The Dispatch

Prim reads everything from the world of American Mahjong, so you don't have to.

Volume 2026 September 18

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The Dispatch for September 18, 2026Today’s Dispatch →

For Beginners

A Newton workshop runs a practice tournament for players ready to try the real thing

JCC Greater Boston's December session walks players with solid rules knowledge through two timed rounds before they ever sit down at a scored event.

JCC Greater Boston lists a MOCK Mah Jongg Tournament Workshop for Friday, December 11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton, Massachusetts, according to the center's calendar. It is led by instructor Tatiana Shvartsman and open to adults.

Per the listing, participants play two practice rounds that cover tournament structure, rules, scoring, table rotations and time management, with the goal of moving from casual play to a competitive setting.

The JCC says the workshop is for players with a strong foundation in National Mah Jongg League rules who might be interested in tournaments, and that attendees should be able to complete a round of four games within 60 minutes. Registration runs through the JCC's online system; the listing does not show a price.

OOTT is not affiliated with JCC Greater Boston.

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More from the table

Set Your Rack

A Michigan scholarship fundraiser seats 48 players for lunch and American mah jongg in Livonia

The Northville-Novi branch of the American Association of University Women opens registration for a November 13 afternoon of play that funds scholarships for women and girls.

September 18, 2026 · AAUW Northville-Novi Branch

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At the Table

A Charlotte teacher takes the game out to the neighborhoods, one monthly night at a time

Allison Merriman hosts American mahjong nights in coffee shops and breweries around Charlotte for players who thought the game was not for them, per a WBTV report.

September 18, 2026 · WBTV (Gray Media)

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