PLAYER ROTATION (Article 71)

Commentary: Player rotation changes the mix of players at a table—and with it, the dynamic of the game.

The rotation gives players the opportunity to compete against different opponents rather than spending the entire tournament with the same three people. Because every player brings a different combination of experience, skill, strategy, pace, and personality, changing the players changes the competitive environment.

Player rotation is commonly used in casual four-player games. The National Mah Jongg League recommends a seat rotation to keep the game fresh. East rolls the dice to break the wall, then the dice move to the player on the right for the next game, continuing around the table. When the dice return to the original East after four games, that player—who serves as the pivot for the session—keeps the dice and switches seats with the player on their right. The process continues throughout the playing session.

Even though the same four people are playing, changing seats changes the passing and picking order and can create a different game dynamic.

For larger groups, there are many ways to rotate players. The method depends on the number of players and the number of one-hour rounds in the session. Whatever method you choose, rotate on the hour rather than waiting for a particular game to end.

The mechanics may differ, but the idea is the same: change the players, change the dynamic.

Seat Swap Method (4 hours, 8 players)

• Round 1, East/player 1 switch tables
• Round 2, South/player 2 switch tables
• Round 3, West/player 3 switch tables
• Round 4, North/player 4 switch tables

Random Pull Method (any duration, any number of players)

• Name a table by assigning a tile
• At one table, use the tiles to randomize seating
• Pull the number of the assigned tiles based on how players will be seated
• Place the tiles upside down and mix them 
• Players pick a tile to determine where they will sit

Example for 11 players:

• Table 1/Red dragon (4 players, 4 red dragons) 
• Table 2/Green dragon (4 players, 4 green dragons) 
• Table 3/White dragon (3 players, 3 white dragons)

Standard Tournament Method (4 hours, 16 players; number the tables 1-4)

• Round 1, East/player 1 stays seated 
• Round 2, South/player 2 moves up one
• Round 3, West/player 3 moves down one
• Round 4, North/player 4 moves down two 

In an official tournament, players are typically assigned a starting seat at random and follow the rotation above after each round.

Question from a player: How do we exchange seats when we are playing a four-handed game?

Answer from the NMJL: When playing a four-handed game, there is no Bettor. To change the passing and picking in a four-handed game, the following method is used: The original East is “pivot” for the day. After each round, which consists of four games, the pivot who is the original East, changes seats with the player to the right. The pivot takes the dice to the new seat. After four more hands are played, the same procedure is repeated, with the pivot taking the dice, changing seats with the player on the right, and once again becoming East. This pattern continues throughout the game.

Source: Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 27, paragraph 1)