✋A Hand to Play 01/05/26

scroll down to see how the Insiders responded.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Which gives you the best chance of winning?

Which three tiles are the least useful to your strategy?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A ⭕️ 1 Bam, 7 Dot, 3 Crak (2342)
🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ B ⭕️ 1 Bam, 7 Dot, 2 Dot (2192)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ C ⭕️ 1 Bam, 7 Dot, Flower (486)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ D ⭕️ 1 Bam, 7 Dot, 8 Bam (1851)

Explanation: 

ANSWER:

✅ Correct Answer: D) 1 Bam, 7 Dot, 8 Bam
This deal could develop in several ways, depending on the remaining Charleston passes: a Consecutive Run hand in Craks, or Craks and Dots, or one of the 2468 options, including Line 7 with twos.

Passing one of the 8 Bams is reasonable here. Without any sixes, the pair of eights has limited use. If a 6 Dot appears, 2468, Line 6 (222 4444 666 88 88) becomes a strong contender, and if a 6 Bam appears, then 2468, Line 1 (222 4444 666 8888) becomes possible. Until then, the 8 Bam is the least useful tile available to pass.

❌ Answer A) 1 Bam, 7 Dot, 3 Crak
This is a solid start toward a 2468 hand, but it eliminates the chance to build a Consecutive Run.

❌ Answer B) 1 Bam, 7 Dot, 2 Dot
This is a workable choice for players aiming directly for a Consecutive Run and holding the 8 Bams for Joker bait. However, it weakens the ability to pursue 2468 hands, reducing flexibility.

❌ Answer C) 1 Bam, 7 Dot, Flower
This pass preserves many options, but giving up a Flower this early is risky. Flowers are needed for several of the hands possible with this deal, and while they seem plentiful, they can be challenging to collect.

Key Takeaway: First passes are often challenging. Focus on which hands your tiles can realistically support and let go of those least useful. Decide with confidence and move forward; overthinking won’t change what future passes might bring.

So, how’d you do? Feeling like a Mah Jongg Master or do you need some practice? CLICK HERE to sign up for our live practice sessions over Zoom!