Mah Jongg Mania

About Mah Jongg Mania

Connections

If you’ve never played in a tournament or you’ve played in hundreds, please join – whether you win or lose we can guarantee you’ll have fun, make new friends and learn what tournament Mah Jongg is all about.

Our Goal

Our goal is to give new tournament players a taste of the fun and excitement of a tournament while also allowing serious and experienced players the chance to compete for prizes and glory!

Why Mah Jongg Mania?

If you love the competition but the specter of playing for an eight hour or weekend-long tournament is too intimidating and exhausting.

What to Expect

Arrival

Tournament Format

Upon arrival, participants will be provided with a name tag, pen, individual score sheet and rules. As part of the check in process, players will be assigned a specific mah jongg table and position number determined at random.

Tournament Format

For each round consisting of 4 games you will be competing against various opponents placed randomly at a table. At the end of each round, players will rotate tables.

Tournament Rules

Tournament Format

The rules and scoring system will be emailed to all the participants prior to the day of the tournament. Please familiarize yourself with them beforehand. They will also be provided on the tables and reviewed on the day of the tournament.

Time Allotment

Each round will consist of 4 games to be played in 50 minutes. The 50 minute time limit will be strictly enforced to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly.

Keeping Score

During the round, the East Player will keep score for the table. In addition, each participant will be provided a scoresheet to record their points after each hand. To verify scores, each player will sign off by initializing their score. West will sign for East.

Prizes

Keeping Score

We have several opportunities to win cash prizes. Top performers will be recognized at the conclusion of the tournament for highest scores of the day, top scores for the round and hand of the day.

Mah Jongg Mania Testimonials

Tournamemt First-Timer

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

"I had the best time at the Mah Jongg Mania tournament! Everything was so well-organized, the atmosphere was fun and friendly, and I met the nicest people. It was my first tournament, and Michele and Lori made me feel completely comfortable from start to finish. I’ve already reserved my spot for the next one—can’t wait!"
– Kara M.

Compete With Us

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

" I’ve been playing Mah Jongg for over 20 years and have attended countless tournaments and Mah Jongg Mania truly stands out. Michele and Lori run a well-organized event. The energy is upbeat, and there is great competition." – Linda S.

Regular Tournament Player

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Tournament Player and Friend

"I absolutely love that Mah Jongg Mania offers 5- and 6-round tournaments. It’s the perfect balance. I get to play competitively yet I don’t feel wiped out by the end of the day. I’ve done 7- and 8-round tournaments before, and they can really drag. Michele and Lori’s tournaments are well run events that give you the full tournament experience without the burnout. I’ll never go back to the longer ones!"

-Barbara L.

Save your seat

Tournament Player and Friend

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Tournament Player and Friend

"I started attending Michele and Lori’s Mah Jongg tournaments regularly a while back, and not only did I become a regular tournament player but I also got to know them personally. Over time, we have become friends, and now we even play together at least once a month! Their tournaments bring people together in the best way. It’s more than just Mah Jongg—it’s community."
-Debbie S.

Solo tournament Player

Competitive Player with Her Crew

"I signed up for a Mah Jongg Mania tournament on my own, not knowing anyone and I’m so glad I did! Everyone was incredibly welcoming. The day was filled with laughter, great games, and even better company. You can tell Michele and Lori love the game as much as I do. I can’t wait to sign up for the next one."
– Susan R.

Join the Fun

Competitive Player with Her Crew

"My friends and I are serious Mah Jongg players and we loved the challenge. The competition was strong, the rounds were well-paced, and the whole day ran smoothly."

- Diane K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at mahjonggmania23@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why Should I Play in a Tournament?

Tournament play is a great way to meet new people and network with others who like to engage in friendly competition. You will ultimately improve your mah jongg skills and play faster as you challenge yourself and learn new strategies. You won't get bored waiting for the next player to throw a tile.

How Do I Know If I'm Ready to Play in a Tournament?

Assess your familiarity with the game. Evaluate your overall understanding of the National Mah Jongg League Rules, scoring and hands on the card. How comfortable are you with tile recognition, picking and discarding tiles, melding tiles and building walls? Ultimately the decision to play rests with you and your confidence.

Do I Have to Memorize the Card?

No, you do not have to memorize the card but be familiar with it. The card will be in in front of you the entire time. Don't forget to bring your card to the tournament.

What Should I except when I arrive at the tournament?

When you arrive at a tournament, you will be given a number and compass letter of East (E), West (W), South (S), or North (N). So, for example, you might receive the number and letter 2S. This means that you will start at table two, and you will always sit in the South position regardless of the table you rotate to subsequently.

