Etiquette in mahjong: Difference between revisions

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Much of the etiquette stems on one simple principle: '''Respect for the game and respect for the players'''.  As long as players can adhere to this concept, then everyone at the mahjong table can play with a positive game environment.  Yet, levels of etiquette will vary by decorum.  Professional settings require a very high level of etiquette, by which a break in protocol may warrant some penalties or some disciplinary action.  On the other hand, casual settings provide a more relaxed environment, especially in a game played among friends.  Given the setting, players should be aware of the level of etiquette, warranted by the playing environment.
Much of the etiquette stems on one simple principle: '''Respect for the game and respect for the players'''.  As long as players can adhere to this concept, then everyone at the mahjong table can play with a positive game environment.  Yet, levels of etiquette will vary by decorum.  Professional settings require a very high level of etiquette, by which a break in protocol may warrant some penalties or some disciplinary action.  On the other hand, casual settings provide a more relaxed environment, especially in a game played among friends.  Given the setting, players should be aware of the level of etiquette, warranted by the playing environment.


== Etiquette guidelines ==
== Specific guidelines ==
 
A number of guidelines point to specific aspects to the game.
The general principle to mahjong etiquette stems on one word: Respect.  As long as players can respect the game, the players, and their game environment, then etiquette behavior should be almost automatic without need for enforcement.  This comes with some both written and unwritten guidelines.


=== Handling of tiles ===
=== Handling of tiles ===


=== Point exchanges ===
=== Point exchanges ===
Point exchanges are best done efficiently and with proper display.
When paying points, players may have the tendency to retain their larger [[Tenbou|point sticks]] in order to make their score appear larger.  However, it makes no difference, as a player's score is the player's current score.  A specific example is a deal in for 3900.  Instead of giving away three 1000 sticks and 900 points, it is more efficient to give a 5000 point stick while receiving 1100 points in return.
To pay with point sticks, players should place the proper amounts on the play area.  This allows all players on the table to see the point exchange, whether the amounts exchanged are the proper amounts.  Naturally, the points should be placed on the table directly, rather than being thrown or directly into another player's pile.


=== Tile discarding ===
=== Tile discarding ===

Revision as of 22:53, 25 June 2019

The game also offers some guidelines on game etiquette. Not necessarily enforceable via the games rules, they are still important to maintain a positive game environment. Depending on the decorum, the level of etiquette may vary given different environments and settings. Professional mahjong settings require very high level etiquette standards. In contrast, casual games among friends may be played with lower levels of etiquette.

Etiquette principles

Much of the etiquette stems on one simple principle: Respect for the game and respect for the players. As long as players can adhere to this concept, then everyone at the mahjong table can play with a positive game environment. Yet, levels of etiquette will vary by decorum. Professional settings require a very high level of etiquette, by which a break in protocol may warrant some penalties or some disciplinary action. On the other hand, casual settings provide a more relaxed environment, especially in a game played among friends. Given the setting, players should be aware of the level of etiquette, warranted by the playing environment.

Specific guidelines

A number of guidelines point to specific aspects to the game.

Handling of tiles

Point exchanges

Point exchanges are best done efficiently and with proper display.

When paying points, players may have the tendency to retain their larger point sticks in order to make their score appear larger. However, it makes no difference, as a player's score is the player's current score. A specific example is a deal in for 3900. Instead of giving away three 1000 sticks and 900 points, it is more efficient to give a 5000 point stick while receiving 1100 points in return.

To pay with point sticks, players should place the proper amounts on the play area. This allows all players on the table to see the point exchange, whether the amounts exchanged are the proper amounts. Naturally, the points should be placed on the table directly, rather than being thrown or directly into another player's pile.

Tile discarding

Verbal cues

External links

Etiquette video produced by Kenko mahjong