PLAYING WITH A PIE AKA PY (Article 145)

Commentary: Some groups of players start a game with a set amount of money to play to put a limit on the amount a player could lose. The league calls this a PY but many players spelled PIE for “purse is empty.”

Infographic: Playing for Cash Money; 5th Player Betting

Question from a player:   We used to play with $12 to start and whatever it says on the card, we would double it. Is there a rule that discourages this?

Answer from the NMJL:  PY Game.. unfair especially to the winner in the first part of the game after one or more players are “PY”. This winner can be the final loser as she is not being paid by all players and will have to pay if and when the “PY” players start to make a comeback. Our suggestion to eliminate UNFAIR PY GAMES – START WITH EXTRA CHIPS and SETTLE FOR YOUR USUAL STAKES!

Source:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin (1967)