 8's in one suit and like pungs 2, 4, 6 or 8 in other two suits.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>ANY LIKE NUMBERS</b></div><div>The addition category has been eliminated and all three of the any like number hands have been changed. The first hand, what the... <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FF</span><span style="color: #04ff00;"> 1111</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">NEWS </span><span style="color: red;">1111</span></b><span style="color: red;">.</span> Hmmm...NEWS in a like number hand is <i>NEWS</i> to me! Second hand is four flowers, kong/pair/kong of any like numbers, and lastly, in the pung/kong/pung/kong pattern is a two-suited hand, pungs of any like number with kongs of matching dragons. Interesting!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>QUINTS</b></div><div>Out with the old, in with the new(ish). The "any" hand is now five flowers, with kong of any number and quint of any wind. (There are three five-flower hands on the 2021 card, as there were with 2020.) The bottom quint from 2020 is now in two suits, the quints match and the pairs match. The second and third hands have been replaced with (1) a consecutive run - quint/kong/quint in one or three suits, and (2) a like number hand - pair/quint/pair/quint - any two consecutive numbers in two suits.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>CONSECUTIVE RUN</b></div><div>Always the perennial favorite, there are still eight consecutive run hands. The top, classic hand, is a pyramid - pair/pung/kong/pung/pair - same numbers as always. The second hand in 2020 consecutive has gone back to the block, with two flowers and three consecutive kongs, one or three suits. The pattern hand is now pung/kong/pung/kong. The one-suited dragon hand has been changed to a single/pair/pung/kong/kong pattern using any four consecutive numbers with a kong of matching dragons. The hand with three pairs now ends in like kongs, as opposed to consecutive kongs, something we have seen before. The four flower, four number hand is now five flowers followed by pair/pung/kong of three consecutive numbers. The second to the last hand on the 2020 consecutive runs has morphed into a closed hand with a pair of flowers, any two consecutive pungs, with pungs of opposite dragons, and the closed hand in 2020 has morphed to an open hand, three suits with a pair/pung/pair/pung/kong pattern - an old favorite: <span style="color: #04ff00;"> </span><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">11 222</span> <span style="color: red;">11 222 </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">3333.</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>ODDS (13579)</b></div><div>Pattern change alert! The top hand is now in the pyramid shape, one or three suits, with matching 7's and 9's instead of 5's and 7's. Remember, no multiplication/addition hands this year, 3X5 and 5X7 is O-U-T. The pattern hand is still there of course in the pung/kong/pung/kong configuration. No more sandwich hand, and the one-suited dragon hand now has two flowers, pair/pung/kong of 1-3-5 or 5-7-9 with a pung of matching dragons, which is an unusual configuration. I don't think I've ever seen this configuration before, at least not in this category. There's a nice block hand with four flowers, four 1's, two 3's and four 5's (and the same in 5-7-9), and the three-pair, 30 point hand is now <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">11 33 55 </span><span style="color: red;">7777</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> 9999 </span>(</b>three suits). The closed hand is in three suits, with matching pungs of 1's and 3's and a pair of 5's, or matching pungs of 5's and 7's with a pair of 9's. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>WINDS-DRAGONS</b></div><div>Two hands remain unchanged from the winds category. The top hand and the hand with the year in the middle. Well, the hand is the same even though it says 2021 instead of 2020. The rest are O-U-T, replaced by: (1) like numbers with winds: pair of a number, pung of a North or an East, pair of a like number, pung of a South or a West, followed by a kong of the like number. The North-South combo takes odd numbers and the East-West combo takes even numbers. (2) Four flower hand with pungs of North and South and pairs of East and West. I think this one is also brand-new. (3) An old favorite, pair of flowers, kongs of North and South with kongs of Reds, same hand in East/West with kongs of Greens. And the closed hand is also a debut hand: <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">NNN E W SSS</span> <span style="color: #04ff00;">DDD</span> <span style="color: red;">DDD</span></b>, with any two dragons.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>369</b></div><div>369 has gotten a real makeover. The first hand changed to pattern pung/kong/pung/kong. Second hand with kongs of threes is eliminated, and replaced with another new three-suited hand: Matching kongs of 3's and 6's with two pungs of 9's. The single-suit dragon hand is now kong/pung/kong/pung, so it seems dragon pungs have made something of a comeback, appearing as exposures in two categories. The hand below the dragon hand on the 2020 card is out, replaced by a second dragon hand in the category, this one in three suits: <span style="color: #04ff00; font-weight: bold;">33 66</span> <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">666 999</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;">DDDD. </span>This gives the category two hands with a pung of 9's.<b> </b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;"> </span>The block hand with two flowers and three kongs is still in, in one or three suits, but there is now a five-flower hand: Five flowers, two 3's, three 6's, four 9's, one suit only. Lastly, the closed hand has been changed to replicate the pattern in 1-3-5; three suits, three 3's and three 6's in one suit; three 3's and three 6's in a second suit and a pair of 9's in the third suit. Sweet!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Singles and Pairs</b></div><div>All of the singles and pairs have been changed. Some are familiar oldies but goodies and some variations on old favorites. As always, each category has a representative singles/pairs hand. The NEWS hand is pair of flowers,<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> NN E W SS</b></span> and pairs of any like number. Odds hand is the same pattern as the 369 pairs hand on the 2020 card, only using 1-3-5 or 5-7-9. Consecutive run hand is a pair of flowers and any six consecutive numbers in one suit. So take away the pair of dragons in the 2020 hand and make it two 6's. 2468 hand is pair of flowers, pairs of 2,4,6,8 and then like even numbers in other 2 suits. We've seen this one before! For the 369 hand, it's a tough hand, pair of flowers, pairs of 3's, 6's and 9's in one suit and again in a second suit. And lastly, the "big hand," which is worth 75 cents now, since you only need 3 soaps, is a pair of flowers followed by 2021 three times in any three suits. This may prove as elusive as the 2020 big hand, as you need three pairs of 2's! Naturally, when you play your first game on this card you will open with four soaps - it's a mahjongg law!</div><div><br /></div><div>So whether you play online or in person, let's embrace the new card, and thank the League for 84 years of continuous philanthropic endeavors and the opportunity to enjoy the game for another year!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-39608698336868637562021-03-23T13:29:00.002-04:002021-03-23T13:29:46.711-04:00Are you ready?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3H386xuoJhnxNCt7Eh-9mOZAf0CJL932uqI7ovP0ikADG6FqfMIZkDk1RZ59sB2ESvtNv0LjlOyWAbbzQbElc8arqX3GmxrCV54jkKv9KEEmSLhSoVcHjnfPUeQygeezJc3aujfEJmI/s1531/ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3H386xuoJhnxNCt7Eh-9mOZAf0CJL932uqI7ovP0ikADG6FqfMIZkDk1RZ59sB2ESvtNv0LjlOyWAbbzQbElc8arqX3GmxrCV54jkKv9KEEmSLhSoVcHjnfPUeQygeezJc3aujfEJmI/s320/ready.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The last week in March is almost here, and we all know what that means: The new card will soon be on its way. This year is like no other, as the card is coming just as people are starting to (very cautiously) come back to the playing table. We can put aside the 2020 card and start anew, resting assured that the game of mahjongg will be waiting, unchanged, from the last time we played. Will we remember all the protocols and rules? How will it feel to touch and mix the tiles? Will we still have what it takes to win? Will we still play online? So many of us have made friends with players from all over the country - how do we stay connected when we start to play with our local groups? It will be interesting to see the "new normal" when it comes to mahjongg! But first, the 2021 do's and don'ts.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Do </b>sign up for USPS informed delivery. The post office will send you a daily email showing the mail you will receive that day. No more running to the box every five minutes to see if the card has arrived! Use this link to sign up: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action</li><li><b>Do </b>be patient. The League mails out <i><b>hundreds of thousands</b> </i>of cards. We <u>all</u> know the Post Office is not what it used to be. It will take time for the cards to fan out across the country, and even longer to reach foreign shores (that's you, Canada). </li><li><b>Do</b> check your e-mail receipt to see when your card will be mailed. If you ordered January through early February your card will be sent the last week in March. After mid-February your card will go out in the second mailing in early April. If you did not order from the League, but ordered from a retailer such as Amazon or other online store, your card will be sent in late April.</li><li><b>Don't </b>panic if you don't get your card the same time as your group does. It happens, even if you all ordered at the same time. The Post Office does things in its own way and it is nothing personal.</li><li><b>Don't </b>forget who you ordered from! If you do not have an e-mail receipt, check your credit card statement. Remember, if you were charged tax or shipping, you did not order directly from the League and your card will not arrive until late April.</li><li><b>Don't </b>be pushed into playing in person if you aren't ready. It goes without saying that we are all at different stages of "returning to normal." Please respect each others' comfort level and understand that there will of necessity be negotiations involved with setting up in-person games. Be clear about your readiness to play in person and communicate your comfort level to others in your group. We are all taking baby steps back into the world of in-person playing, and groups will need to decide how to implement this. Have discussions, work it out so that everyone can eventually come back to the table with confidence.</li></ul><div>One last <b>Do - </b>Be grateful for the mahjongg community that has provided so much support and friendship during the pandemic and extend your hand to new and returning players during 2021.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you next week (Post Office willing) for the yearly card analysis!</div><br /> <p></p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-18074009387892665452021-02-03T16:50:00.000-05:002021-02-03T16:50:44.911-05:00Survey says!<p> <span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">Thank you all for filling out the "Mahjongg Family Feud" survey. I found the easiest way to convey the results was to do a video, so this post is a "vlog" as opposed to a "blog". Enjoy!<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzlEPXkQgUvDAkA0THn8nB_aoUwHIhCrOz5ocfsrNYs6o7uxgWL1EKwbKDBaUqY7rTRatPat3BoMyf28JNiDg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><br /></span><p></p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-7639053038881607022021-01-08T15:33:00.000-05:002021-01-08T15:33:19.415-05:00It's that time again!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J6Im7WZCqJX2QKdh5WJj8lkbavkuU8ZKEJkgkwvHtBpd6UuGDtD5b7bWb-myLflhGa3W1bDCC9h4HRzJJ8c2Ya8nW7Qe7NHyvcCvpIByX4Wp2SCfwzHSk7ww_x4jv-pgNNz9ZEnUrxQ/s1140/79902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="1140" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J6Im7WZCqJX2QKdh5WJj8lkbavkuU8ZKEJkgkwvHtBpd6UuGDtD5b7bWb-myLflhGa3W1bDCC9h4HRzJJ8c2Ya8nW7Qe7NHyvcCvpIByX4Wp2SCfwzHSk7ww_x4jv-pgNNz9ZEnUrxQ/w320-h104/79902.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The National Mah Jongg League has sent out their annual bulletin, which includes the renewal notice. Please note the price of the card has increased. The 2021 standard-sized card is $9, while the large print version is $10.</p><p>If you have ordered your card directly from the League in the past, or you have ordered from a Collector who has provided your name and address to the League, you are considered a member, and your bulletin is on the way. The bulletin contains an order form if you wish to renew your membership (order a new card) by mail. However, with the mails being what they are these days, your bulletin may take longer than usual to get to your mailbox. In that case, you may order by mail without using the preprinted form or label that comes with the bulletin. You can see an electronic version of the form here: <a href="https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/PaperForm.aspx">https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/PaperForm.aspx</a> and you can print it and send it, or simply write to the League with the required information and enclose a copy of your check. Be advised there is a new address to mail your order to: <b>National Mah Jongg League, PO Box 1130, Newark, NJ 07101-1130</b>. The phone number for the League is the same.</p><p>Like most, I have been more or less homebound since the 2020 card was issued, and playing online has been a godsend. In addition, I've been teaching mahjongg online and playing with the Bryant Park group via Zoom. If you are interested in joining in, please read the details in the post entitled "Virtual Mahjongg."