Tile Talk

Send us Fan MailTILE TALK EPISODE 20: Welcome Back Bubbe Fischer! Karen Gooen introduces her new American Mahjong book! Luck Favors the Prepared Mindhttps://bubbefischer.com/Special gift for the first 500 preorders! https://tiletalk.com/Today our topic is:  She's baaaaaack!We first had Karen Gooen on in Episode 5 to help us analyze and break down the new card and share some of her mahjong wisdom and philosophies with us. If you missed that episode, don’t sleep on it! It’s still our top rated episode! Karen is the Bobby Fischer of American mahjong, aka our very own Bubbe Fischer. She’s an author, a strategist, a mahjong philosopher, and one of the sharpest minds in the game.But what we love most about Bubbe is that she doesn't just tell you WHAT to do. She teaches you WHY. She’s spent years teaching players how to THINK about the game, not simply how to play it. And today, our favorite Bubbe has some very big news. She's been keeping a secret from the mahjong world, and we are absolutely thrilled that she's here to share it with all of you! Welcome back, Bubbe!TABLESCAPEMat - Heritage by OMMTiles - House Tigers in Oyster - Tigre de Tartan (Classic American Mahjong Tiles)Racks - Cane by Lucky DaughtersFlowers- Shrimp plant is going off! globe amaranth in pink vasesHH DRINK - Lavender Lychee Lemonade: Blanco Tequila, Triple Sec, Lemon, Lychee Liquer,LavendarTHE TILE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN:@tracyvirta6692 • 4 days ago : The mask changes with Marshall were hilarious  Amsimonetta-us : OMG! Hope is in my group in the Cleveland Area! She is not the only one who has found long lost family in my group. It makes me so Happy! - Mahj with Angela, Strongsville, OhioStory from a league in “I sat these ladies together today. All 3 have just met for the first time. Enjoying their games thoroughly. Sometime this morning they learned that they’re all 3 widows. One in her 30s, one in her 50s, and the other in her 60s. They’ve now not only bonded over a board game but within an hour they’re sharing things no one else understands.”Ira Pav: What about exchanging a blank for a tile that is then used for a joker exchange... 🤔 this keeps coming up. Sometimes the person who has exposed the joker and sometimes for someone who wants to do an exchange on someone else's rackWHAT’S BLOWIN IN THE WIND? This book! When Bubbe drops a book, that’s all we’re talking about! So much to discuss! (?)TOPIC: Bubbe, you’ve been keeping a BIG secret, and we are just bursting at the seams over here! So without further ado… SPILL THE TILES! What’s the big news?!STATEMENT: There are so many fantastic topics and chapters in this book. From Charleston strategies, player archetypes, and even planning fundraisers and tournaments. I want to talk about everything but I know we can’t give too much away!There is so much wisdom, but also wit and humor! We love the archetypes! The book is rich with Bubbe-isms! Including the title! Can we talk about some of our favorites?!If you can’t win, don’t lose. You can’t mahj second (Ricky bobby)Something I love that you’ve included is “Tales from the Table” aka case studies from previous cards. How do these real-life examples reinforce the lessons you're teaching?The A-list! You say there are two important aspects of preparation: the annual card review and the analytical skills of your A-list. Can you explain the A-list and why both are so important?“Social media can teach you a tip. Bubbe teaches you how to think.” The Perfect Gift! Don’t think you need it? You’re wrong. But at least be a good friend and get it for a friend. It’s that good!Q: Not Mahjong Related, but there are so many great Broadway shows in NYC right now ( musicals: Death Becomes Her, The Great Gatsby, Schmigadoon, Purple Rain next spring, etc / straight shows: A Few Good Men, Other Desert Cities, and Galileo: Begins previews November 10, 2026, at the Shubert Theatre (opening December 6, 2026). What should we come see Bubbe?TILE TIPS:Dont fall in love with your tiles! SIGNOFF:  A HUGE thank you to Karen Gooen (aka Bubbe Fischer) for spending time with us today! And that’s a mahjong