Snippet 20250525 May Highlights and Future Happenings
Mahj Life Snippets is my version of a blog post. On the last Sunday of each month, a new one will be posted with this month’s highlights and future happenings. An email blast will notify subscribers any time a new snippet is published. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe by clicking the button below!
The schedule for recurring YouTube videos and livestreams is published on the events page.
This Month’s Highlights
Community NEWS
Still getting used to the new National Mah Jongg League card? You’re not alone — and I’m here to help! Check out the FAQ wiki article for quick answers to your biggest questions, and join me for the Nitty-Gritty Let’s Play Livestreams where we’ll dive into real hands, live plays, and strategy tips to build your confidence.
YouTube Channel
Consider joining as a channel member to show your support and enjoy perks! Read more on the Get Involved page.
Channel Members… if you would like to help in another way, consider joining the Mod Squad to help moderate live chat. Learn More!
Let’s Play Livestream Schedule (Eastern Time)
| 9:00-11:00 AM | 11:00 – NOON | 1:00 – 3:00 PM | 5:00 – 6:00 PM | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | |
| Sunday | |||||
| Monday | NITTY-GRITTY* | ||||
| Tuesday | OBSESSED** | ||||
| Wednesday | MEMBERS ONLY** | ||||
| Thursday | HONG KONG MAHJONG | WRIGHT-PATTERSON MAH JONGG | |||
| Friday | SIMPLY SOCIAL | BEAT THE PRO CHALLENGE*** | |||
| Saturday | RIICHI MAHJONG |
*American Mah Jongg Skills and Strategies Matrix (AMJ S2 Matrix) 16-week topic rotation by episode (Article 210)
**Available to channel members. Learn more…
***Beat the Pro is a challenge for competitive players. Anyone who wins at the table is eligible to participate in exclusive mini-tournaments. Learn more…
Mod Squad
If you want to help monitor chat during livestreams, consider volunteering as a moderator. Click to apply!
Competitions
Mahj Life competitions are held on the Mahjong Time platform annually****, drawing top players from the American mah jongg community. These high-stakes events showcase remarkable skill and exciting matchups as contestants compete for a spot in the winner’s circle. The results are broadcast on YouTube, allowing fans to follow the action in real time and interact with commentators.
- INVITATIONAL Mini-Tournament (November 2025)
- Team League Competition of Wits (March 2026)
****Events require minimum participation: 32 players for tournaments (confirmed in groups of 4) and 5 teams of 6 for leagues.
Speaking GIGs
May 2025
Atlanta Instructor Lunch-Learn-Play; private home. Missed this one? Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events—you won’t want to miss out!
If you want to see videos of past events, please visit Michele’s Speaking Engagements page.
Instructor Guild
New Members
The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is growing! Heartfelt thanks and shout-out to our new members:
- Georgia
- Virgina
- Annonymous member
If you are new to mah jongg or already know how to play and just want to build your skills search the directory to find an instructor near you!
If you are an aspiring or current instructor, consider joining the guild!
New Content
Catalyst Referral Program
The Mahj Life Instructor Guild Catalyst Referral Program is designed to reward current members who help grow our community by referring new instructors to join. This initiative supports our mission to elevate mah jongg instruction nationwide and strengthens the sense of collaboration within our Guild. Learn more!
Merit Program for Instructors
The Merit Program for Instructors (MPI) is designed to provide a means for American mah jongg instructors to test their knowledge of the game with the potential to earn microcredentials.
Microbadges Earned
- Wes Stone, AMJ Quest Mastery, including the Rules Trek, Strategy Trek, and Sportsmanship Trek!!!
- Judy Pacanowski, AMJ Strategy Trek
- Beverley Segel, AMJ Rules Trek
Congratulations to these instructors for their achievements!
If you are an aspiring or current instructor, consider joining the Mahj Life Instructor Guild to participate in the Merit Program for Instructors and demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an American Mah Jongg instructor.
Changes to the Wiki
See the summaries at the bottom of this page: https://mahjlife.com/wiki/
Updated
See the summary at the bottom of this page: https://mahjlife.com/wiki/
New letters in Dear Hoptoi
Time for a group revamp! (Letter 13)
If you need practical advice to help you resolve an awkward or challenging situation, send a letter today! https://mahjlife.com/dear-hoptoi/
New Merch
Ink Dragon Let’s Play Hanzi II
Check out this index to find merch that resonates with you: https://mahjlife.com/merch-index/
Future Happenings
Speaking GIGs
June 2025
06/21/2025 IN-PERSON El Camino College Tournament with Meet & Greet-Learn-Play
Title: Mah Jongg Workshop and Tournament
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-3rd-annual-tournament-el-camino-college/
July 2025
07/16/2025 VIRTUAL Mah Jongg Maven
Title: The Pivot Playbook
Registration: PENDING
December 2025
12/02/2025 IN-PERSON GIG Merage JCC in La Jolla, CA
Title: Mah Jongg Day with Michele Frizzell
12/04/2025 IN-PERSON GIG Merage JCC in Irvine, CA
Title: Mah Jongg Day with Michele Frizzell and Holiday Boutique
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-irvine-ca-merage-jcc-mah-jongg-day-with-michele-frizzell-and-holiday-boutique-2025/
February 2026
02/12/2026 IN-PERSON GIG Mah Jongg Maven and Crak Your Bags Atlanta Getaway
Title: Mah Jongg Day, Break Out Sessions, Social Games, and Mini-Tournaments
Registration: PENDING