</p><p>Trying to keep my mind active during this time has been challenging, and playing games has become my primary occupation! I've had some fun in Zoom meetings playing various iterations of charades, Bingo and, an old favorite, "Family Feud." In fact, I've developed my own survey in order to play a Mahjongg version of Family Feud. I beta tested it and got 58 responses from players I know personally, and we had a great time revealing what the "Survey Says." </p><p>If you would like to take the survey, you may do so by using this link: <a href="https://forms.gle/uiw6gAyCDsUbVEzS8"> https://forms.gle/uiw6gAyCDsUbVEzS8</a></p><p>The survey is anonymous, ad-free, and no data is collected. I will post the survey results on this blog in two weeks' time. In the meantime, see if you can guess the answers, or respond in the comments with questions of your own for our next survey!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-40145354722846551202020-08-16T22:09:00.000-04:002020-08-16T22:09:02.177-04:00Virtual Mahjongg<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C2-B2aRr5RzFwaB2VUd8JfGMqambRzNCTDuYf0wOkmo9JcsxtHcV3gIZTMeKh5-gOAS41mS4ibeUmcOWqryJkL4Wcdsm3-KNOiNTk999pprbK22bQyoF8c_-lKGvwQBW1WJZAzEsX5Q/s1920/Virtual+Mahjongg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1920" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C2-B2aRr5RzFwaB2VUd8JfGMqambRzNCTDuYf0wOkmo9JcsxtHcV3gIZTMeKh5-gOAS41mS4ibeUmcOWqryJkL4Wcdsm3-KNOiNTk999pprbK22bQyoF8c_-lKGvwQBW1WJZAzEsX5Q/w320-h172/Virtual+Mahjongg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It's been five months since the last post and, like every other aspect of life, our mahjongg world has been transformed. We have had our comfortable rug pulled out from under us and we are all swirling in a zone of uncertainty, questioning everything about what once was certain. But we do know one thing: Mahjongg is not going away. As with every other social crisis over the entire 80-plus years of the existence of the Mahjongg League, our beloved game has adapted and proved solid. And so has our mahjongg community and all the players who will not let this game go the way of (take your pick) ---><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_defunct_consumer_brands">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_defunct_consumer_brands</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Oh, no, not I," says mahjongg, to quote from a popular disco hit, "I will survive," and, thanks to the virtual world, it will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For some people, it's a giant stretch to play mahjongg online. But, folks, if the National Mah Jongg League can go virtual....Yes! The phones go live tomorrow, yet the office is not open. The cards can be ordered, the game can be played, there is even an email address for card order inquries: customerservice@nationalmahjonggleague.org</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your inquiries will be read and responded to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We should all give kudos to the admins of the online sites - whether you play on the<a href="https://www.nmjl.org/game/home.html"> League site,</a> <a href="https://www.mahjongtime.com/">Mahjongg Time,</a> <a href="https://www.myjongg.net/">myjongg</a>, <a href="http://realmahjongg.com/">Real Mahjongg</a> or any other iteration of the NMJL game, these folks are doing stellar work dealing with the huge influx of new subscribers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Players everywhere are rising to the challenge by finding ways to adapt and experience the game in a new way. Technology is driving innovation, as players find ways to "stay in the game," and enjoy the challenge of playing the card and connecting with each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While it is clear that we are all waiting for our real lives to return, some of the "new normal" may find its way into the long term - things like online tournaments, group Zoom mahjongg, family game time, Siamese and Solitaire mahjongg and social events like webinars and conferences. Hmmm...that's an idea...a virtual mahjongg conference with speakers and panel discussions with the online admins... It's not something we would have thought of previously, but now it doesn't seem like an outlandish idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For myself, I have been busy. I have tried to replicate the Bryant Park social experience on Zoom, using breakout rooms and Real Mahjongg. We play from 7:30-9:30 Eastern time every Monday night and have been getting folks from far and wide. For this event, you need a Facebook account to sign in to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/273229766480886">Mahjongg at Bryant Park </a>page to pick up the meeting ID and password, then sign in with Zoom, find a table and start playing Real Mahjongg with your new friends. I also run a live group chat for beginners/intermediate beginners, where we work collaboratively on strategies for passing, forming a hand, making decisions, etc. This group meets via Zoom on Fridays from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. also Eastern time. If you are interested in joining (no charge) please send me an e-mail. Do not leave your e-mail in the comments, however, as the comments below are public. My email can be found by clicking on my profile at the bottom of the blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many others who are doing great things to keep the flame of our game alive; the vendors and tournament directors and Facebook page admins. authors and vloggers and everyday players who refuse to let their friends get into a slump.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They know that mahjongg has energizing and healing powers - we get it from each other and we get it from the tiles and the game itself, which can take us away from the troubled world and give us a more manageable one, at least for awhile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you doing to get your mahj on? Let us know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-54545615635072271092020-03-26T20:18:00.004-04:002020-04-06T15:20:43.160-04:00The 2020 Card <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgwCPqhPehoQ63gYCpxHsoDHi13iE3wGU4XgB0_v9Mt2ahgqPSmB4i-KEY9oAF2rDkbHCK4tdnb7eWEHBbmn_dHOsCdy7e5tKHigU0e3oVPdQKGNDrgEtEGSiW7LNvGJkO8KLgRS0EGM/s1600/New+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1365" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgwCPqhPehoQ63gYCpxHsoDHi13iE3wGU4XgB0_v9Mt2ahgqPSmB4i-KEY9oAF2rDkbHCK4tdnb7eWEHBbmn_dHOsCdy7e5tKHigU0e3oVPdQKGNDrgEtEGSiW7LNvGJkO8KLgRS0EGM/s320/New+Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The card was mailed on time, and just in time to ease the anxiety of living on lockdown. It was difficult to stop myself from ripping open the envelope with my bare hands, but after using the <a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/a31926614/covid19-coronavirus-mail-package-disinfect/">protocol recommended by the CDC,</a> I was able to feel comfortable handling the card. I don't want to dwell on the situation we all find ourselves in, so let's go right to the annual side-by-side comparison. If you get out your 2019 card and follow along, we can see what has changed, and what has not.<br />
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One thing that has not changed is the categories, although there is no section for Addition hands this year - the "math" hands are woven into the Even hands (4x6=24 and 6x8=48) and the Odds (3x5=15 and 5x7=35). Looks like algebra to me!<br />
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<b>2020 - </b>This category still has four hands, but of course 1s and 9s are gone, and because of the prevalence of two's, some fancy footwork had to be done. So it really isn't about the soaps, it's all about the 2s. Wondering what 2022 has in store! The only hand that was retained to any extent is the one with the pair of flowers, two kongs of dragons and the year in the middle. This year, however, the hand must be made with Reds and Greens and the 2s any suit. It could not be any other way. The closed hand from 2019 has been totally reversed and now the 2020 is in the middle where NEWS was and the winds are where the numbers were. But don't fret, because NEWS shows up later. The first hand is a pair of flowers, 2020 and two kongs of twos. Again, because of the 2's it must be in three suits. The second hand in 2019 has been completely replaced with <b>five</b> (count 'em, <b>five</b>) flowers, a pair of twos, a pung of twos and 2020. This will dovetail nicely with some other hands, should those soaps prove elusive. Keep reading...<br />
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<b>2468 </b>- This category has been only modestly redesigned. The first hand differs from the 2019 hand only in that it requires four flowers and one 2, instead of three flowers and two 2s. Three hands were retained (the second, third and fifth ones on the 2019 card, although the pattern hand has changed from pung/kong/pung/kong to pung/pung/kong/kong, as it does from year to year). The gate, my favorite hand, with the pairs in the middle, has been stretched out to make a closed hand of two flowers, with three 2s and three 8s in one suit and three 4s and three 6s in a second suit. The category is serviceable, keeping in mind that 2s are at a premium. There is a three-suit hand with opposite dragons that has made a comeback from prior years.<br />
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<b>Any Like Numbers </b>- The first hand is retained. The closed dragon hand is no more. Instead there is a brand new hand which calls for a pair of flowers, two like numbers each with a matching pair of dragons; i.e. 1111 DD 1111 DD. (two suits), open hand. 2's and soaps, maybe? And the bottom hand is another <b>five </b>(count 'em, <b>five)</b> flower hand, followed by a pair, a pung and a kong of like numbers. Hmmm...so if I go dead on the five-flower 2020 hand....<br />
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<b>Quints - </b> Kiss the top quint in 2019 goodbye, and the bottom hand has been changed so instead of two like number quints with dragons in the middle, it's a quint of <b>five </b>(count 'em, <b>five</b>) flowers, any dragon, any number. So this takes the place of the "any" hand as well, with dragons replacing the winds and adding one more flower. The third hand in quints has been modified. Instead of a pair in the middle and a pair of dragons at the end, there are two pairs in the middle, making a consecutive run; quint/pair/pair/quint. But wait! There's also a quint hand with 1/3/5 and 5/7/9 - the pattern being quint/kong/quint. A like number (or is it a consecutive run) hand gives some spice in a pair/pair/quint/quint pattern, also a new hand never before seen. <span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="color: lime; font-weight: bold;">11 22</span> <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">33333</span> <span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">33333. </span>Think of the consecutive run hand 11 22 33 4444 4444, only with two pairs and two quints. Maybe it's easier, maybe it's not!<br />
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<b>Consecutive run </b>- 2019 had seven hands in this category; 2020 has eight. The top three classic hands are back, with some slight pattern variations. The three-pair hand has gone back to it's old configuration, 11 22 33 4444 5555. A familiar hand, and the much-beloved yet most maligned hand, FFF 1111 2222 DDD, has disappeared and will probably never be seen again. Ah, well. There is a dragon hand, and, surprise, it's also got two kongs and two pungs, 111/2222/333/DDDD, one suit, but no flowers. It remains to be seen whether it will be played as often. The four-flower hand in consecutive is eliminated to be replaced by a four flower hand in the same pattern as the first hand in 2468 - kong/single/pair/pung/kong. We get two closed hands in consecutive, maybe to make up for the lack of a concealed hand in like numbers? The first closed hand simply changes the pungs in the 2019 concealed hand from like numbers to opposite dragons. The second concealed hand is a 1-2-1-2-3 hand, in a pung/pung/pung/pung/pair pattern.<br />
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<b>13579 - </b>First hand the same, different pattern, now pair/pair/pung/pung/kong. Classic 1/3/3/5 and 5/7/7/9 are back in pung/pung/kong/kong. Sandwiches are back, both in odds (1/3/3/3/5 and 5/7/7/7/9) and winds (N/1/1/1/S and E/2/2/2/W). A dragon hand complementary to the one in consecutive run rounds out the open hands in odds (111/3333/555/DDDD and 555/7777/999/DDDD). Will certainly be "odd" to see a kong of sevens and a pung of nines in one suit! And, it looks like there are no pungs of dragons on this card that can be exposed! The closed hand from 2019 is gone, replaced by a harder-looking one; two flowers, 1/33/555 and then 5/77/999, two suits. Better start practicing now - it's 35 cents.<br />
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<b>Winds-Dragons</b> - The block hand on top now has a kong/pung/pung/kong pattern. This goes nicely with the sandwich hands, which also have kongs of Winds, no flowers, and a hand with two flowers, kongs of winds and 2020 in the middle. And, lest you worry there's a teltale pung, there's NN EEE DDDD WWW SS. This will be helpful if you go dead on the closed hand in 2020. But where are the dragons in winds and dragons you say? Well, the all-dragon hand is gone, replaced by a hand with a pair of flowers, two kongs of dragons and -- wait for it -- <b>NEWS</b> -- in the middle. Yes! It looks suspiciously like a hand in 2020, but remember the 2020 hand must be done in reds and greens only. Sneaky! Closed hand lovers, rejoice - the closed hand in winds makes an unprecedented third appearance in a row.<br />
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<b>369 - </b>This category retains three out of six hands; the 369 block, the pattern hand<b> </b>which switches to pung/pung/kong/kong and the "step" hand, which also switches pattern to pair/pung/pair/pung/kong. The closed matching dragon hand now complements the dragon pattern seen in consecutives and odds, and there is a familiar three-pair hand with like kongs, 3's, 6's or 9's. The only thing that's new-ish to the experienced player is the closed hand, 369 in the same pattern as the 135/579 closed hand, also 35 cents.<br />
