FAQ & Terms

MJMJ Fun Day Rules and Terms for Participating 

This event is for players 16+ who already know how to play American Mah Jongg. It is not a place to learn the game. All MJMJ Fun Day participants are required to follow the National Mah Jongg League rules and WoTRS house rules for seating, rotating seats, timing, and scoring. A combined set of rules in PDF form can be downloaded here for Competitive Section Players and Recreational Section Players. By registering, individuals agree to arrive on time on the day of the event and to email wotrs@templerodefshalom.org within 2 days of their registration date should they need to cancel or transfer their registration to a substitute player. 

When is registration open? 

Registration opens on April 10 and closes on May 19. Anyone registering after May 19 will be placed on a wait list and notified the day before Fun Day of their participation status. Please note that we aim to accommodate as many participants as possible; however, for planning purposes, we need to ensure each participant is assigned to a four-person table.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

We will honor cancellation requests, minus a $10 service fee, within a 48-hour grace period from the date of receipt of the registration. To initiate a cancellation, email wotrs@templerodefshalom.org and in the subject line type "request MJMJ cancellation." 

Because this is a charity event, the registration fee will be converted into a straight donation, as no goods or services are provided if the player does not participate. 

As an alternative, a player who needs to cancel may make arrangements to transfer their registration to a substitute player. Please email wotrs@templerodefshalom.org if you have found a qualified player to take your place due to a need to cancel. Any financial transactions between a cancelled player and a replacement player to settle the registration fee must be done without the assistance of WoTRS or Temple Rodef Shalom. Individuals who show up as a replacement for another player who has cancelled must present a WoTRS email confirmation that the player transfer was approved.

Can I sit with people I know/friends? 

We will make allowances for those who choose to play in the Recreational section during the first round. However, all Recreation players are expected to rotate to a new seating position according to a predetermined system after the first round. Part of the Fun Day experience is to elevate your play from a drop-in or house party.

Can I see a list of rules? 

Yes! Please familiarize yourself with our rules to avoid any surprises at Fun Day.

Who should sign up for the Competitive section? 

If you have been playing American Mah Jongg regularly for at least 2 years, play by the Rules of the National Mah Jongg League, and enjoy fast-paced tournament play, you should consider this section.

 If you regularly finish a serious game within 10-15 minutes, you should have the chops for the competitive section. Each player is responsible for confirming their table's winning hand. If the bell goes off and your table is still finishing a game, no one gets any points. If you can meet these responsibilities and accept the risks of not completing a game, then the competitive section is for you.

 Seating in the Competitive section is determined by random selection, as is who is playing in the East position. Players will rotate to new seating positions/tables according to a predetermined system after each round.

 We will have a Rules Arbitrator, who has more than 15 years of Mah Jongg tournament and lessons experience, circulating during the games. She will be available to resolve any issues quickly.

 Please see What type of prizes will be awarded? for additional information.

Who should sign up for the Recreation section? If you know how to play American Mah Jongg and understand the rules set by the National Mah Jongg League, but don't want the pressure of playing in a tournament environment, this section is for you.

 Although the Recreation section is a low-stakes setting, there are expectations you must meet. Each player is responsible for confirming their table's winning hand. If the bell signals that a round is over, and your table is still finishing a round, your table will only have 2 extra minutes to wrap up the final game.

 Players in the Recreation section may request to be placed at a table with friends for the first round only. Players will rotate to new seating positions/tables according to a predetermined system after each round.

 We will have a Rules Arbitrator circulating during the games. She will be available to quickly settle any quandaries so that the games can proceed efficiently.

What types of prizes will be awarded?

The winner of the Heads or Tails icebreaker game will receive a cash prize of $25.

Each Recreation winner with the highest core after each of the three rounds will receive a fabulous non-cash prize. The Recreation player with the highest all-around total score will win a cash prize of $50.

The Competitive winner with the highest score after each of the three rounds will receive a cash prize of $25, $50, and $50, respectively. The four highest-scoring competitors will play a final tournament game. The player with the highest tournament score will receive a $100 cash prize, and the remaining tournament players will receive a fabulous non-cash prize.

How do I play Heads or Tails? This is an optional game for all participants who arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the Fun Day Mah Jongg section games. Players must choose heads or tails by standing on either the right or left side of the hall before a coin is tossed. Those on the winning side repeat playing until a winner is called. The lucky winner wins $25. This is a fun game to help break the ice and set the tone for a lively, friendly set of games at the tables.

What should (and shouldn't) I bring to MJMJ Fun Day? Every player should bring their own 2026 National Mah Jongg League Card. You may want to bring a water bottle to keep at your table. Please note that there is no eating or drinking from open containers at a playing table. There is a designated area for players to enjoy sips and noshes.