What to Expect

Mahj Life at Silverleaf brings together people who enjoy playing mah jongg, meeting other players, and spending time around the table. Games are hosted by Michele Frizzell and may include Silverleaf residents and invited guests.

Our goal is simple: casual games, good company, and a playing environment where everyone knows what to expect.

Games We Play

We’ll begin with American mah jongg played according to National Mah Jongg League rules.

As our community develops, other mah jongg variants may be added based on player interest.

Open Play

Open Play is social play for players who are comfortable with the fundamentals of the game.

These sessions do not include lessons or coaching. Players should be able to independently participate in the flow of the game, including the Charleston when applicable, picking and discarding, making exposures, using jokers, and recognizing mah jongg.

Experience levels will vary. By participating in Open Play, players agree to play with others regardless of skill level and to be patient and respectful of differences in experience and playing style.

Open Play is a place to play, not a place to evaluate how well someone else plays.

Hardcore Play

Hardcore Play is for experienced players who enjoy a faster pace and more competitive style of play.

Players should be comfortable completing a game in approximately 15 minutes and keeping pace without coaching or extended discussion during play.

Hardcore Play isn’t about being unfriendly or unforgiving. It’s about maintaining game momentum. Players who enjoy taking more time to consider their options are welcome at Open Play instead.

Group Culture

Whether we’re playing Open Play or Hardcore Play, good decorum and sportsmanship matter.

Players are expected to stay engaged with the game, minimize distractions, handle tiles and equipment with care, and treat one another respectfully. Rule questions and disagreements should be handled calmly and without making them personal.

For American mah jongg, National Mah Jongg League rules are our default. We won’t introduce house rules at individual tables. That gives players a consistent playing experience and avoids having to relearn the rules depending on where they sit.

Seating & Rotation

Players should expect to play with different people. Seating and table rotation may be used depending on attendance so that everyone has an opportunity to mix, mingle, and play.

Lessons & Coaching

Regular games are not instructional sessions. Players should meet the experience level described for the scheduled game.

That doesn’t mean players can’t help one another with an occasional rules question. It simply means the table shouldn’t expect another player to provide a lesson or ongoing coaching during social play.

RSVP & Attendance

Because our playing space is limited to 24 seats, an RSVP is required for each game night you plan to attend. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as soon as possible so your seat can be offered to another player. Once an event reaches capacity, additional players may be placed on a waitlist.

To RSVP, visit the Mahj Life at Silverleaf Facebook group, find the event for the date you’d like to attend, and select “Going” to reserve your seat.

Last Update: 10/21/2026