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<b>Singles and pairs: </b>I'll get right to the point - after much speculation the "big" hand is FF 2020 NEWS 2020, now worth 85 cents. Four soaps make this hand extra challenging. The first three hands are familiar: Wind pairs with any three consecutive numbers; the run hand is two flowers, run of five numbers, two dragons, and - back by popular demand, I suppose - FF 11 22 11 22 11 22. Making its debut is a very cool-looking even pairs hand: <b>FF </b><span style="color: lime; font-weight: bold;">2468DD </span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">2468DD, </span>any two suits. The 369 hand is a cha-cha: 336/33669/336699, followed by an odds hand; 11 357 99 11 357 99 in two suits.<br />
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So there you have it - the new card - while you wait for the new card.<br />
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On a personal note, writing this blog, much like the game of mahjongg, has been a means of transcending the unsettled atmosphere outside my home. I live in Queens, which has been very hard hit, and we are all sitting tight, Zooming together and playing online. The League office is closed, so if you haven't received your card or aren't sure if you ordered it, or want to complain about a hand, there will be no one there to take your call. We are sheltering in place, with our family and friends, trying to stay connected in a world that doesn't make sense right now. I hope you are all safe and remain that way so that we can get back to bickering over who gets the tile when someone has exposed. (Hint: The answer is now on the back of the card)<br />
<b><br /></b>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-23278228326226805812020-03-23T16:28:00.000-04:002020-03-23T16:28:57.560-04:00Countdown to the Card!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEvOiJI9sAeHCWE6JX5jcgliyF0H3EIR_6Q3Q6Rbv7lr3E-dBSKln7wrICb9IWJL4mYLjcGr052IoHJNC5jtVXyRyDGLDdIVQUntLT_m23dBJ3rZehaLvgkfSxBUqFAzOiYGo74oJhec/s1600/Countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="875" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEvOiJI9sAeHCWE6JX5jcgliyF0H3EIR_6Q3Q6Rbv7lr3E-dBSKln7wrICb9IWJL4mYLjcGr052IoHJNC5jtVXyRyDGLDdIVQUntLT_m23dBJ3rZehaLvgkfSxBUqFAzOiYGo74oJhec/s320/Countdown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The countdown has begun and very soon the new card will be in the mail and headed to the hundreds of thousands of players who placed their order. If you have not already heard, the National Mah Jongg League has closed their offices as a result of the public health crisis that our country is facing. The League office, which is located in New York City, is considered nonessential (!) and will not re-open until at least April 1. However, the League has advised that cards will be mailed to all those who placed orders as of March 16.<br />
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What does this mean for the members of the League? It means we will be getting the new card on schedule - the first mailing will go out in the coming week, if it has not already, and the second mailing will go out a short time later.<br />
Through all of the uncertainty, there is still excitement and anticipation as we await the new card! As long as our heroic Postal employees are delivering the mail, we can still participate in our time-honored tradition of watching and waiting, albeit from six feet away. Enter the digital age.<br />
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It falls on us to find ways to enjoy the game we love, while staying safe and protecting our neighbors. This means getting creative and using the resources that we may have shied away from not so long ago. Let's get digital! I, for one, am using <a href="https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action">Informed Delivery</a> which shows me what is coming to my mailbox. (No card today, darnit)! And, since I am in NYC, alone in my house with my new co-workers (Nico the dog and Nelson the refugee cat who belongs to my <a href="https://archives.cjr.org/language_corner/language_corner_november_decem.php">machatunim </a>in the hospital) I am scouring the 'net for ways not just to play, but to play with friends.<br />
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So here's what I found:<br />
There are some sites where you can play online, and they are doing a stellar job. Just yesterday, one of the sites had over <b>1500 games </b>going - that's 6,000 people. Here's a list of digital resources posted by <b>Lynn Kaplan, </b>a mahjongg teacher who runs a lovely social game at the Manchester Community Library: <a href="http://mclvt.org/digital-resources-mah-jongg/">http://mclvt.org/digital-resources-mah-jongg/</a><br />
Don't forget to add the National Mahjongg League's online game as well which you can download at <a href="https://www.nmjl.org/game/home.html">https://www.nmjl.org/game/home.html</a>.<br />
<b>IMPORTANT TIP: </b>If you want to play the NMJL online game, you will need your <b>MEMBER ID NUMBER. </b>Because the League office will be closed, you will not be able to call the League to find out what it is - so <b>KEEP THE ENVELOPE YOUR CARD CAME IN. YOUR MEMBER NUMBER WILL BE ON THE ADDRESS LABEL.</b> Do not fear - the online sites will make a <i style="font-weight: bold;">very </i>quick switch to the new hands, BUT, you can still play the 2019 card until you get the new one.<br />
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For those of you who aren't lucky enough to have a husband, kids or willing roommate(s) to play with at home, here's what we've been doing. <br />
<b>Find three other players and a mutual time to play.</b><br />
<b>Register to play on the same site</b> <b>- </b>Make sure you each have an account with the same digital mahjongg site.<br />
<b>Put your phone or tablet next to your laptop -</b> It works best if you have a phone <i>and</i> a computer, so you can chat on the phone and play on the computer, but if that is not possible you can play and talk on the same device, but you won't be able to look at the video and the game screen at the same time.<br />
S<b>et up a live chat </b>- this can be audio only, or audio and video. Everyone must have the same chat program running on their phone. Some popular programs are: FaceTime (Apple products only), Facebook Messenger (requires Facebook account), Google Duo (requires account). Please leave a comment if you know of any others. (Hint: Ask your grandkids) All four can chat together.<br />
<b>Log in to the agreed-upon game site:</b> Decide who will set up the table (East) and then the others join. Turn off the sound and call the tiles yourselves! <br />
<b>Kvetch about your hand </b>- This part is optional! Poof - you are now a "gamer."<br />
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This is almost as much fun as being there, and it has the added bonus of meeting and playing with friends in different parts of the country. The only downside is that only four can play. Someone will need to find a way to set up a virtual tournament!<br />
Any takers???????<br />
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How are you playing?<br />
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Linda<br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-70938700356742142642020-02-19T17:13:00.000-05:002020-02-19T17:13:13.011-05:00Keeping Track of the Charleston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hmm...is it right/across/left or left/across/right?</div>
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Today I received a message asking: </div>
<i><b><span style="color: red;">"What is a good way to keep track of the Charleston?<br />It seems it's easy to forget which direction is next when passing. Any suggestions?"</span></b></i><br />
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The message was left on a post from 2011, but I thought this was a timely issue that could use a post of its own. After all, *everybody* messes up the Charleston at some point, even the most experienced players. It's a rare game that doesn't include at least one of the following comments:</div>
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<li>Is this the first or the second?</li>
<li>Did I give you a second?</li>
<li>Can I steal on this one?</li>
<li>Why don't I have enough tiles?</li>
<li>I have to give three?</li>
<li>Is this the must across?</li>
<li>I'm waiting for my last right....etc., etc., etc.</li>
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So here are some suggestions for how to keep track, short of using an iPhone app.</div>
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1. <b>Keep quiet!</b> In my experience, the main reason why the Charleston goes south is due to distraction. It's hard to keep track of tiles if you are busy discussing your grandson's bar mitzvah or last night's episode of "This is Us."</div>
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2. <b>Speak the passes as you do them.</b> It helps to quietly state each pass by name as you place the tiles face down: "Right, across, first left. Second left, must across, last right." Indicate in advance if you are thinking of stopping. Before the first left you can say, "Wait on the second" or "Hold on, I may want to stop." After you receive your first left, if you want to stop, this is the time to announce you do not want to do the second Charleston. Players must then proceed to the Optional pass. Even if no one says to slow down, it is helpful to pause a moment after the first left to make sure everyone wants to do the second Charleston. Stacking the tiles in a pyramid signifies the second left.<br />
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3. <b>Keep tiles away from the center of the table</b>. It's easy for someone to mistake a pass that is meant for someone else. Place your rights and lefts on the corner of the table and your acrosses directly in front of the intended player in a vertical line. Keep any leftover tiles from the wall away from the center, so they are not unintentionally passed.</div>
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4. <b>Neither a "rusher" nor a "lagger" be. </b>Some hands are "no-brainers" and you know what to pass right away. Some hands are "what the xx#$@???" and require more contemplation. Don't be the player who passes right then across then drums her fingers on the table while audibly sighing. Be aware others may need more time to decide, just as you may in the next game. It's helpful to wait until everyone has received a pass before the next pass is made. Passing across while a second left has not been taken can lead to mistakes. Pay attention to what others are doing and pace yourself. On the other hand, if you are the one holding things up, be aware of the traffic jams you are causing and make a decision. Remember, "it only hurts for a minute". If you wait too long, you may forget which pass you were up to.<br />
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All the above are suggestions and ways to keep track, but it should go without saying that you must <b>follow the rules. </b>Passes must be done correctly, i.e., three tiles passed face down. Do not pick up your tiles until you have passed. If you want to steal, <b>don't look</b>. <br />
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If you understand the rhythm of the Charleston, you should be able to proceed without interruption. Practice it until it is second nature and <b>pay attention.</b> It is not easy to keep track of the tiles in your hand, the tiles you are passed, the tiles you are giving away and the different directions to pass in. But understand that if the Charleston gets messed up and one player has either too many or too few tiles, <b>the hand is thrown in and started over.</b> That's right - no one can be declared "dead" in the Charleston because the game has not started yet. So that should be your incentive to keep track, especially if you have started the game with several jokers!<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-46111346469032665232020-02-05T18:05:00.000-05:002020-02-05T18:05:28.798-05:002020 NMJL Annual Meeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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National Mah Jongg League 2020 Annual Meeting</div>
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On February 3, 2020 at 9 a.m., Larry Unger, President of the National Mah Jongg League called the meeting to order. In attendance were Larry and David Unger, President and Vice President of the League, along with the recording secretary, treasurer, members of the Standardization Committee as well as individual members of the League. The meeting is held on the first Monday of February and members are welcome to attend.</div>
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The meeting was held in the League conference room, as the main part of the office was filled with helpers opening envelopes containing 2020 card orders. It was mentioned at the meeting that the League receives almost 10,000 mail orders <b>A DAY</b> during the card ordering season (now). President Larry Unger verified that the 2020 card has been printed, but, alas, no sneak peeks...</div>
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The NEWS from the League is good! Membership has increased, to approximately 338,000 members, with card sales of close to 500,000. During the Q and A session, we were told that the discrepancy is from members who buy multiple cards. Many members order two cards, one for their residence and one for their winter "home away from home." Some members buy for their group or students. Almost 25% of card sales are through Collectors - people who "collect" money for sales of over 35 cards. The collectors receive a portion of the funds back as a donation for their designated charity - and Larry remarked on the number of local community groups receiving donations. </div>
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Some other questions that came up: Why don't the cards come out January 1? Apparently, the schedule goes back to the founding days of the League in 1937. There is a cycle of activities which corresponds to the fiscal year. "Imagine trying to send out 350,000 cards during the (year-end) holidays," Larry asked. Or the collectors trying to collect in the summer? Or the Standardization committee trying to get together to play the new card while everyone is on vacation? The system works like a well-oiled machine. David talked about their visit to the mailing facility and what the League has to do to get the cards ready for mailing. The membership list is scrubbed for errors and sent to the mailing facility where they are arranged by zip code for distribution. The on-time arrival has vastly improved over the last several years, as those who order early will receive their card on or before April 1. Remember the cutoff date is February 21!</div>
