✋A Hand to Play 03/16/26

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

Which three tiles are the least helpful to your strategy (which would you pass)?

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ A ⭕️ 8 Bam, 9 Crak, South (1916 Votes)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 B ⭕️ 8 Bam, 8 Crak, South (2735 Votes)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ C ⭕️ 8 Bam, South, Green Dragon (1111 Votes)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ D ⭕️ 8 Crak, 9 Crak, South (943 Votes)

Explanation: 

✅ Correct Answer: A) 8 Bam, 9 Crak, South
The tiles point most clearly toward the 13579 Section of the card, focusing on the lower end of the odd numbers.
This option helps you avoid passing a pair while retaining the strength of the 13579 option. It also has the flexibility to move towards a Consecutive Run, using the numbers in the 1-5 range.
With no other Wind tiles in the hand, passing South is a solid choice. Holding the Dragons at this time is also a good choice. While it would be great to hold the 9 Crak and pass the 9 Bam, passing it allows you to play more defensively on the first pass. This choice avoids passing the 8 and 9 Bams together.

❌ Answer B) 8 Bam, 8 Crak, South
This is a reasonable option, but it passes two 8s in different suits. Before passing them together this early, it’s best to confirm the card offers no useful Lines for them. 

❌ Answer C) 8 Bam, South, Green Dragon
This choice is reasonable but not recommended early in the Charleston, as Dragons often gain value as hands take shape. It is usually better to hold them and discard them later in play if they are not needed.

❌ Answer D) 8 Crak, 9 Crak, South
This pass risks helping an opponent build a Consecutive Run. Splitting these tiles across different passes is safer.  

Key Takeaway
For the first pass, look at what’s strong in your hand and pass tiles that don’t work with them. Hold Dragons (and Flowers) until you pick a hand, and avoid passing two or more tiles that could loan your opponent a hand.

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!