for today’s Tile Talk! Thank you so much for joining us! Until next time, may your tiles be lucky and your table always welcoming!www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailThe Zombie Tile - Playing with Blanks and Bringing Dead Tiles Back to Life! HOW’S EVERYONE DOING?Marshall moved! What are the girls for Halloween?! Christina kicked butt at a local event! Elizabeth is mad FSU game is on Halloween night!TABLESCAPEMat - Miss Mahjong - Toile De Los MuertosTiles - The Grateful Dead tiles from Bespoke Racks - Miss Mahjong Iridescent Opal Scalloped Acrylic RacksFlowers-colius, grass, lorepedlum,proteasHH DRINK - Dracula’s Curse - blanco tequila, lime, raspberry, grenadine, fire water & FANGSWHAT’S BLOWIN IN THE WIND? A man won the National Mahjong Tournament in Vegas! (put on by Destination Mahjong) Dave Musso was recently on MahjBros Podcast discussing his strategy: “Play to win - dont get fancy” Even with two or three jokers, he would pick a hand he wouldnt have to struggle with pairs and avoids what his opponents were collecting.He was so calm! He thinks more men are going to get into Mahjong! (https://www.instagram.com/reels/De1mleBxl_P/)Lets ask our  audience - do you predominately play with women? Mixed? Christina is thinking of starting a mens league or at least a game night!?! Couples Leaugue? Mixed? Tiger Den?NEW! Game to try! NO-Q! We gave it a shot this week and had so much fun!! Here is the synopisis:Same rules and game procedure as Mahjong - but the tiles are letters, books, and special characters!Set up walls (15 io 18), deal is a bit different, but the same gist. EAch player is dealt 15/16 for dealer. Roll the dice to determine who goes first and how many letters are in your “lead” word. For a winning hand you need a pair of books in the same color, lead word in opposite color of the books (number of letters from dice roll), and a special character - you fill in words to complete a 16 tile hand. No jokers for pairs or singles, you can mix number tiles for words 4 letters and over.Major Differences from Mahjong?Soooo good for kids! And spelling challenged adults! https://noqgame.com/ NEW SEGMENT? WORD FROM OUR LISTENERS-THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN? (TILE TRIBE?)STORY FROM HOPE MILLER!TOPIC: Playing American Mahjong with …… Blanks! Lets resurrect the dead and play with some Zombie tiles!We’re gonna make some HEADS SPIN with this one!But we’re going to answer all the questions!  WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, HOWTILE TIPS:Blank/Zombie strategy - when to hold em, when to fold emHow to distract while you are exchanging tiles - Covert! Exchange during a wall push out! (La Femme Nikita) Their ends are just, but their means are ruthless!The series was telecast in the United States on the USA Network from 1997 to 2001. La Femme Nikita was the highest-rated drama on American basic cable during its first two seasons. “What in the World can that be?” Princess Bride distraction - if you know you know (send Marshall/upload pic)SIGNOFF:   And that’s a mahjong for today’s Tile Talk! Thank you so much for joining us! Until next time, may your tiles be lucky and your table always welcoming!www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailThis week we're welcoming the three sisters behind Lucky Daughters, Linda, Nina, and Thuy, who grew up with Mahjong as the glue that kept their family gathered around the table. The three Vietnamese-Chinese-American sisters have created Mahjong tile sets and accessories that are Asian-led and story driven, meant to be passed down as treasured heirlooms. Tile talk dives into family business, Mahjong popularity, and what's next for these super creative an fun sisters!https://luckydaughters.com/TABLESCAPE PROVIDED BY LUCKY DAUGHTERS! STUNNING!Mat - Lucky Garden Mat / Imperial Bloom MatTiles - Lucky Daughter’s Auntie’s Table TilesRacks - LD Natural Cane Racks Drink: Guest Choice : Apple Butter MargaritaReposado tequila, apple butter syrup, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, an apple pie rim, and garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticksWHAT’S