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Another question - Some people have not received a bulletin. This may be because they are not in the League's 2019 member database, either because someone else bought their card for them or they did not purchase a card from the League, or they purchased a 2020 card. In addition, the bulletins are of the type of mail that is not forwarded, so if a member has a new address, it's important to let the League know. If anyone wishes, they may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the League and one will be mailed.</div>
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A spirited discussion was had about the making of the card - ten members of the committee play for two months getting the combination just right. The topic arose as to whether a computer could generate the hands, and the answer was a resounding no. While artificial intelligence may calculate combinations of pungs, kongs, pairs and singles, no computer can factor in the "wow" that comes from winning a hand. The consensus was that it's the human connection that makes it all work. The committee creates the card working from their knowledge and experience of the game in a way that delights beginners and seasoned players alike. <br />
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Another tidbit from the meeting - "Mahjongg Made Easy," the League's guide to playing, has been updated again. The updates are not rule changes, but clarifications of existing rules based on questions the League has received from members. The 2018 book was so popular it sold out! <br />
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It's always a pleasure to have the opportunity to schmooze with the folks that bring you such a great game and a pleasure as well to report on the meeting. It's reassuring to know that some traditions continue in our ever-changing world, and we have a new card and a new year of playing to look forward to.</div>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-9761157457176738662020-01-02T20:37:00.000-05:002020-01-02T20:37:59.878-05:002020 is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time again!</div>
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The 2019 newsletter has arrived from the National Mah Jongg League, signifying the opening of the card ordering season. To read about the proper way to order your card, click <a href="http://mahjblog.blogspot.com/search?q=order">HERE.</a> </div>
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The most important rule is to be sure you order from the League itself, either by ordering individually at <a href="http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/">www.nationalmahjonggleague.org</a> or by ordering it from a collector on behalf of a charitable organization. This assures that you will get your card on time and you will get a bulletin, and, most importantly, your $8 or $9 order will be part of the charitable contributions made by the League.</div>
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I was very impressed this year by the diversity of charities listed in the mailbag; charities large and small. From Habitats for Humanity to Curt's Cafe and Dress for Success, the League, through its members, helps so many. The full list of collectors takes almost four pages of small print, and add to that the hundreds of thousands of individual card purchasers. It's awe-inspiring that such largesse is derived from the game that keeps on giving. This is what sets the League apart from all other variations of mahjongg, and it's a formula that has worked spectacularly well for 83 years. It's easy to forget this when we play, but this is the heart and soul of the National Mah Jongg League, and we all make it happen.</div>
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The newsletter had a few updates worth noting. The "You Asked Us" section states that the Committee works from August to November to test the new card, meaning the 2020 card is complete and waiting in the wings. Once the card is complete, the collectors start taking orders, and on January 1 orders are open to the membership. <b>Reminder: </b>If you want to receive your card in the first mailing, your order must be in by <b>February 21.</b> Don't be late or you will regret it! </div>
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The Q and A selection reflects member concerns throughout the year. Many seasoned players find the Q and A can be repetitive, but for new players, the questions are pressing and urgent. If enough calls come in on a particular issue, it is addressed in the newsletter. This year's questions cover the issue of two players wanting the same tile - the League has clarified that if one player has properly called and exposed their tiles, the player next in turn is too late. Racing to put up one's exposure, however, is discouraged as being poor sportsmanship. But if two players want the same tile; one for exposure and one for Mah Jongg, the Mah Jongg declarer gets preference even if the other player has exposed.</div>
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A slight rule change is noted. If there is a dispute over whether a hand is dead or not, the play continues. Whichever player was incorrect at the time of the challenge pays the other player 50 cents (previously 25 cents).</div>
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One last note: If you want to order <b>2019</b> cards, please call the League as all website orders are for <b>2020. </b></div>
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All right, now go back to playing. You still have three months to mark off all the hands on the card!</div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-59127647188778481382019-05-14T14:35:00.000-04:002019-05-14T14:35:48.746-04:00Fair Exchange - Joker swapping II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Wait...am I supposed to <b>hand </b>her the joker?</i></div>
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Back in 2012 I wrote<a href="http://mahjblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/jokers-take-them-or-leave-them.html"> a post about joker swapping strategy;</a> i. e., determining when and if to make the exchange. This post focuses on the process by which a joker is taken, in other words, <b>how</b> to make the exchange. I've received many questions from players, beginner and experienced alike, who are unsure about the process. </div>
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The National Mah Jongg League states on the back of the card, "Jokers may be used to replace any tiles in any Pung, Kong, Quint or Sextet only. Jokers may be replaced in any exposure with like tile or tiles by any player, whether picked from wall or in player's hand, when it is player's turn. Let's look more closely at what that means:</div>
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The first rule is that it must be your turn in order to replace. This means that you must <b>wait (</b>which is sometimes hard to do) until you have either (a) picked a tile from the wall, or, (b) called a tile from the table <b>and made a complete exposure.</b> </div>
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(a) When a player picks from the wall, <b>there is no requirement to rack. </b>If the tile that was picked can be used to redeem a joker, you may make the exchange immediately. If the tile to be exchanged is in your rack with the rest of your hand, you must place the tile you picked in your rack, then take the tile to be exchanged out of your rack.<br />
(b) When a player calls a discarded tile, the call must be completed before an exchange is allowed. You cannot call a tile unless you have the requisite number needed to make a complete exposure. Once you have exposed the entire pung, kong or quint, then you may take the tile you wish to exchange out of your rack. The League has ruled this constitutes <b>two separate moves</b>. In other words, once the exposure is made and the tile to be exchanged has left the rack, the exposure cannot be altered.<br />
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While you are holding the tile to be exchanged, it is important to announce your intention to exchange. You may say "exchange," or "may I" or "replacing," or in some way (hopefully politely) state or indicate that you wish to use the tile you are holding to make a swap. After the intent has been declared, you may make the exchange.<br />
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It is recommended by the League that you not touch another player's rack, but rather hold the tile to be exchanged in your outstretched palm, and wait for the player to hand you the joker and take your tile. This is a recommendation, however, and <b>not a rule</b>. Once the intention has been announced, it is also allowable to place the tile to be exchanged on the table close to the rack that has the joker. The verbalization of the intent ensures that your tile will not be considered discarded. Simply placing your tile on the table and pushing it over to the rack may negate your claim as the rules state when a tile touches the table it is discarded. Be sure your intention is clear, and always be observant as to where and when jokers are available.<br />
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Disputes may arise over intention if someone has started to name a tile to discard and then realized they could use the tile to exchange. The rules state that a tile is discarded when it is <b>fully named</b>, so saying "four...I'll take your joker," is allowable, but "four bam...I'll take your joker" is not. Be mindful.<br />
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If you are replacing a joker on your own rack, you may do so silently, since there will be no issue of considering the tile discarded, and you don't have to put others on alert that you now have a joker.</div>
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You may also make multiple exchanges in the same turn. If you wish to exchange for more than one joker in single exposure, hold out the tiles you wish to exchange. If you wish to exchange for a joker in more than one exposure, exchange them one at a time. </div>
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You may make an exchange if your hand is concealed, as it does not require you to expose.</div>
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After the joker or jokers are placed in your rack, you must discard (or declare mahjongg) and your turn ends.</div>
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If an exchanged joker gives you mahjongg, you may declare mahjongg and it is treated as self-picked.</div>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-45950063356837687902019-04-21T20:47:00.001-04:002019-04-21T20:47:49.470-04:00Claiming a Discard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IF4u2ayZPbi6Yr_O5xgteTzv60TeRDxd0lVdeuAYRhcqWrcN7bZxhCTmljWL_U7nww5Fe7uct8r11lhkKK2V_V-fRJdstrpr1Yc1U-5GqFwJITDs-5YwdizYl-FO-XUCbZA2wn997zo/s1600/img20190421_20115865+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IF4u2ayZPbi6Yr_O5xgteTzv60TeRDxd0lVdeuAYRhcqWrcN7bZxhCTmljWL_U7nww5Fe7uct8r11lhkKK2V_V-fRJdstrpr1Yc1U-5GqFwJITDs-5YwdizYl-FO-XUCbZA2wn997zo/s320/img20190421_20115865+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple of years ago, I received an e-mail from a player who said her teacher had told her that if she picked up or merely touched a discarded tile she had called, she was obligated to take it. I did not believe that was correct and wrote the League for clarification. I received the letter above, which states: <i>You are committed to taking a discard when you have either exposed tiles from your hand or placed the called tile on top of your rack.</i><br />
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This got me thinking about the difference between a <i>call </i>and a <i>claim. </i>The call signifies your intention to claim the tile, and the League has clarified that you must verbalize your call. The tile is claimed when you have <i>either</i> exposed <i>or</i> placed the called tile atop your rack. The League states in "Mah Jongg Made Easy," - <i>the "call" or "take" has become the claimant's turn. (1984, 2018)</i><br />
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There's been some brouhaha going on about this being conducive to "aggressive" play. After all, if one is committed to taking the discard, it precludes the player next in turn from waking up and saying, "Oh, gee, I wanted that flower." The argument is that someone who is paying attention and ready to call will "slam" their tiles atop the rack in a display of sharklike rudeness. Poppycock. Why would this be more likely to happen than an alert player snatching the discard from the table and slamming it atop the rack? <br />
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Here is an analogy: In scenario A, a person orders printer ink from Amazon. She pays by credit card. It's delivered to her door the next day. In scenario B, she goes to Staples for her ink, which is kept behind the counter. She tells the cashier what she wants. The cashier hands her the ink and takes her money. In both scenarios, she owns the ink. <br />
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An exposure is the price you pay for a discard. Does it matter if you pay in advance (expose first and then take the discard) or take the discard first and then expose? I say no. In either case, the tile is claimed. The player next in turn is TOO LATE. (2013)<br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-66403571791820395722019-04-06T13:21:00.002-04:002019-04-06T13:21:10.877-04:00Where's My Card?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd5UIO6FNMOIftCqS8S29nMkfBfg6SzEO20WjYuCixSyK9SAD9Rnjljd45LfTDO9G5Qqnov9-xR-HnUiWuUaMHfwHV3JkXZ7l25p74J8unduEm_jscl4HWcc3YRH376AmGo9NeuXZQkI/s1600/Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="568" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd5UIO6FNMOIftCqS8S29nMkfBfg6SzEO20WjYuCixSyK9SAD9Rnjljd45LfTDO9G5Qqnov9-xR-HnUiWuUaMHfwHV3JkXZ7l25p74J8unduEm_jscl4HWcc3YRH376AmGo9NeuXZQkI/s320/Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are a mahjongg player, you know the 2019 card has been released by the National Mah Jongg League. The League sends over 300,000 cards to the membership beginning in the first week of March. A second shipment goes out the first week in April, and third shipment is released the second week in April. After all the members get their cards, a shipment is made to retailers; Amazon, Hallmark stores and the like. </div>
