American Mah Jongg Tutorial, Part V - A Few Last Words

There are various levels of play in Mah Jongg. Most new players just concentrate on trying to make a Mah Jongg hand before the other players do. Usually, we just keep track of how many Mah Jonggs each player makes in an afternoon or evening of play.

On the National Mah Jongg League official card, each Mah Jongg hand is worth a certain number of points, ranging from 25 points for hands that are relatively easy to make to 75 points for more difficult hands, so players can keep track of their scores.

Many skilled Mah Jongg players play for money, and most sets of rules come with rather elaborate directions as to who pays how much to whom. So far, my sister Mah Jonggers and I haven't felt confident enough to play for money.

One thing that has helped all of us learn the game is to discuss the hands we were trying to build, after a round is finished. Each person explains why she chose the hand, what she added to it through drawing or claiming tiles, and what was needed to complete the hand.

Discussing the round afterward 

(Counter-clockwise from left: Naomi, Alexis, Amanda, and player who chooses to be anonymous)

Mah Jongg is a wonderful game requiring luck, skill, and cognitive flexibility. Enthusiasm for Mah Jongg creates a community of players who encourage one another. While each round has one declared winner, all players improve their critical thinking skills and work to achieve their "personal best" in terms of strategy. 
Can you tell that I love Mah Jongg?