- The Mah Jongg Insider
- Posts
- 04/20/26 🀄 Your New Card Game Plan Starts Here
04/20/26 🀄 Your New Card Game Plan Starts Here
The Mah Jongg Insider 🀄
April 20, 2026
🧨️ Happy Mah Jongg Monday!️
By now, tables are playing the 2026 card.
Most players are doing what they always do…
looking at it, picking a few hands, and hoping it works out.
But this year, that’s a mistake.
There are patterns on this card that aren’t obvious.
Hands that look familiar… but will cost you games.
Charleston decisions that matter more than people realize.
Even players who’ve been playing for years are catching things they missed at first.
Inside the Card Review, you’ll see:
• what actually changed this year
• which hands are worth playing early
• what to pass and keep in the Charleston
• where most players go wrong
And today, you can bring your specific questions to Live Bonus Q&A Session #2.
So instead of guessing, you can get clear, fast.
✨ What happened after a member watched our 2026 Card Reveal…
  | “Good thing I watched your 2026 NMJL Card Reveal with Phyllis Drucker… I was dealt a hand with no jokers, a lot of singles, and a few pairs. I remembered Phyllis said to look at S & P concealed hands. Never have I ever played that section, too scary! But I decided to go for it. The Charleston wasn’t easy, but I stayed with it… and ended up winning Mah Jongg!!! Thank you, Phyllis, for that suggestion and your great presentation. It was very helpful for finding patterns and pivoting. Looking forward to the Q&A sessions.” — Jana (Pinky), Palm Desert & Seattle |
That’s what this gives you.
A clear way to make decisions when it counts.
Here’s a quick preview of today’s issue. Scroll down to read each section in full.
💡 Table Wisdom — How to spot a dead hand before it’s called.
🖐🏻 A Hand to Play — Which hand gives you the best chance?
🎁 Winning Picks — Fun finds for your Mah Jongg celebrations.
🎥 Max’s Minute — Tile calls, timing, and Joker rules.
❓ Ask Auntie — How flexible should “friendly” rules be?
🎓 Instructor Feature — Jillian shares a simple method to master the card.
📸 Spotlight — Beach games, poolside Mahj, and retreats.
🎂 Birthdays — This week’s AMJA members.
🏁 Milestones — Progress inside TheWinningHand app.
🖐🏻 Free Practice Sessions — See if we called your name.
… and more!
💡 Table Wisdom
How to Tell When a 2026 Hand is Dead
Recognizing viable hands and hands that have become dead is an important strategic skill, both for your own hand and those of other players.
Too Few / Many Tiles
The easiest clue to a dead hand is a rack with fewer than 13 tiles or more than 14 during a player’s turn. If you think you have the wrong number of tiles, count quietly. You cannot call your own hand dead, so unless someone else notices, you can play defense and try to force a wall game by holding tiles other players might need. If you think another player has mixed up the order of play, quietly count the tiles on their rack. If it’s off decide if you wish to call their hand dead.
Incorrect Exposures
Pay attention to your own exposures and to those of the other players. If the incorrect number of tiles are exposed, the hand may be dead.
Of course, if a player exposes a Pair, the hand is dead.
There are also errors in reading the 2026 card that can make a hand dead or a Mah Jongg invalid:
Two Pungs and Sextets: Take care to check that neither of these is exposed incorrectly and that any other exposures are Kongs. Take care that the Sextet in a hand is not broken into 2 Pungs, even if this occurs during a call for Mah Jongg.
The Winds and Dragons hand (1 N 2 EE 3 WWW 4 SSSS) could confuse players. Make sure they do not expose the single tile with the Wind tile when they expose the West or South tiles. Also, if a win is declared, make certain this hand was played with “1234” as these are the only tiles that could be used.
The wrong Dragon. If you can tell the hand being played, make certain the correct Dragon (matching vs. opposing) is used.
Non-Viable Hands Could Be Dead
As exposures are made, work to figure out the hand in play. If that hand has singles or pairs, review the table to make certain the tiles they need are not discarded. Remember that if the exposures work with any other hand on the card, the hand is not dead.
Learning the card well will help with this in 2026. Knowing the correct patterns and hands that use singles or pairs can help you avoid throwing a Mah Jongg tile or to call the hand dead, eliminating that player from the rotation and giving you more picks to win.
🖐🏻 A Hand to Play
Last Week’s 🖐🏻 Hand to Play Results:
2,673 Insiders Played, 68% chose right.
👉 See the correct answer & explanation here.
The 2026 Card has been in play for a few weeks now. You know the Sections. You know the Hands. Now decide which direction gives you strength and a solid backup.
You are holding the tiles below. Which hand will you play as your primary hand?