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As stated in a previous post - if you ordered your card in January or the first two weeks of February your card was mailed out the last week in March. If you ordered after that, your card will be mailed out in a later shipment. </div>
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This is the time of year the League is inundated with phone calls from members who have not yet received their card. The phone is ringing off the hook and even with extra help on the phones, it may take a while before you get through. Before you call, however, there are other ways to find out where your card is.</div>
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<li>If your payment was received by the League, you would have an e-mail confirmation with a ship date. Remember, the later you pay, the later it is shipped. The second shipment has just been released, which would include cards purchased from mid-February to mid-March. </li>
<li>If your payment was received by the League, you would have a canceled check or credit card receipt. If you do not have either, it is possible your payment was not received.</li>
<li>If you gave your payment to a person who sent in for a group, check with that person and see if everyone has received their cards. If you are the only one who hasn't, have the person call the League.</li>
<li>Have you had an address change since you purchased your card? Check to see if your mail has been forwarded.</li>
<li>Are you certain that you ordered from www.nationalmahjonggleague.org? Check your credit card receipt to see who the charge is from. The League does not charge tax or shipping for card orders. Remember, online retailers will not get their cards until the member orders are caught up. If you pre-ordered from an online store, they will send the cards to their customers after they receive them from the League. Retail stores will get them at the same time as the online sites.</li>
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Cards are sent by U.S. mail and delivery times can vary. A card can be delivered any time up to two weeks after shipment, even in places close to the League office. It is not unusual for one person to receive a card but not her neighbor. Before you call the League in a panic, make sure your order was received, and that you have given sufficient time to pass from your ship date. The League will take your call Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The office is closed from 12:30-1 pm for lunch.</div>
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Everyone is anxious for their card to come - and for good reason! Yours will be in hand before you know it!</div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-16506844639443122812019-03-27T21:44:00.000-04:002019-03-30T20:40:03.949-04:00The 2019 Card <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSm0x82jjErQFwf4xkf5WTc-r0csxObzU8AMPf1dLpmz4FHsCkKfrDaoqmQ0ZE0H39eOuSLoznvI0gU68CPKC24_7q0oUpYraKOHj9V8aMdaOiiquWdFv3jHA0ihNlhqHC1N8UAWkLH8/s1600/IMG-8265+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSm0x82jjErQFwf4xkf5WTc-r0csxObzU8AMPf1dLpmz4FHsCkKfrDaoqmQ0ZE0H39eOuSLoznvI0gU68CPKC24_7q0oUpYraKOHj9V8aMdaOiiquWdFv3jHA0ihNlhqHC1N8UAWkLH8/s320/IMG-8265+%25285%2529.JPG" width="186" /></a></div>
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Every player knows the anticipation of waiting for the new card. This year, I had mixed feelings. You see, I am still in love with the 2018 card and I know there will never be another one like it. It had a symmetry that other cards lacked, and I am so sad to see it expire. I could play that card forever - BUT - we can't stop time, can we? If only! </div>
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So the new card has arrived, and it's time for the yearly breakdown - what's new; what's old; what's missing; what's added? Take out your 2018 card and we'll see.. </div>
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The categories are the same, but it's obvious this card is distinctly different from last year's.</div>
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<b>2019</b></div>
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The "year" category has undergone a complete gut renovation. The only holdover is the closed hand, which will please all those <b>NEWS</b> fans out there. (It's the only <b>NEWS</b> hand on the card.) Forget everything you knew about 2018, and start from scratch with 2019.</div>
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The first hand is an unusual pattern: Four flowers, 2019, pung of 1's, pung of 9s, <b>3 suits. </b></div>
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Next hand has no flowers, pung of 2s, kong of 0, pung of 1 pung of 9. <b>1 or 2 suits.</b> We've seen this hand in 2017, but it was in one suit only. Remember, soaps are neutral when they are 0, so the 2's don't have to be dots.</div>
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Then we have an old favorite, Pair of flowers, kong of dragons, 2019, kong of dragons. (2 or 3 suits)</div>
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This hand takes the place of the dragons with <b>NEWS. </b>It's a little harder to make, though, because you need the 2019 in the second or third suit. And don't forget if you use soaps for dragons, you must reserve one for the 0. Tricky, tricky!</div>
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<b>2468</b></div>
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Well, thank goodness the first hand remains the same. We all got used to that nice pung of flowers. A closer inspection of the rest of the card shows that there are three hands with pungs of flowers, and <b>no six flower hands.</b> </div>
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The second and third hands on the 2018 card are <b>gone.</b></div>
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The third and fourth hands on the 2018 card are still there, but the pattern hand has changed. 2018 had pung/pung/kong/kong and 2019 has pung/kong/pung/kong. </div>
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My old favorite hand has returned - the "gate" - pair of flowers, kong of 2s and 8s with pairs of 4s and 6s in the middle; any two suits. Gives you a place to go when your 2s and 4s are different suits.</div>
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Dragon lovers will like the one-suit hand - 22 444 DDDD 666 88. </div>
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Pung lovers will like the closed hand - 222 44 666 with two pungs of 8s (3 suits). This is also an unusual pattern - and is repeated in the closed hand of consecutive run.</div>
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<b>Any like numbers</b></div>
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The first hand has switched out the kong of dragons for a kong of a like number - so now you need <b>three kongs of the same number in three suits. </b><b> </b>(That sounds hard!) </div>
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The six flower hand is <b>gone</b>, but the closed hand with dragons remains. Only two hands in like numbers now, but like numbers pop up in other places, so don't despair.</div>
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<b>Addition hands</b></div>
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Something new - the common kong is 5's - 5+6=11, 5+7=12, 5+8=13. One or three suits, as usual. Well, at least one of those hands is familiar (5+7) but, unlike 2018, there are only two hands that could have a kong of 5 and a kong of 7. (Cue song: Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide...)</div>
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<b>Quints</b></div>
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All the quints have changed. Some seem easier, some not so much. The new "any" hand is now any wind, any number, kong of flowers. There are two consecutive run quints. One is a riff on an old hand that was two twos, three threes, four fours, five fives - only now its any four consecutive numbers in any one suit with the quint being the last number. The easy part about this quint is you only need one joker - hence the lower value of 40. </div>
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A little more difficult is the one-suited kong/pair/kong/pair pattern, with the kong/pair/kong being three consecutive numbers and the last pair a matching dragon. </div>
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And like numbers show up in quints in an interesting fashion - two quints of like numbers with opposite dragon. Three suits of course. It's sort of like the 2018 like numbers/dragon hand on steroids...</div>
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<b>Consecutive run</b></div>
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Ah, our old standbys. When I teach mahjongg, I turn first to consecutive run. Tried and true, classic hands. No disappointments here. The first two hands remain, with changed patterns. 1-5 and 5-9 are now pair/pung/kong/pung/pair and the pattern hand is now pung/kong/pung/kong.</div>
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The pair of flowers and three consecutive kongs remain - one or three suits. That's a relief.</div>
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The three-pair hand has changed slightly to three pairs of consecutives and then kongs of like numbers; i.e., 11 22 33 4444 4444 (three suits). There go like numbers again!</div>
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Brace yourselves, however. The "knitted" hand of pungs and dragons matching is <b>gone.</b> Believe me, I feel your pain.... In fact, all the knitted hands are gone, with the exception of 3333/666/9999/DDD.</div>
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But now for the new stuff:</div>
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The old snoozy standby FF 1111 2222 DDDD did not predictably change to FFFF 1111 2222 DD.. It's now a pung of flowers, two kongs of consecutives and a pung of dragons. One suit only, and although it's not expressly stated, experienced players know this hand can be any two consecutive numbers.</div>
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The closed hand in 2018 consecutive has been tricked out and is now open. But instead of two flowers and four pungs, it's now four flowers, pair/pung/pair/pung. And it's not the only hand with four flowers and two like pungs - there's another one in 3/6/9.</div>
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And the final hand: If you remember the pattern in 222 44 666 888 888, this hand, also closed, is the same pattern - The pung/pair/pung are any three consecutive numbers and the two like pungs at the end must match the pair. This is sort of like the quint hand (1123 11111 11111) but the pair in this hand <b>must</b> be in the middle; i.e., 111 22 333 222 222.</div>
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<b>13579</b></div>
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Oh, gosh, there's more? Okay. The classics are still there, with the same pattern changes as in consecutive run - pair/pung/kong/pung/pair and the pattern hand is pung/kong/pung/kong. <b> Note: </b>The 13579 hand is now in one or <b>three suits.</b></div>
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The third hand has changed from two flowers and three kongs to four flowers and a pair in the middle. Four flower hands have made a comeback with a vengeance!</div>
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The knitted hands are <b>gone</b>, as previously noted, as are the six flower hands, as is the hand with three pairs and two kongs. Taking their place are the following:</div>
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A three-suited hand similar in pattern to the 2018 22/44/666/888/DDDD hand only with odd numbers instead of evens; i.e., 11/33/333/555/DDDD and one for 579 as well.</div>
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A three-paired, three-suited hand with like kongs of odds - 11 33 55 1111 1111. This pattern appeared on the 2018 card in 33 66 99 3333 3333. It now makes its debut in odds.</div>
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The closed hand is pungs and singles. On the 2018 card it's the closed hand in 369, but on the new card it's a little more difficult as it's 111 3 555 in one suit and 555 7 999 in another suit. Oh, I will miss the old closed hand in 2018. I will have to learn to love this hand. Check back next March.</div>
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<b>WINDS/DRAGONS</b></div>
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I will say there has been an improvement in Wind and Dragon hands. The League giveth and the League taketh away. They have taketh away the first two hands on the 2018 card and there are no four flower hands with winds. The pattern hand with four N/E/W and two S remains. The "sandwich" hand (two kongs of winds with pairs in the middle) are now pairs of dragons instead of pairs of numbers. The closed hand is the same (yay!) And dragon fans, rejoice, there is a hand with three dragons, but the pattern is: pung of flowers/kong/pung/kong of dragons. Cool!</div>
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Two interesting debut hands: NNNN E W SSSS 2019. Fun!</div>
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And more like numbers - interesting because it's three pairs and two kongs. It's a pair of flowers, pair of NN followed by two kongs of like odd numbers bookended with a pair of SS. (Same of course for EE/WW/evens) Save those winds, just in case! And even though it's 3 pairs, it's only a 25 value...</div>
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<b>369</b></div>
