Snippet 20260726 July 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
A New Milestone for Instructor Education
We’re proud to announce that the Mahj Life Merit Program for Instructors (MPI) has officially earned independent international accreditation from the CPD Standards Office (London, UK).
This achievement recognizes the quality, rigor, and educational design of our professional development courses, marking an important milestone for Mahj Life and American mah jongg instructor education.
When instructors continue to learn, players benefit. That belief has guided Mahj Life from the beginning and continues to inspire our commitment to advancing instructor education. Stronger instructors create better learning experiences, stronger communities, and a brighter future for the game we all love.
If teaching is part of your mah jongg journey—or you’d like it to be—we invite you to learn more about the Mahj Life Instructor Guild and the Merit Program for Instructors.
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
NONE THIS MONTH
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. Here are the changes that may interest you.
United States
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
Canada
- Ontario
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
- Angela Kremers, Cabot, AR – AMJ Quest 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
New Articles
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Charleston Challenge (Article 291)
The Charleston Challenge is a structured training exercise designed to help players explore how different Charleston philosophies influence hand development,
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BLACK DRAGONS (ARTICLE 290)
A Black Dragon is a custom tile concept developed by Gladys Grad that reimagines the role of the White Dragon
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Order of Operations for Claiming a Discard (Article 289)
One common misconception in American mah jongg is that a player must claim and handle a discarded tile in a
Updated Articles
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AMERICAN MAH JONGG SKILLS AND STRATEGIES MATRIX (Article 210)
Mah jongg is a 4-player Chinese tile-melding game that requires skills like critical thinking, situational awareness, and social acuity to
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Charleston Challenge (Article 291)
The Charleston Challenge is a structured training exercise designed to help players explore how different Charleston philosophies influence hand development,
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THE LEAGUE ON HOUSE RULES AND VARIATIONS (Article 50)
The NMJL does not support house rules because they feel they are not conducive to the game and may lead to arguments.
New letters in Dear Hoptoi
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Same Rules, Different Expectations (Letter 27)
I’m wondering if anyone else has run into this. In our group, there’s a player who consistently stops the Charleston
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: Virtual BINGO BASH & MAHJ-A-THON Childhood Cancer Awareness Month benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Date: 09/26/2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/fundraisers/
October 2026
TItle: VIRTUAL Mahj Life Invitational Tournament
Date: 10/03/2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/invitational/
November 2026
TItle: VIRTUAL Mahj Life RUMBLE Tournament
Date: 11/07/2026 VIRTUAL GIG Mahj Life
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/invitational/
Title: IN-PERSON GIG La Jolla CA Lawrence Family Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus Mah Jongg Day
Date: 11/17/2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-la-jolla-lawrence-family-jewish-community-center-jacobs-family-campus-mah-jongg-day-2026/
Title: IN-PERSON GIG Irvine, CA Merage JCC
Date: 11/19/2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-irvine-ca-merage-jcc-mah-jongg-day-with-michele-frizzell-and-holiday-boutique-2026/
February 2027
Title: IN-PERSON Mah Jongg Maven Retreat
Date: 02/19-21/2027
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-all-inclusive-social-mah-jongg-retreat-atlanta-ga-2026/
April 2027
Title: MS Mahj Shindig > Season Shift PREMIER 2027
Date: 11/19/2027
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/season-shift-premier-2027/
May 2027
Title: IN-PERSON GIG Instructor Summit
Date: 05/26-28/2027
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-instructor-summit-2027/
