The Tide is Turning

The new Mah Jongg card came early this year. I think the NMJL must have changed mail houses because most people, all over the country got their cards about the same day. In the last 30 years I have not seen this happen. Usually NY and NJ got there’s first, fanning out round the country. Some years it takes weeks for people to get their cards and even many did not get the cards they paid for.

I have not heard the same stories this year. That tells me something systemic changed. Good thing, The League could not afford another year like last year.

I have been playing and analyzing the new card. To find out what I think you need to come to my new card orientation class. That being said, I have not decided all that I think. The analyzing takes lists of playing before I pass judgement.

I went to Kinkos to get my new teaching materials printed. The manager at my store even said to me, “You are here earlier than usual.” Did not realize Kinkos was tracking me.

Today two of my mah Jongg sharks came and played with me. It is always helpful to see what others play and are drawn to. One thing I have noticed is fewer wall games right off the bat. Usually early in the card year you have wall games as people are just discovering hands and possible pivots.

The 2025 card was sufficiently hard enough that there were more wall games than usual. Also in the 2025 card there were a handful of lines that won an inordinate amount of the games. This made the play a little boring. So far this year I have not seen that happening. Will have to play a few hundred more hands before I pass judgment.

If you want to learn the tips and tricks to the new card and all my pivots you can sign up for new card class. Some have already sold out, sorry Hayes Barton Place and Charlotte. Some classes are getting very full, like Durham. Carolina Country club has three classes on the same day, but a member must sponsor non-members, there are still lots of places available so ask a member to take you. There is always the zoom class, Cary through Home for Entertaining, Alamance CC, Kinston CC, Johnston County CC, Dunes Club, Greenville, Benvenue CC, Greensboro CC, North Ridge CC, Cape Fear CC and the Tides Inn. And if you are in Lyford I hope to see you at that class.

http://www.learnmahjongg.com

If all else fails the zoom class will be recorded and you can purchase the recording to watch at your leisure. April is my Super Bowl. Looking forward to seeing so many old friends and making new ones. Happy playing.