SEASON 3

FAQS

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FAQS *

  • We play 16-tile Taiwanese mahjong 🇹🇼🀄️using LA Mahjong League House Rules.

    We strongly recommend reviewing the house rules ahead of time so you can play and strategize with confidence.

    LAMJ team members are happy to help verify scoring upon request, but ultimately it’s each player’s responsibility to count their points (don’t leave any on the table)!

  • ✓ 6 events to rack up points from February 1–April 11
    ✓ Two levels: Tortoise 🐢 and Hare 🐇 (details below)
    ✓ Prizes for the top 4 players plus the top Tortoise 🐢 (details below)
    ✓ $88 entry fee; members must still register for individual events
    ✓ Food and drink minimums apply at each venue

    Note: in the event we don’t fill all 4 seats at a table, LAMJ team members will play. Our points won’t count — yours will.

  • Yes. The Season 3 League fee is $88 per person. This fee covers:

    • League participation across all 6 events (February 1–April 11)

    • Prizes, including gift cards purchased to support local Asian-owned businesses

    • The LAMJ House Rules booklet

    Please note: League members must still purchase individual event tickets, which include their first drink.

  • The league fee supports our operations and programming as well as the tournament prizes.

    Individual event tickets go to the venue and cover your first drink—think of it as a one-drink minimum.

    We also encourage you to order additional drinks (and food!) at each venue to support our local Asian-American economy.

    • Sunday, 2/1 @ Sweet Burden Warehouse (East LA) 

    • Sunday, 2/15 @ Chifa (Eagle Rock)

    • Sunday, 3/1 @ TBD

    • Saturday, 3/14 @TBD

    • Sunday, 3/29 @ Sweet Burden Warehouse (East LA)

    • Saturday, 4/11 Final @ Sweet Burden Warehouse (East LA)

    Each event includes 3 hours of gameplay. Timing varies but full details will be clearly laid out on the event registration page.


    When you sign up for a spot, please ARRIVE ON TIME to ensure 3 hours of gameplay for everyone.

  • Event sign-ups open one week before each event on our password-protected league member page. We’ll announce seat availability on Instagram, so keep an eye out!

    • Seats are first come, first served.

    • When you sign up, you’ll choose your level: Tortoise 🐢 or Hare 🐇.

    • While we plan for 50 league participants, not every event can accommodate all 50 players.

    • PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME to ensure 3 hours of gameplay for everyone!

  • So you can play with others at your pace!

    🐢 Tortoise (龜): Take your time—18 seconds max per move.

    • For Season 3, there’s a Top Tortoise prize. To be eligible, a player must play as a Tortoise for all, or the majority, of the events they participate in during the 6-event season.

    🐇 Hare (兔): Fast and furious—8 seconds max per move.

    • If you exceed 8 seconds ⏱️ and your fellow players request an official timer, you’ll be penalized 1 point per infraction.

    • For future events, slower players may be paired with Tortoises.

  • Players are grouped by the level they registered for: Tortoise 🐢 or Hare 🐇.

    • When you check in, you’ll be randomly assigned a table aka “choose your fortune!”

    • Each event has two rounds, with a table swap in the middle to mix things up.

    • Note: To qualify for the Top Tortoise prize 🐢🏆, you must play Tortoise level for 4 of 6 events.

  • Since this is a tournament, no assistance can be requested or given.

    If you make a mistake that disqualifies you—like forgetting to repair your flowers or claim a bonus tile when you gong—you are 相公 (“mahjong eunuch”) for that game.

    Play carefully…your honor is on the line! 🀄️

  • No problem; event participation isn’t mandatory. Playing more gives you more chances to rack up points…and more chances to lose them.

    Play as many events as you can, and may the winds be ever in your favor 🀄️

  • As a league member, you’ll have 6 chances to play and rack up points!

    • Everyone starts with 1,000 points.

    • We’ll post the ladder on Instagram and share updates via email after each event.

    • After the final tournament on 4/11, the top 4 players and the top Tortoise 🐢 will take home prizes.

  • As Chinese-American founders, we started the LA Mahjong League to teach and share a game that feels like home, celebrate our culture, and play for prizes that support local Asian-owned businesses. A true 胡-胡-胡 (win-win-win)!

    Top Prize: 

    2nd Prize: 

    • $200 gift card to an AAPI-owned business*

    • Choice of LAMJ merch

    3rd Prize:

    • $150 gift card to an AAPI-owned business* 

    • Choice of LAMJ merch

    4th Prize:

    • $50 gift card to an AAPI-owned business* 

    • Choice of LAMJ merch

    Top Tortoise Player:

    • $150 gift card to an AAPI-owned business* 

    • Choice of LAMJ merch

    Note 1: only those who play at least 4 out of 6 events as Tortoises are eligible. If you play less than 4 events, all must be played as Tortoise.

    Note 2: if the Top Tortoise also places in the top 4, they receive only one prize (the higher of the two).

    *All gift cards are purchased by LAMJ—we never ask businesses to donate them. Together, we’re supporting the local Asian-American economy!

    AAPI-owned businesses from which to choose:

    Note 1: You can split your winning amount across more than one business.

    Note 2: You can apply your winning amount toward the cost of a Premium Machill MJ set.

    Note 3: You can apply your winning amount toward a future LAMJ tournament fee.

  • At LAMJ, we’re committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful space where everyone can enjoy the game. Mutual respect and good sportsmanship are central to this commitment. 

    Mahjong can get passionate—and that’s part of the fun! Still, we ask all members to:

    • Treat fellow players with respect at all times, including arriving on time and being mindful of your language and actions

    • Play by LAMJ's House Rules, even if you don’t personally agree with them

    • Accept official rulings once they’re made

    These guidelines help ensure a fair, enjoyable experience for everyone at the table 🀄️