Pick the hand that keeps your options open, protects your key tiles, and positions you to move forward with confidence.
Hint: Be sure to consider gaps in the hand as well as any Singles or Pairs needed to win.
Make your choice based on the tiles below. They represent the way you would play this hand.
Vote now and see how your answer compares with other players.👇
🀄 Tile Spotlight: Today’s Hand to Play uses Mah Jongg Maven’s tiles.
Which hand would you play (at the end of the Charleston)? |
🌟 Hydration, but Make It 35% Off
Your favorite hydration packets are 35% off right now with this link. BetterDays is celebrating a birthday sale through April 26, so it’s a great time to stock up, especially on the popular caffeinated pink lemonade. Perfect for warm days, busy schedules, or a little boost on the golf course.
🀄 Winning Picks: For Your Mah Jongg Celebrations
Every day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the game we love. Whether you’re hosting a table, bringing a small gift, or simply enjoying a Mah Jongg-themed treat, these picks make your games a little more festive.
📚 Mah Jongg-Inspired Books by Cris Bonser
Three thoughtful paperbacks designed for Mah Jongg fans make great gifts: If These Tiles Could Talk, Gather at the Table, and Ministry of Mahjong. Light, reflective reads that capture the humor, connection, and lessons that unfold around the table.
🕯 “Smells Like She’s Playing Mahjong” Candle
A playful hostess gift with a fresh sea salt citrus scent. The gold lid and simple design make it perfect for game night or everyday use. Light it up →
🧳 Mini Mah Jongg Travel Set
A compact set that’s perfect for summer trips, weekend getaways, or keeping in the car for spontaneous games. Lightweight, durable, and easy to store. Take Mah Jongg anywhere →
🎉 Mah Jongg Party Plates & Napkins Set
Everything you need to add a festive touch to Mah Jongg night, from casual gatherings to themed celebrations. Set the table →
🍝 Mah Jongg-Shaped Pasta
Yes, really. Pasta shaped like flowers, winds, dragons, and Jokers. A fun surprise for Mah Jongg lovers and a playful addition to a themed dinner. Cook up some fun →
(**As an Amazon Associate, The Mah Jongg Insider earns from qualifying purchases.)
This week’s top questions:
1️⃣ If someone calls for a tile a few seconds before someone else, are they entitled to the tile even if their turn isn’t next?
2️⃣ Can you pass Jokers during the Charleston? Is there a penalty for doing so?
Watch Max’s 1-minute video answer.
🎥 [Click here to watch]
Have a question for Max?
🎤 Leave him a [voicemail]
⬅️ Last Week’s Question
Auntie, people buy food at the grocery store venue and eat over the tiles. Gentle hints do not work and I do not want my set dirtied. Help.
- Irva M.
🥠 Auntie’s Advice 🥠
🗨 My friend, when gentle hints don’t work, it usually means the message is too soft to be heard.
Since it’s your set, you’re allowed to set a simple boundary. A calm statement like, “Let’s keep food away from the tiles so the set stays clean,” is clear and reasonable. No apology needed.
If someone prefers to snack while playing, they can step away for a moment. Protecting the equipment isn’t rude. It’s practical.
📢 Readers’ Responses 📢
🗨 Mah Jongg is a social game. Enjoying food with others is also a social event. The two naturally go hand in hand. My Mahj girls love breaks while mixing tiles to grab a snack or treat. We play for a minimum of 3 hours, and that’s a long time to go without sustenance. Tiles don’t stain; they are easily cleaned. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Perhaps you could have wet wipes available and ask players to wipe their hands before the next round. I honestly have never seen my tiles get dirty from ladies enjoying a snack while playing.
- Andrea A.
🗨 I would have a supply of paper napkins handy, and when someone pulls out some food, I would hand them a napkin and say, "Here's a napkin so we don't get any crumbs or grease on the tiles."
- Janet C.
🗨 My tiles, my table, my rules. No food is allowed at my table. If there is a problem, I can pick up my toys and go home. It's important to me that my tiles are cared for and this is the way I take care of them.
- Kelly H.
Whose response do you like best? |
➡️ This Week’s Question
In a friendly game, someone unknowingly played with 14 tiles and the group said 'we’re just friendly.' How far do you bend the rules in a friendly game?
- Winnie O.
🤗 Want to share your advice?
🤔 Have a Mah Jongg manners or table moment dilemma?
📩 Send it to Auntie: [email protected]
️🎓 Instructor Feature
Winning insights from the instructors players trust most.
| This week’s tip comes from… 🀄 Jillian learned to play when she was 8 years old (on the 1992 card!) and has been playing ever since. |
📸 Get In the Spotlight
Hello, hello,
Here's our group playing Mah Jongg at the Marine Room in Southern California on a Friday afternoon in August during hightide so we are calling it: TGIF&M @ the LJBTC! You know what I mean; Thank God It's Friday & Mah Jongg at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. We are a total group of 12 or so who have been tennis friends for many years and decided to learn Mah Jongg a few years ago. So we get tennis matches together and play Mah Jongg too! We have such great fun playing both games.
