Snippet 20260927 September Highlights and Future Happenings
Mahj Life Snippets is my blog. On the last Sunday of each month, I publish a new post with that month’s highlights and upcoming events. We’ll email 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
- Wyoming
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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The Role of East (Article 302)
In American mah jongg, East is the dealer in name only (aka DINO) and goes first. Although the position has
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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
Updated Articles
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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
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TWO PLAYERS WANT THE SAME DISCARD FOR EXPOSURE (Article 93)
When two players call the same tile, the player next in turn gets the tile.
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The Role of East (Article 302)
In American mah jongg, East is the dealer in name only (aka DINO) and goes first. Although the position has
New letters in Dear Hoptoi
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A Touchy Subject (Letter 29)
I have a question about handling an awkward situation without embarrassing someone. I play regularly with a group at our
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: 2026 Four Winds Classic – An American Mahjong Tournament
Date: 11/06-07/2026 IN-PERSON GIG Four Winds Social Club
Registration: https://mahjlife.com/events/in-person-four-winds-social-club-classic-mah-jongg-tournament/
TItle: VIRTUAL Mahj Life RUMBLE Tournament; winners will be announced in a special Sunday livestream
Date: 11/07/2026 VIRTUAL GIG Mahj Life
Registration: by invitation
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/
