It turns out that winning at mahjong isn't just about knowing your Flowers from your Dragons. It's also about not making your fellow players flee the table. Sure, the official rulebook covers how to play the game, but what about the unwritten rules that keep everyone smiling (and breathing) during a session? These aren't hard-and-fast laws — think of them as guidelines. Follow them, and you won't be "that person" everyone dreads playing with.

1. Hygiene – The Unwritten Rule #1

Imagine four people huddled around a small table, deep in thought — and then one player’s funk hits everyone like a rogue East Wind. Don’t be that player. We know it’s weird to have to say this, but apparently it must be said: please shower, wash your bits, and apply deodorant before game time.

Good hygiene is a basic show of respect in any close-quarters environment. In our cozy studio, smell is... definitely a thing. Do everyone a favor and show up fresh. Your win rate may not improve, but your reputation sure will.

And make no mistake. If you roll into her studio surrounded by a fog of eye-watering stanky funk, Mrs. K will discreetly, but without hesitation, ask you to leave. Please refrain from embarrassing yourself or her in this manner. 

2. Take Your Turn — Not All Day

Mahjong is a thinking game, yes — but it’s not a dramatic monologue. A thoughtful pause is totally fine, especially if you're new. But if you’re delaying play because you're texting, ordering takeout, or discussing next week’s potluck with someone at another table... it’s time to refocus.

Respect everyone’s time. Keep things moving. Play at a reasonable pace. The tiles (and your tablemates) will thank you.

3. Phone Down, Game On

We love smartphones — just not during your turn. Taking a quick photo of a beautiful winning hand? Cool. Scrolling social media mid-game while others wait on you? Not cool.

Mahjong is more fun when everyone’s present. Be at the table — not just physically, but mentally.

4. Clean Up Like a Champ

At the end of your session, please tidy up your area. Push in your chair. Throw away your trash. And lay out all the tiles face-down on the table in neat rows so Mrs. K can wipe them down and ensure they are clean for the next group.

This isn’t just polite — it helps us keep the sets complete and the games running smoothly for everyone. Bonus karma points if you stack the racks, too.

5. Bonus Etiquette You Should Know

• Keep your hands (and eyes) to yourself. Don’t touch other people’s tiles or peek at their hands. This isn’t poker night.

• No slamming tiles. It’s dramatic. We get it. But it can damage the set and scare your tablemates. Tap, don’t whack.

• Win graciously. Lose with style. Celebrate your wins, but don’t gloat. And if you’re on a losing streak? Laugh it off. You’ll win next round. Probably.

• Don’t narrate someone else’s game. No guessing their hand, no unsolicited advice mid-turn. Save your commentary for after the round.

• Respect rituals. If someone taps their tiles for luck or insists on cracking the wall a certain way — just go with it. It’s all part of the fun.

• Be kind to beginners. We all started somewhere. Offer gentle guidance, not lectures. And if you're the beginner: ask questions, keep up, and stay curious. We love that you're here.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t rules. But they’re definitely guidelines. And following them helps create the kind of studio everyone wants to come back to — welcoming, clean, focused, and fun.

So wash up. Show up. Play your best. Clean your mess. And enjoy the game.

See you at the table.