I teach according to the widely-accepted standardized rules of American Mahjong set forth by the National Mah Jongg League.

All of my hello, mahj (Mahjong 101+102) classes are currently taught with the NMJL card or the Rack Rebel Learning Lines Card depending on the time of year. I prefer to make sure my students can sit down at any table competently and confidently, and play a league-sanctioned game using official rules and etiquette. I believe that the NMJL card is the standard and will always be the standard for building a solid, flexible foundation for a life-long, evergreen love and understanding of the game.

However, I do not feel that alternative cards are disrespectful or an infringement of any kind. I would not be opposed to using smaller, beginner friendly non-NMJL cards to teach if the situation called for it, as long as the card was written with respect to and in the spirit of the standardized NMJL rules. As someone with a naturally entrepreneurial spirit, I believe that they have the opportunity to create a new, exciting layer to casual play that also solves some of the issues of the standard card. As a Rack Rebel, I believe not only is the game for anyone, but the opportunity for innovation is also for anyone. I believe the friendly marketplace competition of new cards encourages improvement of potentially antiquated systems and practices.

With that said, I do encourage alternative card experimentation in open play situations to spice up your game. I also believe players should use the cards that best support them, their play styles, and their values.

Mahjong is a game, house rules add flavor, and in the words of Andy Bernard: “Well, that’s Dallas.”

In my time playing and teaching, I’ve found the Mahjong realm to be an overwhelmingly supportive space within my own community and in most online spaces. However, I’ve always been a little “alternative.” I was a Tom Boy growing up and I still don’t wear dresses unless it’s for a wedding and only when a pair of fun, baggy pants just won’t do. Half the time I’m sporting a baggy Nascar shirt, ripped jeans, and chucks. I don’t own a blouse. I rarely wear makeup (but don’t ever take away my lashes!) and I wanted to create a community for people like me and the kind of people (Rack Rebels) who vibe best in those spaces.

When I first entered the Mahjong world and went shopping for my own set, I was immediately hit with “I’m barely affording groceries this week” sticker shock. I felt like I was surrounded by lifestyles and luxuries I couldn’t initially afford or relate to. While I’ve gotten to know so many people in this space and over time have felt very welcome, I wanted to create a space that felt like a massive Welcome Mat to folks who feel similarly at first. I may have a lot of pretty sets now - but I didn’t start out with them, and I will absolutely teach you and your friends on your Sams Club or Hobby Lobby sets. It’s the community around the table that matters the most.

I want people of all ages and lifestyles to feel just as special playing on a $20 set of tiles as they do on a set of Crisloids. I want to create spaces where there’s no shame in learning and mistakes are celebrated, even if you’re a seasoned player. No such thing as a stupid questions. No meanies. Mahjong has a lot of new lingo and language to new players and we don’t take any offense to misuse or mess ups. Bird Bam or One Bam? “Crak Dragon, oops, I mean Red!” Doesn’t matter. Calling it a Line instead of a Hand? A Rack Rebel doesn’t care.

Rack Rebels are often the kind of people who know it’s ok to jam out to “Mellow 90s Gold,” a little bit of Blink-182, and follow it up with a worship sesh. Where our inboxes are full of equal amounts of Mahjong reels, Twilight memes, and a variety of super niche hyper-fixations from the weirdest corners of the internet. Costco is our country club.

Rack Rebels are those who help create and honor these spaces.

Mahjong is for everybody, always.