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This category is always being short changed, but there's been some switches made that may perk it up a bit. Sorry to disappoint but the first hand is <b>gone</b>, replaced by a pair/pair/pung/pung/kong hand in three suits. 33 66 333 666 9999. Same pattern as the dragon hand in 579. The pattern hand is now pung/kong/pung/kong and the block hand is the same; pair of flowers, kong of 3/6/9 in one or 3 suits. The knitted hand is the same as well, which is a good thing, although if you put out three sixes and three dragons, there's only one hand you could be playing. More obvious hands on this card, I would say! An old favorite is back, 33 666 FFFF 666 99 (2 suits), and two pungs of sixes could mean this hand or the hand in consecutive run with two like pungs. So maybe not so obvious after all.</div>
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The closed hand is a pair of flowers followed by three pungs in 3/6/9 and a pair of dragons, so a familiar pattern from 2018, although on 2018 it was in odds.</div>
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<b>Singles and Pairs</b></div>
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Lastly, we come to singles and pairs. All the hands have been tweaked, with the exeption of the 369 pairs hand. The wind pairs hand now takes three like numbers, the even pairs hand has gone back to the 22 4 6 88 pattern in two suits. The odds pairs hand is odd! It steps up like the 998 hand stepped down, so think 113/11335/113355, same for 579. The consecutive run hand is any run of 7 numbers in one suit, which we have seen before. </div>
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Nice dragon/number pairs hand! FF 11 22 DD 11 22 DD. Pretty - but certainly not easy.</div>
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And, old friend, <b>BIG HAND</b> is back! Yes. pair of flowers, 2019 in three suits - 75 cent hand! Play it while you can, since it can't be back in 2020!</div>
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So these are my observations - if you have your own, or catch any corrections that need to be made, please feel free to comment! I think we have all been spoiled with the 2018 card and are in for a bit of a shock here, but change is good for the brain, so let the whining begin!</div>
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-51736523173838706722019-02-07T15:48:00.004-05:002019-02-07T15:48:58.389-05:00What's the Score?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I did something a while ago that I wouldn't normally do, but a friend persuaded me and I acquiesced and attended my first 14-tile tournament. Now, I won't go into detail about League rules and which is faster, which is better - hey, to each his own. I won't even complain about going dead, which I did, as expected, but only once. But what I <i>will </i>complain about is my score. It was -690. Yes, you heard that right, <b><i>minus </i>690.</b><br />
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Now, in all the tournaments I have attended, while there is some slight variation in scoring, for the most part if you win a hand, you get the value of the hand. You will get more if you pick it yourself, and double for no jokers. If you give someone mahj, you get a minus - some will give you minus 10 for giving mahj even if the winner had no exposures, some give you minus 10 if the winner had one exposure and you lose more points if the player had two or three exposures. So how could I get such a dismal score if <b>I never gave anyone mahj?</b><b> 😕😕</b><br />
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I can't say I wasn't warned, because the director sent an email outlining all the rules and the scoring system. And from what I understand, this scoring system is starting to take hold in three states that I know of. It goes like this: When you win a hand, you get the value of the hand. Everyone else gets minus the value of the hand, and if someone gave you mahjongg, they get minus two times the value of the hand. Sound familiar? Well, it's like money. If I give you mahjongg on a 25 cent hand, I pay you 50 cents, the other two players pay you 25. If you pick it yourself, everyone gives you 50 cents. So if you play one round (four games) and you don't make a mahjongg, you could be down 200 points in the first hour. If you think of it as a purse, you have lost $2.00, but if you think of it as a tournament score, you are <b>minus 200.</b><br />
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I don't like it. A player told me at a recent tournament that out of three winners, one had a negative score. <b>WTF, </b>as the kids like to say. I wondered what my <b>real</b> score would have been at this tournament, but I was too depressed to figure it out. I did make mahjongg a couple of times, and there were wall games, so from my point of view I did have some points, but, they were of no consequence, and I left feeling ashamed of myself.<br />
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So I am appealing to tournament directors who might be considering implementing this system. Please, please stick to the customary tournament scoring - I may not be in the running, but at least I will have retained my dignity.<br />
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Thanks for listening.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-7717988737281722012018-12-13T14:48:00.000-05:002018-12-13T14:48:33.838-05:00How to Buy a Mahjongg Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_LAaTWpfqrX6ZJvXpjShvainYPSsbnfAsPP7M3Upy8zRzOZEpHPZ4Zz-e-fxJhlzMViWXlAxH6v2_UK1znrNyKRy-0ZY8CFQuCm8JwtZFCZ214GEavEodR4OU2kC1AzYpBchHBQ2wUg/s1600/Order+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_LAaTWpfqrX6ZJvXpjShvainYPSsbnfAsPP7M3Upy8zRzOZEpHPZ4Zz-e-fxJhlzMViWXlAxH6v2_UK1znrNyKRy-0ZY8CFQuCm8JwtZFCZ214GEavEodR4OU2kC1AzYpBchHBQ2wUg/s320/Order+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The National Mah Jongg League website will begin taking orders for the NEW card on 1/1/19</i></b></div>
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'Tis the season...for thinking about the new card! The question of how to get one is starting to surface, so I thought I would post a guide to buying the new card. Please read this post and follow these guidelines to be sure you get your card as soon as it becomes available at the end of March.</div>
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You can ORDER your card in one of the following ways (but you will have to wait until the end of March to receive it):</div>
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1. <b>Collectors </b>- A "collector" is a person who registers with the League and is able to take orders for cards beginning in November. A collector works on behalf of a charitable organization - when all the orders are collected, payment is submitted to the League, and the organization receives a percentage back as a charitable donation. Collectors must submit their orders by the end of January. The collection season has started already and you may order your card from a collector now.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">If you buy your card from a collector: </i>Make certain the collector has the name and address of the place you want your card sent to! Give your <b>complete</b> address, including apartment number! When you buy your card from a collector, she will submit your information to the League and your card will be sent to you at the end of March.</div>
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2. <b>By mail from the bulletin: </b>If you ordered your card from the League last year, you will receive the Bulletin before the end of the year. When you receive the bulletin, you can remove the address label and attach it to the Application for Membership included in the bulletin. Write in your e-mail address. Fill out the Order Form indicating how many cards you want, add up the amount and write a check payable to The National Mah Jongg League Inc. There is no sales tax on mahjongg cards. When your check is processed, you will get an e-mail indicating the date your card will be mailed. <b>The date your order is processed determines when you card is sent! If you want your card mailed in the first mailing cycle, have it in by early February.</b></div>
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<b>**NOTE TO SNOWBIRDS</b>: Think about where you will be when the cards get sent and provide the appropriate address. Or better yet, order two cards; one for NY and one for FL!</div>
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3. <b>By mail without the bulletin: </b>Beginning at the end of December, you may mail in your order. You may go to the NMJL website (<a href="http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/">www.nationalmahjonggleague.org</a>) and click on "Order by Mail" where you can print out the order form, fill it in and send your check. Make certain that you have the complete address that you want your card sent to. You may add your e-mail to the form and you will receive confirmation when your check is processed. Again, if you want to be in the first mailing, mail your order in by the first week in February. If you don't have a printer, write the League a nice note containing how many cards you want, what size card you want, your complete name and address, and email address. Send it to: National Mah Jongg League, 450 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10123.</div>
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4. <b>Online at the NMJL website: The website will not accept orders for the 2019 card until January 1</b>. If you submit an order before then, you will receive a 2018 card, so please wait until January 1 to order online! If you want to order <b>2018</b> cards after January 1, call the League before you order online to make certain your order will be received correctly. <b>MAKE CERTAIN YOU ARE ON <a href="http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/">WWW.NATIONALMAHJONGGLEAGUE.ORG </a>IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR CARD AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME. </b>Click on the button to order and follow the prompts. You may also click on "The Store" and follow the prompts. If you previously bought your card from the League, you are a Member. If you never bought a card directly from the League, you are not a member. If you are not sure, click on "I am a Member" and see if it recognizes your name, zip code and house number. If not, then go back and enter as a new Member. You will be asked for your e-mail address and when your order is processed you will get an e-mail confirmation.</div>
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5. <b>Online at a retailer: </b>Many online retailers (such as Amazon and mahjongg specific sites) will be accepting "pre-orders" for National Mah Jongg League cards. Be aware that these retailers buy their cards from the League and then send it to you, so your card will be delayed, as the League's first mailing goes to members who ordered before the early February date. The second mailing is to members who ordered in the mid-February to mid-March time frame and the last mailing goes to the retailers. If you order your card from a retailer, the League will not be able to track your order, as it is out of their hands. Please be careful when you order online as a search of "Buy mahjongg card" will sometimes redirect you to a site other than <a href="http://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org%20%20/"><b>www.nationalmahjonggleague.org</b> </a>so <b>buyer beware! Remember: The League does not charge sales tax for cards!!!</b></div>
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6. <b>In person at the League - </b>You may come to the League in person to buy the 2019 card. However, not until all the cards have been mailed (late April), so you will be out of luck if you think you can jump the line! </div>
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So there you have it - all the ways to order the new card. Make sure you do it right!</div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-62727006027808836362018-07-06T16:48:00.000-04:002018-07-06T16:48:46.175-04:00Trending: Social Mahjongg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ImlwKuKw0upAU682zbXOsG201tKVtpUDJkEmLRm552MfgDiM2mYxS3anidAS3A7m8o5Ippjc8je3PCOUGVCJpa6KvyE9qUD5dPGxWohN5hyphenhyphenYb4n7xLLfSUitKUtFZ9dFks_mwIJJ8u0/s1600/IMG_7510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ImlwKuKw0upAU682zbXOsG201tKVtpUDJkEmLRm552MfgDiM2mYxS3anidAS3A7m8o5Ippjc8je3PCOUGVCJpa6KvyE9qUD5dPGxWohN5hyphenhyphenYb4n7xLLfSUitKUtFZ9dFks_mwIJJ8u0/s320/IMG_7510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The fifth annual 4th of July Mahjongg Social at Bryant Park, NYC</div>
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Back in the late 1950s and '60s mahjongg was a weekly affair, held at the same time with the same players and the same pie. Players took turns being hostess, which meant putting out the set, snacks and ashtrays. Players played by League rules prevalent at the time, and it was not uncommon to see games that lasted 30 or 40 years. (Some people are still playing by those rules...)<br />
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By the mid '80s, tournament play caught on, and lately the field has mushroomed. From small fundraisers to transatlantic cruises, single-day, multi-day or mini-day tournaments have come to towns and cities all over the country. Using National Mah Jongg League rules as a base, tournaments have developed their own structure and style, adding rules which enhance the competitive spirit at work in this milieu. <br />
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Enter social mahjongg, a relatively new phenomenon fueled by waves of retirees looking for a way to meet people, have fun and exercise some brain power in the process. With very little effort you will find social mahjongg in community centers, libraries, parks, senior centers and clubhouses; organized through Meetup or municipal recreational facilities or just wonderful folks who want to share their love of the game. Social mahjongg has become my game of choice.<br />
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Social mahjongg is open to all; beginners and seasoned alike. As the organizer of Bryant Park Mahjongg, I've developed some do's and don'ts of social mahjongg:<br />