BLOWIN IN THE WIND? American Mah Jongg is headed to Vegas, baby! The 11th annual Mah Jongg World Championship kicks off October 16 at Paris Las Vegas—and this thing is SOLD OUT. Players will compete in 12 rounds over three days for what organizers are calling the largest prize purse in American Mah Jongg history, including a $5,000 grand prize. And apparently you can even earn a Golden Ticket by placing in a qualifying NMJL tournament. Elizabeth…how have we not gotten ourselves a Golden Ticket?And if you think one dead hand ruins your night, last year’s World Champion Shelley Hoffman was called dead TWICE during the tournament…and still won the whole thing!And that’s a mahjong for today’s Talk Talk! Thank you so much for joining us! Until next time, may your tiles be lucky and your table always welcoming!www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailFEATURED GUEST: Welcome to the table! Lets Mahjong with Molly! Molly joins us to chat about her Mahjong journey and AMAZING new App Tile Time! One Home for All Your Mahjong Needs!Find instructors, play with friends, join events, and see your overall standings - all in one place, without needing multiple apps.https://tiletime.co/https://www.instagram.com/mahjongmolly/TABLESCAPE:Mat - Oh My Mahjong!Tiles - The Minimal Line: Palm Springs from The Mahjong LineRacks - Double Acrylic Racks with magnetic pushers Bam! Let's MahjongDIY Drink - Vegan white Russian: chilled Vodka of choice, Kahlua, Mooala milk, over ice with dash of nutmeg  (https://mooala.com/products/oatmilk)Guest Drink- 1 part teq/ ½ orange liq/½ fresh lime juiceFlowers- PROTEAS and palm, coleus (Proteas from FreshwreathscoUS on Etsy)Save when you Shop with Tile Talk! WHAT’S BLOWIN IN THE WIND? ParisMahjClub - had a post on the mysterious workings of the NML:Inspired by the rumor the card price may be going up next year ($15 to $16-18) she did a DEEP dive:https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdXjnZ7o1BT/Molly dives into her Mahjong past, present, and very exciting future with us! Tile Tips!Molly dishes on what to do when you have a hand you cannot win! "Dogging" your tiles!?www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailTILE TALK EPISODE 16: Mahjong Goes Couture: Meet Caroline Johnson of Mahj Tile Haus!Today we’re sitting down with Caroline Johnson, the woman behind Mahj Tile Haus - where mahjong meets high fashion, and the table becomes the runway. Caroline, welcome to Tile Talk!HOW’S EVERYONE DOING? Hair cuts, fantasy football, bringing new players into Mahjong! Dont fight it!TABLESCAPE:Mat - MTH: Imperial Lotus Tiles - MTH: Imperial LotusRacks - Clear or Tortoiseshell MTHHH Drink - Matcha Mai ThaiWHAT’S BLOWIN IN THE WIND? Apparently mahjong is moving out of our living rooms—and getting its own address!We’re talking dedicated mahjong parlors, studios , lounges and social clubs - they’re popping up around the country, and y'all, these aren't just rooms with four card tablesOne end of the spectrum: Charlotte's Heron House opened this summer in a 3,000-square-foot historic home. You can drop in and play for $25. multiple individually designed rooms, a boutique, lessons and events. And you don't need to be a member: $25 gets you in to play.Mid Spectrum: In San Antonio, The Polished Tile has opened inside a restored historic mansion, with memberships up to $225 a month. Other end of spectrum: And then there's The Hidden Parlor outside Boston—a private mahjong society with a country-chic dress code and a top membership tier of $4,000 a year. It's intentionally secretive. The exact address is shared privately with members/serious prospects. There's a “country chic” dress code. Athletic/overly casual clothing is discouraged. Members can come to play—or apparently just hang out, read or knit. And its top East Society membership is currently listed at $4,000 annually.GUEST & TOPIC: ALL THINGS CAROLINE / MAHJ TILE HAUS-Caroline, your career path is WILD—professional photographer, New York Fashion Week, Fortune 10 healthcare executive…and now founder of a luxury mahjong brand. Give us the Cliff's Notes version of how we got from there to Mahj Tile Haus.IMPERIAL LOTUS & HONORING MAHJONG'S ROOTS-Your newest Imperial Lotus collection, which we're obsessed with, feels different from your other collections because you very intentionally went back toward Chinese imagery and heritage. Where did the idea come from?