Snippet 20260125 January 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 anytime a new snippet is published. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe by clicking the button below!
The recurring YouTube videos and livestreams schedule is published on the events page.
This Month’s Highlights
Community NEWS
BEAT THE PRO Season 3 is underway! See the Let’s Play Livestream Schedule below for details!
NEW NMJL Card Transition gig framework.
We are now offering a limited number of NMJL Card Transition signature talks to support players during the early weeks of the new NMJL card. These live, 60-minute sessions focus on understanding what’s changed and how to adapt confidently—without memorization or pressure. Each session is customized for the hosting group and offered during a limited seasonal window. The booking deadline is mid-March. Get started!
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 assist with moderating 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 2026 – DEADLINE 02/16/2026)
****Events require minimum participation: 32 players for tournaments (confirmed in groups of 4) and 6 teams of 6 for leagues.
Speaking GIGs
January 2026
Title: The Power of Position in Mah Jongg
Date: 01/18/2026 IN-PERSON GIG Mahj Squad 901 & MS Mahj
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/memphis-mah-jongg-workshop-january-2026/
To view videos of past events, please visit Michele’s Speaking Engagements page.
Instructor Guild
RECURRING MEETINGS STREAMLINED: Going forward, all meetings will use one standing Zoom link, held on Mondays at 3:00 PM ET. Each session still has a different focus—Assembly, BizDev Support, MPI Support, or Esprit BOOST—but the access point stays the same.
New Members
The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is growing! Heartfelt thanks and shout-out to our new members:
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Virginia
If you’re new to mah jongg or already know how to play and want to build your skills, search the directory to find an instructor near you.
If you’re an aspiring or current instructor, consider joining the guild!
New Content
The Learning Lab Meta Kit
The Learning Lab Meta Kit is officially here—a thoughtfully designed reflection system that supports clearer thinking, steadier judgment, and more confident play at the mah jongg table. Built around a Core Deck, curated Specialty Labs, and Meta Cards, the kit helps players, instructors, and facilitators pause productively when clarity matters most—without interrupting the natural flow of the game. Rather than prescribing moves or correcting play, it offers well-timed prompts that sharpen awareness, reduce cognitive and emotional friction, and strengthen decision-making across every phase of play. The result is deeper insight, stronger confidence, and a more intentional experience grounded in integrity and serious fun.
Signature Program Blueprint Course
The Signature Program Blueprint is designed to support instructors who are ready to move beyond hourly lessons and create clear, outcome-based programs that reflect their expertise and deliver real transformation for students. This course offers a structured, practical path for turning what you already teach into a repeatable Signature Program you can confidently teach, price, and share.
AMJ ELE-Equipped Coach Course
The ELE-Equipped Coach Course trains mah jongg instructors to use the Experience Level Evaluation (ELE) as a coaching tool, not just an assessment. Instructors learn how to observe play, identify high-impact leverage points, and guide players toward clearer decisions and greater confidence. The course focuses on how players experience the game—from early direction to pressure moments—so coaching feels intentional, supportive, and practical at the table.
Collaboration Opportunity
Mahj Life workshop sponsorships are offered exclusively to Instructor Guild members hosting major events, such as cruises, retreats, and multi-day tournaments. Sponsorship enables you to support a high-quality educational workshop while gaining structured visibility across Mahj Life’s established platforms. It’s a collaborative way to elevate your event without promotional sales, keeping the focus on learning, community, and the spirit of the game.
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
- NONE THIS MONTH
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
Reframing the Dreaded Losing Streak (Letter 21)
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
PENDING
Check out this index to find merch that resonates with you: https://mahjlife.com/merch-index/
Future Happenings
Speaking GIGs
February 2026
Title: The Pivot Playbook
Date: 02/11/2026 VIRTUAL GIG MAHJourneys and Little Miss Mahjong
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/virtual-gig-the-pivot-playbook-workshop/
Title: Mah Jongg Day, Break Out Sessions, Social Games, and Mini-Tournaments
Date: 02/13-15/2026 IN-PERSON GIG Mah Jongg Maven Retreat
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-all-inclusive-social-mah-jongg-retreat-2026/
April 2026
Title: New Card Transition
Date: 04/23/2026 VIRTUAL Mah Jongg Maven Webinar
Registration: PENDING
Title: New Card Transition
Date: 04/25/2026 IN-PERSON MS Mahj and MahJ Squad 901
Registration: PENDING
May 2026
Title: Instructor Summit
Date: 05/28/2026 Private, IN-PERSON GIG Atlanta, GA
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/instructor-summit/
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: PENDING
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: INVITATIONAL Mini-Tournament
Date: 10/03/2026 VIRTUAL GIG Mahj Life
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/invitational/
Title: RUMBLE Mini-Tournament
Date: 11/07/2026 VIRTUAL GIG Mahj Life
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/invitational/
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
Date: 11/19/2026 IN-PERSON GIG Irvine CA Merage JCC Mah Jongg Day with Michele Frizzell and Holiday Boutique 2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-irvine-ca-merage-jcc-mah-jongg-day-with-michele-frizzell-and-holiday-boutique-2026/