- Ann Glazener
We enjoy our Pool Mahj!!
- Brenda Brock
Tuesday Mahj Squad got away from Houston, Texas for a Mah Jongg retreat. Tournament lasted 2 days with many rounds of play, including regular play, playing with blanks, and maybe some money was involved. Top row: Sheryl Fisher, Denise Wilhite, Jane Grace, Diane Roberts (trophy winner), Mandy Wigginton, Lynne Williams. Seated row: Susan Wiesselberg, Diane Rager, Cheryl Kramer
📸 Share your Mah Jongg moments!
Send us a photo and a quick note — big wins, themed nights, or fun group shots — for a chance to be featured.
📩 Email: [email protected]
🎂 This Week’s Birthdays
The American Mah Jongg Association would like to wish these members a very Happy Birthday!
Apr 20
Barbara M. (NC), Debra H. (GA), Judi M. (CA), Sue T. (CA), Susan F. (GA), Tammy F. (PA)
Apr 21
Anne Z. (MA), Janet H. (TX), Lori M. (ME)
Apr 22
Ann H. (IL), Annette S. (SC), Elisabeth T. (MD), Nadine A. (AZ), Vicki S. (OH)
Apr 23
Ardele H. (ID), Cindy S. (AZ), Cindy S. (AZ), Plonneke T. (WA)
Apr 24
Elizabeth H. (TX), Jaci V. (KS), Linda C. (MI), Risa M. (CA), Sue J. (FL)
Apr 25
Indra K. (TN), Kathy R. (VA), Leslie P. (GA), Monica M. (FL), Pam S. (FL), Susie W. (CA)
Apr 26
Georgia E. (AZ), Pat S. (MO), Susan K. (NC)
If your name is Colleen , enjoy a FREE Practice Session 🖐🏻 on us!*
*Just reply to this email by this Friday at midnight—your email name must match!
🏁 Milestones
These milestones come from players using The Winning Hand, the practice app included with membership in the American Mah Jongg Association. [Join Here]
Members use it in different ways. To warm up. To stay sharp. Or simply to spend more time with the game you already love.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 500 games played
Lori MacDonald
🔥🔥🔥🔥 400 games played
Janette Goldstein
🔥🔥🔥 300 games played
Yvonne Lanoux
🔥🔥 200 games played
Leo Immonen
Patti Berger
Sarah Stanney
Kathleen Gresh
Jackie Tobias
Suzy Rogers
Linda Striano
Julie Holmes
🔥 100 games played
Paulette Bernbaum
Deborah Wilson
Geri Bradley
Nancy Paisley
Sonja Longley
Sandra Johnson
Paula Rounsaville
Nancy Mendell
Diane Vanwart
Joyce Bickel
Debra Greenhood
Heidi Spitzer
👏 The more you play, the better your game gets.
🎥 New to TheWinningHand app?
Short videos walk through each game mode:
➕ Hand Builder | ☑️ Finish the Hand | 🔃 Scrambled Hand | 💃🏻 Charleston
📲 Want a backup for the weekly email?
Add your phone number to get a short text when new content is published, just in case you ever miss it. 👉 [Notify Me]
Support the Insider, Reach Our Readers
The Mah Jongg Insider reaches 150,000 readers who gather weekly around the Mah Jongg table. We’re exploring a small number of sponsorships with brands that fit that setting.
Email: [email protected]
🎁 Earn FREE gifts!
Share the Insider with your Mah Jongg friends 👇
3 → Winning Mah Jongg Strategies PDF
5 → AMJA Sticker
10 → 30-Day Practice Plan PDF
15 → Free Practice Session w/ Max or Phyllis
25 → Large 2025 NMJL Card
50 → Virtual Bootcamp Access
100 → VIP Membership
1000 → Self-Shuffling Table
You currently have 0 referrals, only 3 away from receiving Winning Mah Jongg Strategies PDF.
📧 How to Share The Mah Jongg Insider
1️⃣ Copy the message below.
2️⃣ Paste it into an email.
3️⃣ Add your friends’ email addresses in the “To” field.
4️⃣ Hit send!
✂️ Message to Copy:
Have you checked out this fantastic weekly newsletter all about American Mah Jongg? I think you’ll love it! Click this link to join for FREE:
👉 https://mahjong.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER
That’s it! 🎁 When your friends subscribe, you’ll earn free gifts as a thank-you.
Reply