-Put your Fortune 10 executive hat back on for us. What do you think is happening with American mahjong right now? Is this a trend—or are we watching a permanent cultural shift? Behavioral shift?!TILE TIPS: THE JOKER SWAP!SIGNOFF:  Thank you for joining us today, CAROLINE! And that’s a mahjong for today’s Talk Talk! Thank you so much for joining us! Until next time, may your tiles be lucky and your table always welcoming!www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the 15th Episode of Tile Talk! We are so excited to continue our American Mahjong History Series. Episode 9 was Part 1, we dive deeper into "Bad Boy Babcock" and how Mahjong stormed into the Amercian scene in the 1920s!Checking in with everyone: Marshall is buying a new house! Elizabeth and Christina played Mahjong at the FSU tailgate!Hayward House drink: Mocktail! Ginger beer, fresh mint, splash of pineapple, and lots of ice! https://haywardhousetlh.com/Blowing in the Wind:We love Dolly! We Dolly and relate her life and spirit to the game of Mahjong!Black Dragon Controversy - Proposed by prominent player and expert Gladys Grad (codified the Siamese Mahjong card), the concept suggests using blank tiles designated as "Black Dragons" to pair specifically with the dot suit - Soaps are just 0s (Christie B, a Greesnsboro Instructor - Sparrow and dragon, breaks it down nicely on Instagam) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcvszGcOx9_/?igsi=aWdzbTZia2J6M3RlAlso check out Missy Mahjongs post: https://www.missymahjong.com/post/the-black-dragon-mahjong-tileGladys has free stickers for blanks = 156 tiles, east adds four tiles to their wall. Thoughts?!? I think I would try it with Siamese? LOTS of thoughts on MJTI!https://www.facebook.com/groups/MahJonggThatsIt/posts/28677793245172149/Main Topic: The REAL History of American Mahjong, Part 2: Opium, Babcock, and “The Red Book”How did Joseph Babcock aquire, learn, and bring Mahjong back to the states?What were the driving cultural influences of the time?How did he market, sell and produce his first books and sets?How did this shape the game we know and love today?Tile Tips for this Episode feature tips for Charleston domination:filtering them first. The player sitting across from you is statistically the most likely to be chasing the exact same hand family - this weekend Christina and I were sitting across and went for the same hand!Pay close attention to the difference between what they passed you in the First Across (the 2nd pass of the game) versus the Second Across (the 5th pass of the game). Play the courtesy pass accordingly!And that’s a mahjong for today’s Talk Talk! Thank you so much for joining us! Until next time, may your tiles be lucky and your table always welcoming!Love you bye!www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailThis super fun and colorful Episode features Mischief Mahj founder Roxy Corbet! It is a fun new twist to add to your Mahjong repertoire! The same American Mahjong gameplay and rules, just add twists and turns to elevate your play or spice up your next Mahjong event! Thank you Roxy, use code TILETALK and it will get your listeners 10% off their online purchase! mischiefmahj.comTable Scape: beautiful confetti tiles from Mahj Boutique! https://mahjpit.co/collectionsCarajillo beverage from Hayward House: 2 oz. of cold brew, 2 oz. Liquer 43 (Sweet Spanish liqueur), pour over ice and garnish with coffee beans - DELISH! Blowing in the Wind: We dish on funny things you hear at the Mahjong table - post from Gold Coast Mahjong (https://www.instagram.com/p/DbWmqAIFHTe/)New Disney princess tiles from the Noble Collection! https://noblecollection.com/Item--i-GAM-DI-4842?srsltid=AfmBOor8UB7G6_2tq7l_O0to7vUBiJwzKDMiK_FSEn4lswb2aNamQr4EElizabeth shares a tip for rooting Hydrangeas from Anya the Garden