Tournament Tips: Fern Oliphant’s Guide for Tournament First-Timers
Thinking About Your First Mah Jongg Tournament? Here’s What to Know
By Fern Oliphant
The first question I always get from first-time tournament players is: “Am I going to be nervous?” My answer? YES.
And here is the surprise: after hosting more than 120 Mah Jongg tournaments across the country, I still get nervous. Every single time. When I pick up the microphone to welcome players, I still get butterflies. I still hope everyone feels included, comfortable, and excited to be there. So if you are nervous about your first tournament, let me reassure you: you are completely normal.
First Things First: Tournaments Are Not for Everyone—And That’s Okay
Let’s be honest. Tournament Mah Jongg is a little like spicy food—you either get the bug, or you don’t. And either is okay. Some players come to one tournament and say, “That was fun!” Others? Boy or girl—watch out. You are hooked. Suddenly you are planning your next event before the first one ends, texting new friends, swapping stories, and wondering where the next tournament will be. Tournament play has an energy all its own.
You Do Not Have to be an Expert
One of the biggest things I hear is: “I’m not good enough.” Not true. Tournaments are filled with all kinds of players—experienced players, social players, competitive players, and first-timers wondering if they belong. You do. Nobody walks into a first tournament knowing everything. The point is not perfection. The point is showing up.
What to Expect
Picture a ballroom full of laughter, beautiful racks and tiles, friendly players, prizes, vendors, fun themes, and people from all over the country who love Mah Jongg. Yes, there are scores. Yes, there are timed rounds. But what surprises most first-timers is this: people are kind. Friendships happen quickly at Mah Jongg tournaments.
A Little Honest Advice
Now let’s talk about something real. Will you ever run into a disgruntled player or someone having a bad day? Unfortunately, yes. It happens. Sometimes people are tired, frustrated, competitive, or simply having a rough day. My rule? If someone is unkind, come tell me after the round. At Destination Mah Jongg™, I have zero tolerance for unkindness. But also remember this: you are only spending 55 minutes with that person. Then the round ends, tables rotate, and chances are—you may never see them again. Do not let one difficult person ruin a great experience.
What Should You Bring?
Keep it simple: your National Mah Jongg card, your rack and pushers (if allowed), a sweater or jacket—ballrooms are always freezing for someone—comfortable shoes, snacks, and water. And most importantly: bring an open mind. You may arrive alone and leave with new friends.
The Truth About Tournament Nerves
I see it all the time. A first timer walks in nervous. By lunch? They are laughing. By dinner? They are making friends. By the end of the weekend? They are asking: “Okay… where are we going next?” Because something special happens when people who love Mah Jongg get together: you stop feeling like a first-timer. You start feeling like you belong.
One Final Tip
If you come to a Destination Mah Jongg™ tournament, first-timers are invited to join me 30 minutes before play for a session called “Fern’s Tournament Tips.” We go over tournament basics, etiquette, scoring, pacing, and all the little details that can feel overwhelming before your first event. My goal is simple: to make things easier, calm the nerves, and help you walk into the ballroom feeling ready. You still may be nervous. That is normal. But I promise—you will look like you know exactly what you are doing. And who knows? You just may catch the bug.
P.S. New to the community and wondering why everyone spells the game differently — Mahjong, Mah-Jongg, Mah Jong? Here’s why we spell it Mah Jongg.