Snippet 20260927 September 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 whenever 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
Mahj Life Is Moving!
Mahj Life is heading to Springfield, Missouri! I’ll be taking September 28–October 4 off to make the move and get settled, so there will be no regularly scheduled programming that week.
Beginning October 5, Mahj Life returns with a new weekly schedule—and all times will be Central Time.
Be sure to check the livestream schedule below and the calendar for updated program times. See you from Springfield!
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 (Central Time PM)
| Monday | Noon to 1:00 | NITTY-GRITTY | American Mah Jongg Skills and Strategies Matrix (AMJ S2 Matrix) 16-week topic rotation by episode (Article 210) |
| Tuesday | Noon to 1:00 | LEARNING LAB Player Edition | Program details |
| Wednesday | Noon to 1:00 | MEMBERS ONLY | Available to YouTube channel members. Learn more… |
| 1:00 to 2:00 | OBSESSED | ||
| Thursday | Noon to 1:00 | LEARNING LAB Instructor Edition | Program details |
| Friday | 3:00 to 5:00 | 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 October)
- RUMBLE Mini-Tournament (first Saturday in November)
- Team League Competition of Wits (March)
****Events require a minimum participation of 32 players for tournaments (confirmed in groups of 4) and 6 teams of 6 for leagues.
Speaking GIGs
September 2026
Location: VIRTUAL at Mahjong Time
Title: BINGO BASH & MAHJ-A-THON Childhood Cancer Awareness Month benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Date: 09/19/2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/fundraisers/
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
- Indiana
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Washington
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 an independently accredited, competency-based professional development program designed to help American mah jongg instructors assess their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning. Through self-paced learning programs, authentic assessments, and performance-based assignments, participants can earn Mahj Life microcredentials that recognize demonstrated competency in specific areas of instructor development. These credentials reflect a commitment to instructional excellence while being earned through educational programs independently accredited by the CPD Standards Office (London, UK).
Microbadges Earned 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
New Articles
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TWO-FISTED PLAY AND TILE HANDLING (ARTICLE 301)
NMJL rules don’t require players to handle tiles with only one hand, and the League doesn’t impose a penalty for
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CHARLESTON PROTOCOLS AND ETIQUETTE (Article 300)
The Charleston is a coordinated exchange among four players. The rules establish what must happen and in what order, but
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MISSING TILE FROM THE WALL (ARTICLE 299)
During a game, players may discover that a tile is missing from an unplayed portion of the wall. Everyone has
Updated Articles
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HOW TO READ THE CARD (Article 269)
If you’ve ever looked at the NMJL card and thought, “There’s no way I’m going to understand this,” you’re not
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TWO-FISTED PLAY AND TILE HANDLING (ARTICLE 301)
NMJL rules don’t require players to handle tiles with only one hand, and the League doesn’t impose a penalty for
-
GLOSSARY (ARTICLE 999)
The following lists terms and expressions used in Mahj Life content and broadcasts. If you see an acronym in the
New letters in Dear Hoptoi
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The Price of Playing Dirty (Letter 28)
I have a question that’s been nagging at me. Perhaps I have a devious mind—and I promise I would never
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
October 2026
Location: VIRTUAL at Mahj Life via StreamYard
TItle: The Myth of Luck in Mah Jongg sponsored by Simply Mahj
Date: 10/08/2026. 6:30 PM CDT
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/the-myth-of-luck-in-mah-jongg-sponsored-by-simply-mahj/
Location: VIRTUAL at Mahjong Time
TItle: Mahj Life Invitational Tournament
Date: 10/03/2026, NOON CDT
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/invitational/
Location: IN-PERSON Branson, MO with Cindy Lubbert
TItle: Immersive Retreat | Two sessions TBD PLUS a Mini-Touranment
Date: 10/23-25/2026
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-branson-mah-jongg-retreat/
November 2026
TItle: VIRTUAL Mahj Life RUMBLE Tournament
Date: 11/07/2026 VIRTUAL GIG Mahj Life
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/invitational/
Location: IN-PERSON La Jolla, CA Lawrence Family Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus
Title: Mah Jongg Day | The Myth of Luck in Mah Jongg
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/
Location: IN-PERSON GIG Irvine, CA Merage JCC
Title: Mah Jongg Day and Holiday Boutique |The Pivot Playbook
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
Location: IN-PERSON Atlanta, GA
Title: 4th Annual Mah Jongg Maven Retreat | two sessions to be determined
Date: 02/19-21/2027
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-all-inclusive-social-mah-jongg-retreat-atlanta-ga-2026/
April 2027
Location: IN-PERSON GIG Horn Lake, MS
Title: MS Mahj Shindig | NMJL Card Transition – Season Shift PREMIER 2027
Date: 4//24/2027
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/season-shift-premier-2027/
May 2027
Location: IN-PERSON GIG Cypress, TX
Title: Simply Mahj Convention 2027
Date: 05/13-16/2027
Location: IN-PERSON GIG Springfield, MO
Title: Instructor Summit 2027, NEW Immersive Format!
Date: 05/26-28/2027
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-gig-instructor-summit-2027/
