NPMahjong
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Deep dives into advanced tactics, tournament strategies, and pro-level insights from Japan's competitive mahjong scene.

180+ Japanese Mahjong Terms You Need to Know [2026 Glossary]
Guides & FAQs

180+ Japanese Mahjong Terms You Need to Know [2026 Glossary]

After years of answering the same terminology questions, I built an interactive glossary with 186 essential Riichi Mahjong terms. Japanese, romaji, English translations, and explanations. All searchable, all free.

Jan 20263 min read
MahjongSoul Rank Calculator: Simulate your climb to Celestial
Online Mahjong

MahjongSoul Rank Calculator: Simulate your climb to Celestial

How many games to reach Saint? What are your odds of hitting Celestial? I built a Monte Carlo simulator that answers these questions with real math, not guesswork.

Jan 20263 min read
Aotomo: Why you should get an automatic mahjong table
Books & Goods

Aotomo: Why you should get an automatic mahjong table

Aotomo makes automatic mahjong tables worth buying for your home. This post covers how to buy one, how to assemble it, and why it became my favorite gaming investment.

Sep 20226 min read
How to stop your losing streak right now like a pro
Psychological

How to stop your losing streak right now like a pro

You've lost three games in a row. Then four. The frustration builds, and suddenly you're playing worse than you did as a beginner. Here's the truth: most extended losing streaks are self-inflicted. Your brain, trying to protect your ego, sabotages your play. This post explains why that happens and how to break the cycle before it spirals.

Jan 20217 min read
Mahjong game review for Tenhou (+10 bonus key advice points)
Online Mahjong

Mahjong game review for Tenhou (+10 bonus key advice points)

Most players make the same mistakes without realizing it. This actual Tenhou game review exposes the patterns: weak tile efficiency, poor honor tile handling, unnecessary risks during defense. See if you recognize your own habits.

Jan 202113 min read
Ultimate guide to mahjong tables [2026]
Guides & FAQs

Ultimate guide to mahjong tables [2026]

From DIY builds to $1,000+ automatic shufflers, mahjong tables range wildly in price and functionality. Before you buy, understand the options. I'll cover every type with their ideal use cases, dimensions, pros, and cons so you pick the right one for your situation.

Dec 20209 min read
Tenhou mahjong server: a warning for new players [online vs offline]
Online Mahjong

Tenhou mahjong server: a warning for new players [online vs offline]

Tenhou shapes your mahjong instincts in ways you might not realize, and not all of them transfer to real-life play. The server's unique point system punishes 4th place so severely that it breeds habits pros will call out immediately. I've been warned about this by nearly every professional player I've met. Here's what they see that you don't.

Oct 202020 min read
Ultimate list of the best riichi mahjong tools for English speakers [2026]
Guides & FAQs

Ultimate list of the best riichi mahjong tools for English speakers [2026]

Free riichi mahjong tools in English are essential for the western community. After 17+ years as a professional player in Japan, I've curated the absolute best free resources. No affiliates, no fluff. Just the tools that will improve your game.

Sep 20205 min read
Mahjong statistics vs Japanese riichi players: who's right?
Online Mahjong

Mahjong statistics vs Japanese riichi players: who's right?

Should you memorize statistical tables or trust your gut? The answer isn't either-or. Data matters when you have no other information, but experienced players read situational cues no chart can capture. Here's how to balance both.

Sep 20206 min read
The art of winning in riichi mahjong: understanding and calculating the chances
Strategy

The art of winning in riichi mahjong: understanding and calculating the chances

Skilled pros only take first place 30% of the time. So what does 'winning' mean in mahjong? The answer depends entirely on the rules you're playing. Same playstyle, different ruleset, completely different results. Here's how to identify your win condition and play accordingly.

Sep 20206 min read
What's a professional mahjong player and how can you be one?
Guides & FAQs

What's a professional mahjong player and how can you be one?

Professional mahjong players pay hundreds to thousands of dollars yearly to keep their title. Most of them don't make a living from the game. So why do they do it? Here's an insider's look at what being a pro means and how you can become one if you're serious.

Sep 20205 min read