Snippet 20260626 June Highlights and Future Happenings
Mahj Life Snippets is my version of a blog post. On the last Sunday of each month, a new post will be published with this month’s highlights and upcoming events. An email blast will notify subscribers anytime a new snippet is published. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe by clicking the button below!
The schedule of recurring YouTube videos and livestreams is published on the events page.
This Month’s Highlights
Community NEWS
The time has come! Four prominent players will attempt a Guinness World Record for the longest mahjong marathon on June 28, 2026 beginning at noon, and they need your support! Learn more…
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’d like to help in another way, consider joining the Mod Squad to help moderate the livestream chat. Learn More!
Let’s Play Livestream Schedule (Eastern Time PM)
| Monday | 1:00 to 2:00 | NITTY-GRITTY | American Mah Jongg Skills and Strategies Matrix (AMJ S2 Matrix) 16-week topic rotation by episode (Article 210) |
| Tuesday | 1:00 to 2:00 | LEARNING LAB Player Edition | Program details |
| Wednesday | 1:00 to 2:00 | MEMBERS ONLY | Available to YouTube channel members. Learn more… |
| 2:00 to 3:00 | OBSESSED | ||
| Thursday | 1:00 to 2:00 | LEARNING LAB Instructor Edition | Program details |
| Friday | 5:00 to 6:00 | SIMPLY SOCIAL | |
6:00 to 8:00 | BEAT THE PRO CHALLENGE Season runs from January to mid-September. | 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 (first Saturday in November 2025)
- RUMBLE Mini-Tournament (third Saturday in November 2025)
- Team League Competition of Wits (March 2027 – DEADLINE 02/18/2027)
****Events require a minimum participation of 32 players for tournaments (confirmed in groups of 4) and 6 teams of 6 for leagues.
Speaking GIGs
June 2026
Title: How to Thrive in Competitive Play
Date: 06/07/2026 Private, IN-PERSON GIG Mah Jongg Day Embarcadaro San Francisco, CA
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-san-francisco-ca-mah-jongg-learn-lunch-play-2026/
Title: Mahj 48 Guinness World Record Attempt
Date: 06/28-30/2026 IN-PERSON GIG Summerville, SC
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/mah-jongg-marathon-world-record-attempt
To view videos of past events, please visit Michele’s Speaking Engagements page.
Instructor Guild
Our Instructor Guild Directory is a growing resource that helps players connect with Mahj Life instructors nationwide.
New Listings
United States
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Ohio
- Pennsilvania
Canada
Updated Listings
United States
- Georgia
- Colorado
- Louisana
- Virginia
If you’re an aspiring or current instructor, consider joining the guild!
New Content
Merit Program for Instructors
The Merit Program for Instructors (MPI) is designed to give American mah jongg instructors a meaningful way to assess their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and demonstrate their commitment to professional growth. Through rigorous coursework, exams, and performance-based assessments, participants can earn microcredentials—modern digital certifications awarded to those who invest in their development and achieve passing scores. These credentials recognize competency, reinforce credibility, and reflect a commitment to excellence in mah jongg instruction.
Microbadges Earned
- Amy Steffen – AMJ Quest RulesTrek
- Amelia Copp – AMJ Quest RulesTrek
- Laura Hoover – AMJ Quest Mastery, including the RulesTrek, Strategy Trek, and Sportsmanship 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
New Articles
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TILE CUES FOR SMARTER PLAY (ARTICLE 287)
In mah jongg, players process a tremendous amount of information at once — dealt tile assessment, hand development, passing decisions,
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ROADMAP TO MASTERING AMERICAN MAH JONGG (ARTICLE 286)
Roadmap to Mastering American mah jongg A practical path from first pick to confident play Mastering American mah jongg isn’t
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THE CHARLESTON EFFECT (ARTICLE 283)
The Charleston is one of the features that distinguishes American mah jongg from other versions of the game. While it
Updated Articles
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JOKER PROTOCOLS (ARTICLE 221)
Jokers add complexity and flexibility to the game, making it essential to understand the protocols governing their use. This article
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WHY WAIT PATTERNS MATTER (ARTICLE 225)
When a player is close to winning (e.g., three away with 50 tiles remaining), they are usually in the phase
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PLAYING WITH FUTURES (Article 185)
Two house rules apply when players have 14 tiles on their racks: “14-Tiles” and “Playing with Futures.” 14-Tiles After completing
New letters in Dear Hoptoi
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When the Welcome Isn’t Real (Letter 26)
I recently joined a local club where several members play mah jongg each week. When I asked to join, I
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
NONE THIS MONTH
Check out this index to find merch that resonates with you: https://mahjlife.com/merch-index/
Future Happenings
Speaking GIGs
September 2026
Title: BINGO BASH & MAHJ-A-THON Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Date: 09/26/2026 VIRTUAL GIG Mahj Life to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/fundraisers/
October 2026
Title: The Pivot Playbook and Introduction to Hong Kong Mahjong
Date: 10/22-25/2026, IN-PERSON GIG Branson, MO
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-branson-mah-jongg-retreat
Title: Mahj Life INVITATIONAL Tournament
Date: 10/03/2026, Virtual GIG Mahjong Time
Title: Mahj Life RUMBLE Tournament
Date: 11/07/2026, Virtual GIG Mahjong Time
November 2026
Title: TBA
Date: 11/17/2026 IN-PERSON GIG La Jolla CA Lawrence Family Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus Mah Jongg Day
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-la-jolla-lawrence-family-jewish-community-center-jacobs-family-campus-mah-jongg-day-2026/
Title: TBA