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<b>DO - </b>Expect to play National Mah Jongg League rules - period, full stop. Table rules may fly in home games, but the social aspect makes it likely that not all players at a table will agree to ____ (fill in the blank here; mush, hot wall, cold wall, put your tile on the rack, in the rack, etc., etc., etc.)<br />
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<b>DO </b> - Abide by the rules of the venue. If the library doesn't allow playing for money, <b>DON'T</b> pass your quarters under the table. You may, however, keep score on paper and settle up later, or use chips like they did in the '50s and '60s (see above)<br />
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<b>DO - </b>Appreciate your facilitator! Usually they are volunteers and some things are out of their control. If the equipment is limited to X number of sets, <b>DON'T</b> whinge about having to rotate in. Or better yet, bring a set!<br />
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<b>DO </b>- Tell your friends to come, but <b>DON'T</b> act like it's your weekly game and exclude people because you're "saving a seat" for someone who may or may not arrive. The whole point of social mahjongg is to be ....(get ready for it).... <b><span style="color: red;">SOCIAL</span>!!</b><br />
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<b>DO - </b>Be kind to beginners. You were there once yourself. If someone is playing too slow for your taste, change tables! <br />
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<b>DO - </b>Mix and mingle. Meet and play with new people - even men! Even young people! Even Chinese people who know how to play Chinese mahjongg and are very interested in learning American style! Let people sit next to you and watch and learn. <b>DON'T </b>just play with people from your building, club or zip code. <br />
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And, most of all, <b>DO </b>have fun! As I've heard many, many, many a time - It's a GAME!!!!<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-2733388096717560382018-03-29T11:14:00.000-04:002018-04-04T22:03:49.962-04:00The NEWS is out! (SPOILER ALERT: New Card described in detail)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38dZve3VPByp2RRF30rLdWhvpaFORAIGqFj1k-iNCRdPQhyphenhyphenwBLwPT_VS-nDI9QbSOpT957cD9J3Rzd2DMOZqvupqvGhw7Oe4jSSKFqMI4hA0-NUr-l-nm1U-s9e2-NyNxltnw0jNOB_w/s1600/newsletter-clipart-287x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38dZve3VPByp2RRF30rLdWhvpaFORAIGqFj1k-iNCRdPQhyphenhyphenwBLwPT_VS-nDI9QbSOpT957cD9J3Rzd2DMOZqvupqvGhw7Oe4jSSKFqMI4hA0-NUr-l-nm1U-s9e2-NyNxltnw0jNOB_w/s1600/newsletter-clipart-287x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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The new card is here and it does not disappoint!</div>
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There are some subtle changes and some major ones.</div>
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Something for everyone!</div>
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Here is a category-by-category description of the changes, so if you haven't gotten your card yet (they will arrive shortly) and you are clamoring for a taste, read along!</div>
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(Images of the new card are a no-no, so this is the next best thing.)</div>
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<b>2018</b></div>
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There are still four hands in this category.</div>
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The first hand is now in <b>ANY </b>three suits, as opposed to two.</div>
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The second hand has been moved to the Winds, so instead of kongs of dragons with the year in the middle, it's now kongs of dragons with <b>NEWS</b> in the middle. </div>
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The third hand has been changed so that the kongs can now be <b>1</b>'s, <b>2</b>'s or <b>8</b>'s. Lots of room for switching, especially since the like numbers hands can also contain kongs of these or any other numbers!</div>
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To make up for the moved dragon hand, a four flower hand has been added; kongs of flowers, two's, zero's with a single 1 and a single 8. <b>ANY </b>one suit, as the zero's are not dragons. (Experienced players will know this, but many new players will not, even though it is still printed on top of the category in red).</div>
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The concealed hand is also a <b>NEWS</b> hand! pair of 2's, pung of 0's, <b>NEWS </b>pung of 1's, pair of 8's. Very elegant!</div>
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<b>2468</b></div>
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There are still six hands in this category.</div>
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A single, interesting change to the first hand. Instead of four flowers and one 2, it's now three flowers and a pair of 2's. Three flowers is something new! Now when a player exposes three flowers you cannot assume they need three more. Very intriguing! To add to this intrigue, <i>another</i> three flower hand shows up in the 369 category and also contains a pung of 6's. Hmmm......</div>
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The second hand has been moved down the category and the pattern has changed. Instead of pung/kong/pung/kong it's now pung/pung/kong/kong. This changed pattern follows through in consecutive run, odds and 369. </div>
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The third, fourth and fifth hands remain the same, though they have moved one slot down in the category to make room for the "dangling eights" hand - kong of 2's, pair of 4's, kong of 6's in one suit and two pairs of opposite eights. A 30 cent open hand within 2468, which is a change.</div>
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The concealed hand, again at the bottom, is another old favorite and a slight variation - the pair of flowers at the beginning have been switched to a pair of dragons at the end; four pungs and a pair, all one suit.</div>
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So no four-flower hand in 2468, which is a departure from prior years.</div>
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<b>ANY LIKE NUMBERS</b></div>
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Yes, the word "ANY" now appears in the category, since it caused a lot of consternation among new players as to whether they had to play the hand with all 1's. Seasoned players knew it was any like number, but now there's no doubt. And the two hands remain, but a third, closed hand has been added - like numbers with dragons, a welcome addition. pair of number, pair of matching dragons; pung of number, pung of matching dragon; kong of number. Simple! Just remember - <b>it's CLOSED.</b></div>
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<b>ADDITION HANDS</b></div>
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"Lucky 13" has been replaced by hands with numbers that add up to 12. The pattern is the same; four flowers, kong, kong and single one, single two, in one suit or three. What's interesting is the numbers are 3+9, 4+8 and 5+7. so three categories are represented in this category as well.</div>
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<b>QUINTS</b></div>
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Four hands in the quint section.</div>
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First hand hasn't changed; <b>ANY </b>wind, <b>ANY </b>quint, <b>ANY </b>dragon. (I call this hand the "any" hand).</div>
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A new quint hand has been added - pair of flowers, quint of <b>3</b>'s, pair of <b>6</b>'s, quint of <b>9</b>'s. Now, there is an open hand in 369 with three kongs, but if you should happen to have two jokers and two 6's, voila, you have a quint!</div>
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The like number hand in quints is now the old favorite - 1123 with kongs the same as any pair. </div>
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The consecutive run hand in quints is now any one suit, four consecutive numbers: quint, pair, pair, quint, so it can be 11111 22 33 44444 or 22222 33 44 55555 or 33333 44 55 66666 or... well, you get the idea. This is great for tiles that don't normally go together; especially 1 and 4, 2 and 5, 4 and 7, 5 and 8. Don't forget the pairs, though!</div>
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<b>CONSECUTIVE RUN</b></div>
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Seven hands in this section. The two classics, 1-5 and 5-9, have a pattern change - back to pair/pair/pung/kong. The second classic run, any four consecutive numbers in any two suits also has a pattern change and is now pung/pung/kong/kong.</div>
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Flowers with numbers and dragons are still in one suit, changed to a pair of flowers, two consecutive kongs and a kong of matching dragons. Goes nicely with like numbers, so you can expose a kong of dragons and a kong of a number and be playing either one!</div>
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Three consecutive numbers (pair of flowers/kong/kong/kong) can be played in one OR three suits.</div>
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Sad news! 1-2-1-2-3 has met its demise. No more go-to consecutive. And, <sigh> no more sandwich hand. (At least not in consecutive run! The sandwich makes its appearance in the Winds section).<br />
The fourth slot is now filled by a three-pair, 30 cent hand in FIVE consecutive numbers (pair/pair/pair/kong in second suit/kong in third suit). This one looks challenging!</div>
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The sixth slot is what's called a "knitted" hand, meaning the suits alternate. It's three consecutive numbers with matching dragons in a pattern of kong/pung/kong/pung. The kongs are in one suit and the pungs in another. The suit of the dragons must match the suit of the middle number. This pattern is repeated in odds and 369. Another place to have kongs of 5 and 7 or 7 and 9!</div>
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To substitute for the beloved 1-2-1-2-3 hand, the closed hand takes away the kong of threes and makes the two pairs two pungs with a pair of flowers to start. Got the picture? You will when you see it!</div>
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<b>13579</b></div>
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What would a card be without the odd hands? The classic first hand is pair/pair/pung/pung/kong, consistent with the first consecutive run hand. Second classic hand is the choice; 1-3-3-5 or 5-7-7-9 with pattern of pung/pung/kong/kong, consistent with consecutive run again. The block hand remains unchanged; pair of flowers and three kongs of either 1-3-5 or 5-7-9, all in one suit.</div>
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The odds and dragons hand has been inverted to make it consistent with the "knitted" dragon hand consecutive run - kong/pung/kong/pung with the dragons matching the pung of odds.</div>
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The sandwich hand in odds is gone, replaced by a hand in three suits, with pairs of 1-3-5 in one suit; 7s in a second suit and 9s in a third suit. This follows the pattern in the three-pair consecutive run hand. Very neat because you can be doing kongs of 7s and 9s in two suits in consecutive run (7-8-9) or in the odds category.</div>
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And just when you thought they had disappeared - six flowers in odds - with 1s and 5s or 5s and 9s - same suit, those numbers only. </div>
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The closed hand is also a one-suit hand; pair of flowers, pungs of 1-3-5 or 5-7-9, three matching dragons.</div>
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<b>WINDS - DRAGONS</b></div>
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The winds have gotten a real overhaul. I think I heard more complaints about the wind hands in 2017 than ever before. Winds were the first tiles thrown, but that will all change for 2018!</div>
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There are seven hands in this section. All the exposed hands use kongs of winds.</div>
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The first hand in 2017 has been moved to the third slot in winds. Same block hand of 4N,4E,4W,2S</div>
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The first two slots are four-flower hands; 4N,4S with 2 reds only in the middle, and 4E,4S and 2 greens. The suit of the dragon is specified in the parenthetical.</div>
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Then we have a pair of flowers with two dragon kongs (any dragons) with <b>NEWS</b> in the middle. Yay, <b>NEWS! </b>Who doesn't love NEWS? Probably the most yearned-for combination.</div>
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Next two hands are sandwich hands; 4N,4S with any like odd pairs in the middle and 4E,4W with evens.</div>
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Closed hand is beautiful - two flowers with a pung of each wind. Perfect ending for a perfect category.</div>
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<b>369</b></div>
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The first hand is traditionally a one-suit dragon hand, and this year's is a little tricky! It's three flowers (like the first 2468 hand) a pair of 3s, pung of 6s, pair of 9s and kong of dragons. So the pattern is pung/pair/pung/pair/kong. Not your typical pattern, but let's see how it plays!</div>
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Three hands are unchanged: The 3-6-6-9 block (pattern now is pung/pung/kong/kong), the pairs of 369 with two kongs in opposite suits, either 3s, 6s or 9s, and the pair of flowers with three kongs is the same, either one suit or three. This meshes nicely with the 3+9=12 hand if you have the 3s and 9s exposed.</div>
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The 3-6-3-6-9 pattern has been retired for now and replaced by the "knitted" hand of 3-6-9-D, with the pung of dragons matching the pung of 6s and the kong of 3s matching the kong of 9s.</div>