fairy! https://www.facebook.com/anyathegardenfairy/videos/multiply-hydrangeas-to-make-more-free-plants-for-your-garden-do-it-between-late-/1360752332564097/Check out Tile Tips at the end of the Episode for some stealth moves for "spying" on your opponents and gaining the upper hand during the Charleston!https://www.instagram.com/tiletalk_/https://haywardhousetlh.com/www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailTile Talk gets ready for back to school! We explore ways to teach and play with kids! We also welcome back to Alice Hopkins, an Elementary school counselor, to explore the benefits of playing with the whole family!Thank you sooooo much to Bam Lets Mahjong for the beautiful Palm Royale Set AND a new Siamese rack we cant wait to try!⁠https://www.bamletsmahjong.com/products/the-palm-royale-tile-collection-pre-order?variant=45502168105118⁠Jimmy Fallon loves Mahjong!?! Hilarious clip in Blowing in the Wind⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/MahJonggThatsIt/posts/28250820731202738/⁠⁠ Solitaire Mahjong is a great way to start with children. We model how to set up and play a simple Solitaire game to help gain tile recognition. Learning the tiles before diving in to Mahjong and card will help kids (or anyone) - learn the language and the comprehension will come! https://www.bamletsmahjong.com/products/the-palm-royale-tile-collection-pre-order?variant=45502168105118Mini Mahjer is a great resource. Alice has a set in her office at school!https://minimahjer.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorwCAW0tHWLDOcoqUyb312VZ3mIZtZjdFS3HWC8mRUS42V2u7OBwww.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailTile Talk interviews the lovely ladies of American Mahjong Ranking Authority. We are talking to Bethany Factor  and Amanda Wolsey, co founders of AMR Authority and The Mahj Clubhouse in Fort Worth, TX. They explain the many ways tracking and ranking our play can improve our game play and our game experience! From how AMR can elevate casual play with friends to streamlining tournaments, Tile Talk was extremely impressed and excited to add to our Mahjong Routine! https://www.amrauthority.com/Whats Blowing in the Wind? Mahjong Ritual - New "Research" just dropped: The Unexpected Way Mahjong Purchases Break the Law of Diminishing Returns“A brief quantitative analysis of why one more mat is almost always justified” https://www.instagram.com/mahjongritual/The Mahjong League National Championship is making its debut! January 30, 2027Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC - Brackets, More details to come!https://themahjongleague.org/They did it! 48 hours of American Mahjong! https://mahjlife.com/48-hour-mah-jongg-world-record-attempt/www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk

Send us Fan MailLearn how to play American Mahjong for money. Predominantly centered around NMJL doctrine, while exploring house rules and variations of playing for money. We check in with Christina after her FAB Italian Family Extravaganza - Liz and Marshall get hooked up! Yummm! Marshall has big things coming his way this summer and a HUGE insight into the "48" MJTI mystery! Blowing In the Wind - American Mahjong Marathonhttps://mahjlife.com/events/mah-jongg-marathon-world-record-attempt/48! Jan is playing mahjong for 48 hours to break the Guiness World Record and raise money for hunger relief and alzheimers advocacy. Summerville, SCJune 28-30th beginning at noonPlayers: Jan Egri (administrator of Mahjong, That’s It! And director and co-owner of the Mother Of All Dragons tournaments), Jennifer Clayton (co-owner of Mah Jongg Fever Inc.), Nancy de Zutter (founder of Cane Bay Mahjong in SC and an instructor in the Mahj Life Instructor Guild), and Michele Frizzell (founder of Mahj Life)https://www.instagram.com/reauxgnola/AMAZING Mahjong Jewelry and custom beaded eyewear by our good friends at reauxgnola! https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Mahj-+-Mix/Megan-Sinclair-Osmundsen/9798881608231Super cute new bar book on Mahojong and Mixers!We go into the rules and strategy of playing Mahjong (American Mahjong) for money!www.tiletalk.com https://linktr.ee/tiletalk