Mahjong, also known as “mah jongg”, is a timeless game of strategy and skill. It has been around for centuries, and continues to be a popular game in countries all around the world. But did you know that there is a National Mah Jongg League?
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) is an organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the game of mah jongg. The NMJL was founded in 1937 and is the only officially recognized mah jongg league in the United States. The NMJL is a not-for-profit organization that was created to preserve the history and traditions of the game.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of the National Mah Jongg League, and how it has helped to promote the game of mah jongg. We’ll also discuss the rules of the game, the various types of mah jongg sets, and how you can join a local mah jongg league.
History of the National Mah Jongg League
The National Mah Jongg League was founded in 1937 by a group of dedicated mah jongg enthusiasts in New York City. The founding members wanted to preserve the game of mah jongg and ensure that it would remain a popular game for generations to come.
The NMJL was initially established as a non-profit organization. It was created to promote the game of mah jongg and to help preserve its traditions and history. The NMJL also works to promote the game of mah jongg to a larger audience.
The NMJL is the only officially recognized mah jongg league in the United States. It is a member of the World Mahjong Federation, and its members are also eligible to participate in international mah jongg tournaments.
Rules of the Game
The rules of mah jongg are fairly simple and easy to learn. The game is played by four players, and each player is dealt a hand of fourteen tiles. The goal of the game is to be the first player to complete a legal hand.
The game is played in rounds, and each round consists of four turns. On each turn, a player draws a tile from the wall and discards a tile from their hand. The other players then have the opportunity to call for the discarded tile. If a player calls for the discarded tile, they must then discard a tile from their hand.
Once a player has completed a legal hand, they can declare mah jongg and end the round. The other players then count up their points, and the player with the most points is declared the winner.
Types of Mah Jongg Sets
There are many different types of mah jongg sets available. The most common type is the Chinese mah jongg set, which is typically made of bamboo and plastic tiles. There are also Japanese mah jongg sets, which are usually made of wood and paper tiles.
In addition to these traditional sets, there are also modern mah jongg sets that use plastic tiles and are often brightly colored. These sets are popular with younger players, and are often used in tournaments.
Joining a Local Mah Jongg League
If you’re interested in joining a local mah jongg league, there are a few things you should consider. First, you’ll need to find a league in your area. You can search online for local mah jongg leagues, or you can ask around at your local game store.
Once you’ve found a league, you’ll need to contact the league organizer to find out more information. You’ll need to find out what the league’s rules and regulations are, as well as any fees or membership requirements.
Once you’ve joined a local mah jongg league, you’ll be able to play in regular tournaments and events. You’ll also be able to meet other players who share your interest in the game.
Taking Part in National Mah Jongg League Tournaments
The National Mah Jongg League hosts several tournaments throughout the year. These tournaments are a great way to meet other players and test your skills.
The NMJL tournaments are open to all players, regardless of skill level. The tournaments are usually divided into two divisions: the Open Division and the Masters Division. The Open Division is open to all players, while the Masters Division is for more experienced players.
The tournaments are usually held at a variety of locations around the United States. The tournaments are typically two-day events, and the winners of each division receive cash prizes.
Becoming a Member of the National Mah Jongg League
The National Mah Jongg League offers several membership levels. The most basic membership is the Standard Membership, which is open to all players. This membership includes access to the NMJL’s online forum, as well as discounts on tournament entry fees.
The NMJL also offers a higher-level membership, the Premium Membership. This membership includes all of the benefits of the Standard Membership, as well as access to exclusive tournaments and events.
Conclusion
The National Mah Jongg League has been around for more than 80 years, and it continues to be a popular organization for mah jongg enthusiasts. The NMJL works to promote the game of mah jongg and to preserve its history and traditions.
The NMJL also hosts several tournaments throughout the year, and members of the league can take part in these tournaments. The NMJL also offers several membership levels, and these memberships offer access to exclusive tournaments and events.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mah jongg player, the National Mah Jongg League is a great way to get involved in the game and meet other players. So why not join today and start playing?