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Closed hand is a rerun from prior years: pungs of 3s and 9s with a single 6 in the middle in 2 suits.</div>
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<b>Singles And Pairs</b></div>
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Most of the hands in singles and pairs will be familiar to experienced players. Every category is represented by a hand, so you always have an opportunity to switch out if you go dead.</div>
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The winds: Pairs of winds with any three consecutive numbers.</div>
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Evens: Pair of flowers, pairs of evens with a matching even in the other two suits.</div>
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Odds: Pair of flowers; pairs of 1-3-5 and pairs of 5-7-9 in any two suits. </div>
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Consecutive: Pair of flowers, pairs of any five consecutive numbers with 2 matching dragons.</div>
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369: Pairs of 369 and pairs of 369 in second suit.</div>
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And, what's this? Our old friend 998-99887-998877 - a real go-to for when you have those 8s and 9s and nothing else!</div>
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2018: Unchanged! pairs of 2018 with pair of dragons, two suits, Bams and Craks only. Still 60 cents! Boo-hoo! </div>
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So there you have it. Enough of a change to be a challenge, but not so much to be overwhelming. New players and experienced players alike should find something to love about this card! </div>
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As it states in the 2016 newsletter:</div>
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<i>"Changes on our Mah Jongg card are never arbitrary. We make changes because we wish to make the game more challenging and interesting. All new rules and changes are tested and well thought out by a Committee. We test the new card 3 days a week, 6 hours a day from the end of August thru the first week in November. </i><i><b>Any and all recommendations and suggestions are welcome.</b>"</i></div>
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So, you heard it here - send the League a note and let them know what you think or what you might like to see on the next card! </div>
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Happy mahj!</div>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-33222818950547451352017-12-27T17:22:00.000-05:002017-12-27T17:22:25.633-05:00The 2018 Newsletter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The latest edition of the National Mah Jongg League newsletter has just arrived! The newsletter details the activities of the League and keeps the membership informed of any updates. To receive the newsletter, you must be an active member of the League. You become a member when you purchase a card either directly from the League (online or by mail) or you purchase your card from a Collector who submits your name and address to the League membership roster. <br />
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The newsletter is informative, entertaining and performs several important functions.<br />
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<ol>
<li>The President's report - Wherein Larry Unger, League President, reflects on the League's work for the year; card development, hurricane relief, and continuing contributions to worthy causes.</li>
<li>The Mailbag - correspondence received by the League from charities who have received donations sent by the League on behalf of the membership. From major hospitals to individual scholarships, it is gratifying to know that a portion of our membership dues (an unchanged $8 - $9) is being used to help others. The mailbag this year also contains some whimsical poetry on the subject of mahjongg.</li>
<li>The Q&A - Here is where we get our rules clarifications and updates. These questions and answers reflect the most covered inquiries received by the League in phone calls and letters throughout the year. These are the latest rulings by the League experts and get filtered down through the mahjongg community. When people want to see it in writing, it is there in the newsletter. Some of this year's updates include:<br /> - <b>A player is committed to taking a tile from the wall if it has been <u>moved</u> in any way.<br /> </b>- <b>Tapping or clicking the tile is not racking<br /> - A hand is not officially dead until another player verifies that Mah Jongg cannot be made<br /> -You are committed to discarding a tile once it is <u>fully</u> named<br /> - It is recommended that a player never touch another player's tiles<br /> -A bettor may not speak even though they realize an error has been made<br /> - If a tile is taken from the wrong end <u>and racked</u> the player's hand is dead</b></li>
<li>The 2018-2019 Membership Application - make sure to order your cards <b>early</b> to be sure you receive the 2018 card without delay upon release! The <b>label</b> of the newsletter contains your <b>membership number, </b>which is necessary when ordering.</li>
<li>Bits and Pieces and the Mah Jongg Store - This covers the products and services performed by the League, including the online game and tile matching service. <b>Important note: A newly revised version of Mah Jongg Made Easy </b>(the League's official rule book) <b>is now available.</b></li>
<li>The Honor Roll continues to grow - the last two pages of the Newsletter list all the Collector members (those who send in 35 or more membership applications) and their charities of choice.</li>
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I may not have been blogging much this year but I have been playing and teaching and seeing the excitement and interest that people have been showing as they learn this great game. Mah Jongg has certainly enhanced my life and brought me into a community of fun, like-minded people from all over the world, all for the price of a mah jongg card. So I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone reading this a happy new year, and to thank the League once again for their hard work and dedication.</div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523295336271690820.post-31134973202638882372017-03-27T13:25:00.001-04:002017-03-29T11:29:06.756-04:00The 2017 Card - Six Flowers are back!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six flowers!</td></tr>
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Like a migrating spring bird, the card is making its way across the country, first spotted on Saturday, March 25 in Suffolk County, NY. If yours hasn't come yet, take out your 2016 card and follow along in this year's synopsis:<br />
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The only change in the categories is from 2016 to 2017 and Eleven Hands are now "Lucky 13". The <i>pung, pung, kong, kong</i> pattern has changed back to <i>pung, kong, pung, kong</i>, and the <i>pair, pair, pung, pung, kong </i> has changed back to <i>pair, pung, kong, pung, pair. </i>These patterns have alternated from year to year and this was not unexpected. There is a <i>pair, pair, pung, pung, kong</i> pattern in 2468, Consecutive Run, 13579 and 369. An example of this is the 11 22 111 222 3333 hand, which has been retained.<br />
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<b>2017</b><br />
Some changes: No wind/year hand combination this year.<br />
Only four "year" hands<br />
First hand is the <i>pung, kong, pung, kong </i>combo in two suits; 222 0000 <b>111 7777</b><br />
Second hand pair of flowers, kong of dragons, 2017, kong of dragons in second suit.<br />
Third hand is something new - pair of flowers, followed by 2017 and two kongs of sevens; 3 suits.<br />
The fourth hand is closed and is the same as the current closed hand except the last pung is sevens.<br />
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<b>2468</b><br />
Pay close attention here! Many hands look the same, but they are not!<br />
The first hand is now a kong of flowers, <b>single two</b>, pair of four, pung of sixes and <b>kong </b>of eights.<br />
Second hand pattern changes to pung, kong, pung, kong.<br />
The three kongs of 2-4-6 with the pair of eights in one suit has been retained, as has the hand above it on the 2016 card.<br />
The hand with the two pairs of eights is out, and the closed hand with dragons is out.<br />
The dragon hand in evens is now in the <i>pair, pair, pung, pung, kong </i>pattern. 22 44 <b>666 888 <i><span style="color: blue;">DDDD </span>(3 suits)</i></b><br />
The closed hand is a pair of flowers followed by four pungs each of 2468.<br />
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<b>Like Numbers</b><br />
Now it gets interesting!<br />
Like numbers has been shaken up a bit. Still only two hands.<br />
First hand three suits; pair of flowers, kong of number, kong of dragon, kong of like number. This may take a bit of getting used to.<br />
Second hand a six flower hand. Pung of flowers, kong of number, pung of flowers, kong of like number. Open hand, value 30.<br />
Makes those flowers way more valuable, IMHO.<br />
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<b>Lucky "13" Hands</b><br />
Fours and nines, fives and eights, sixes and sevens, all add up to 13.<br />
Hang on to those flowers and sevens when and if you want to go joker shopping!<br />
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<b>Quints</b><br />
My old favorite in first place: Quint any wind, kong any dragon, quint any number.<br />
Second place like numbers - quint, kong, quint. Fairly straightforward.<br />
Third place: Consecutive run. Pair of flowers, quint, pair, quint, any three consecutive, one suit; i.e., FF 11111 22 33333. This substitutes for that infernal FF 11111 66 77777 hand which I never made.<br />
Fourth place is odds, unusual pattern: 111 3333 55555 DD or 555 7777 99999 DD. Only one quint so only one joker needed. One suit, these numbers only. Hmmm...more sevens...<br />
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<b>Consecutive run:</b><br />
The classic first hand is now pair, pung, kong, pung, pair.<br />
Flowers 1-2-3 is BACK!<br />
11 22 111 222 3333 is RETAINED!<br />
Kong of flowers, one suit consecutive run kong with pair of matching dragons is BACK!<br />
The sandwich hand is RETAINED! (Kong pair/pair/pair kong) Some call it bookends.<br />
The Margaretann hand is BACK! I mean, the closed hand, pung-pair-pung consecutive with two pungs of opposite dragons - value 30. Margaretann played it (and made it) often.<br />
Consecutive runs now seems like a haven of classic, cherished hands.<br />
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<b>13579</b><br />
First hand is now pair, pung, kong, pung, pair.<br />
1-3-3-5 and 5-7-7-9 is now pung, kong, pung, kong.<br />
The one-nine bookends with pairs of 3-5-7 has been retained.<br />
The dragon hand in odds now fits the pattern of the dragon hand in evens.<br />
Three suits: 11 33 <b>333 555 </b><i>DDDD </i>or the same in 5-7-9-D. More sevens!<br />
Flowers and odds has changed to pair of flowers, kong each of 1-3-5 or 5-7-9.<br />
(I'm telling you, there will be fisticuffs over those sevens!)<br />
Another pattern hand is next: 11 33 111 333 555 (3 suits), same in 5-7-9.<br />
The closed hand is different yet familiar: 111 3 555 <b>555 7 999</b>. Only 1 seven in this one.<br />
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<b>Winds - Dragons</b><br />
A little fun with winds and dragons.<br />
First hand is the same, kongs of N-E-W and pair of souths.<br />
Second hand is a sandwich: Kong of norths and souths with pairs of dragons in the middle. The hand comes in easts and wests as well. 30 points.<br />
A variation on the closed hand; norths and souths with odds, easts and wests with evens, but the pattern is now: pair of number, pung of wind, pair of number, pung of wind, kong of number (3 suits)<br />
Next hand is - aha! - another six flower hand. Can be done in North/South or East/West.<br />
Pung of flowers, kong of wind, pung of flowers, kong of wind.<br />
And the last hand is a switch from a kong of flowers to a pair of flowers with three kongs of dragons.<br />
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<b>369</b><br />
Not a whole lot of change for this category, although the closed hand looks interesting.<br />
The one suit dragon hand is now: Kong of 3, pair of six, kong of nine, kong of dragons. No flowers.<br />
Second hand has conformed to pattern in other categories: pung, kong, pung kong of 3-6-6-9.<br />
The third hand is retained. Pair of flowers, kong each of 3-6-9 in one or three suits.<br />
Fourth hand retained in same position. Conforms to pattern; pair, pair, pung, pung, kong. 3-6-3-6-9.<br />
Fifth hand tweaked and instead of like pungs it's now in three suits. Pair each of 3-6-9 and kongs of 3, 6, or 9 in the other two suits.<br />
The final, closed hand is something new. Two flowers, pung of 3, pung of 6, then pung of 9 in second suit and pung of 9 in third suit.<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Singles and pairs</b><br />
Something old, something new in singles and pairs.<br />
Wind hand is pairs of all winds and pairs of like numbers.<br />
Consecutive run hand is seven pairs, any consecutive numbers in one suit. (There are only three possibilities for this hand - 1 through 7, 2 through 8 or 3 through 9) I actually made this hand last week - too bad it wasn't on the card yet!<br />
The 369 pairs hand has been retained.<br />
The evens pairs hand has been brought back: pair of flowers, two suits of 224688.<br />
Odds pairs hand is pairs of 13579 with like odd pairs in opposite two suits.<br />
The pair of flowers with pairs of consecutive numbers is retained; i.e., FF 11 22 11 22 11 22.<br />
The final hand is a bit of a surprise. It's not the standard FF 2017 2017 2017, but rather:<br />
FF 2017 DD <b>2017 DD </b><i>in <b class="">bams</b> and <b>craks </b>only. (</i>Let's see how many go dead on this one!)<br />
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So there you have this year's card - something for each one of the League's hundreds of thousands of members. Can't wait to play!<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10423416390524043298noreply@blogger.com28