I like playing online, I have not tried the around the table with friends version as of yet. I found online, different ways to play. I actually learned the different versions on Face Book a few years ago and now I’m hooked.
I learned last year from other senior residents at the all-ages condo community where I now live -- they’ve been playing for years twice a week and were happy to teach and include new players. I “sat in” for each session for almost a month before they nudged me to start playing. Observing games live was the best teaching tool - I sat at the table corner and watched 2 hands being played at once (out of 4 hands total in a game). This helped me learn the process and also strategies. I was also able to ask questions of several patient players -- everyone has been a “beginner” at one time but some players are not patient teachers. I didn't expect to win any of my first games but it was great fun when I finally did. Now I win some and lose many, but it’s all about matching patterns (listed on the current American Mah Johngg Assn annual pattern card) -- definitely 20% skill and 80% LUCK! It is a great brain tune-up -- and can be addicting. Playing is all about social connection and fun -- we don't play for $$ though some groups do. BTW -- buy a set that has “engraved” tiles, not a cheaper one with stick-on labels on the tiles like I did to get started. The stick-on labels get dirty and can peel off after a few months.. A good set with tiles and racks can cost $75-250, so play with friends who have a set for awhile before buying one to make sure you really want to keep playing.