How Fast Do I Have to Play in a Tournament?

Can you play 4 games in 50 minutes? Can you make quick decisions? You will naturally play faster in a tournament because there is no time to chit chat or check cell phones in between games. As long as you are mindful of time there should be no problem keeping the game moving so that your table finishes. Remember some games will naturally be faster than others and wall games tend to run longer but very rarely do players run out of time.

Will I Feel Intimidated by the Tournament Rules?

You will be emailed a rule sheet prior to the tournament and provided with the rules upon arrival. These rules will be reviewed with you by your tournament directors before play begins. By reviewing them ahead of time you will feel more prepared.

Is There Common Tournament Etiquette?

It is common courtesy to ask to exchange a tile for a joker. It is also not appropriate to touch another player's tiles. It is always nice to give 1 or 2 seconds for people at the table to call for a tile before grabbing the next tile and placing it in your rack. Before play begins, the East player should identify the flowers, jokers and 1 bams in their set to avoid confusion. Always congratulate the player who declares Mah Jongg and allow them to display their hand before you show yours.

Why is it Important to Rack My Tiles?

Don't forget to rack your tiles. Once a tile is racked after it has been picked, the last discard cannot be called by another player. Some players may find that it is easier if they play with one hand so that they remember to pick a tile before one is thrown out as a discard. Remember racking means that the tile picked from the wall is placed in the rack ......... not in front of, on top of, or behind the rack.

When is a Player Committed to Taking a Discarded Tile from the Table?

You are committed to a call or taking a tile when you have touched a tile, exposed tiles from your hand or placed a called tile on top of your rack.

What Do I have to Remember so that my hand is not Declared Dead

To start your turn remember to pick first! It is also imperative that you pick from the correct side of the wall. Walls get pushed out to the left (clockwise) and play is to the right (counterclockwise). if you are unsure which side to pick from don't be afraid to ask. When you call for a tile , remember to place your tile on top of the rack not in the rack.

What are the Penalties for Throwing Someone's Mah Jongg?

If you discard a tile to a player that has 2 exposures you will be penalized 10 points. If you throw a tile to a player that has 3 exposures, you will be penalized 25 points. Therefore, if you have very little or no chance of winning, your best strategy is to withhold a "hot" tile which can result in another player's mah jongg. Remember there can only be one winner so try not to help your opponents.

How Does Scoring work in a Tournament?

The East Player will be responsible for scoring the points for each player. The scores are based on the NMJL card and will be recorded on a scoresheet Any person who picks their own mah jongg will add 10 points to the score on the card. Each player will be asked to review and sign off on their score recorded before the scoresheet is brought up to the director's table. You will also be given your own scoresheet to keep track for yourself of your total score for the day.

Will I be able to talk during the game?

Talking during the games is discouraged to maintain focus and minimize distractions in order to complete the round in 50 minutes. While some casual conversations may occur at the beginning of the rotation, it is important to respect the concentration of all the players around.

How are Player Disputes Handled?

In the event of a table dispute during play, we encourage the players to communicate with each other calmly and respectfully to resolve the issue directly. If the players cannot reach a resolution themselves, your tournament directors will handle the situation discreetly. It is not the responsibility of the East player to resolve disputes. Participants will be reminded before play begins to maintain good sportsmanship and to play fair.

Mah Jongg Mania

Long Island’s Favorite Tournaments competition, Challenge and camaraderie

Oct 19 2025

Welcome to Mah Jongg Mania

Hi! We're Michele and Lori from Long Island, New York

About Mah Jongg Mania

Connections

Our Goal

Why Mah Jongg Mania?

Why Mah Jongg Mania?

What to Expect

Arrival

Tournament Format

Tournament Format

Tournament Format

Tournament Format

Tournament Format

Tournament Rules

Tournament Format

Time Allotment

Keeping Score

Keeping Score

Prizes

Keeping Score

Get in the Game!

Seating and Rotation Guide

Mah Jongg Mania Testimonials

Tournamemt First-Timer

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Regular Tournament Player

Longtime Mah Jongg Enthusiast

Tournament Player and Friend

Tournament Player and Friend

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Tournament Player and Friend

Solo tournament Player

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Competitive Player with Her Crew

Frequently Asked Questions

Photo Gallery

April 6th 5 Round Tournament

Tournament Flyers

Our Partners

Mah Jongg for Memories

Mah Jongg Mania Swag

Mah Jongg Mania Swag

Mah Jongg Mondays

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