Overview

I LOVE MAHJ tournaments offer a truly unique experience:

• Duplicate Format: Our tournaments follow a "duplicate" format, meaning all players receive the exact same tiles for each game. Additionally, the sequence of tiles in each wall is identical. This ensures every participant plays an identical game, reducing the element of luck and emphasizing skill.
• Level Playing Field: Each participant plays against three computer opponents of the same skill level. These bots are identical across all games, ensuring fair and consistent competition for all players.
• A More Flexible Experience: Online tournaments eliminate the stress of in-person events. Players can complete their games at their own pace within the set tournament timeframe (~24 hour period). This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience that works around a player's schedule, whatever their time zone.
• Live Tracking: Our real-time dashboard allows participants to track their points and how they rank against others as the tournament progresses. The top five players will be displayed on the dashboard, while all other participants can view their own placement privately.
• No Entry Fee: All I LOVE MAHJ members (including those in their free trial period) are welcome to participate in our online tournaments at no additional cost.
• A Personal Challenge: Our tournaments offer a great opportunity to test your skills and track your progress. Aside from those who make it onto the leaderboards, your participation and scores remain private. Use this as a chance to challenge yourself, refine your strategy, and elevate your game!

Rules

I LOVE MAHJ tournaments follow standard NMJL rules, along with the following tournament-specific rules:

• Each participant plays 4 rounds, a total of 16 games.
• Games are played against I LOVE MAHJ's Level 2 bots, using the current NMJL card and the 10-second auto-ignore timer feature, limiting the time allowed to claim a discard.
• Scoring:
  • The winning player receives:
    • The number of points for the winning hand (as listed on the NMJL card)
    • A 10-point bonus if the winning tile is self-picked (not a called discard)
    • A 20-point bonus for a jokerless hand (except for Singles & Pairs hands)
  • If the winning tile was called from a discard, the discarder receives a penalty:
    • 10 points if the winner had 0 or 1 exposures
    • 20 points if the winner had 2 exposures
    • 25 points if the winner had 3 exposures
  • Wall games result in 10 points for each player, unless their hand has been declared dead
• Game Completion:
  • Each game must be played until completion
  • All 16 games must be played
  • Each unplayed or incomplete game incurs a 10-point penalty
• Calling a Hand Dead: if a player incorrectly calls another player's hand dead, their own hand will be declared dead, the game will end and the player will incur a 10-point penalty.
• Mah Jongg in Error: if a player declares Mah Jongg in error, their hand will be declared dead, the game will end and the player will incur a 10-point penalty.
• Winner Determination: Winners are determined by total points (points earned minus penalties).

Leaderboard and Prizes

• Tournament points contribute to the overall I LOVE MAHJ Tournament Leaderboard which will showcase:
  • Top 10 players at the end of each tournament.
  • A cumulative leaderboard tracking the 10 highest-scoring players throughout the year, based on their combined tournament scores. Players who do not participate in a tournament will receive zero points for that event.
• Individual game results will also be reflected on each player's stats page, just like any official game played on the platform.
• For each tournament, I LOVE MAHJ will donate $100 to charity. The tournament winner selects which charity will receive the donation.
• At the end of the year, I LOVE MAHJ will donate $1,000 to charity. The player with the most tournament points for the year will choose the recipient of this grand donation.
• The charity chosen must be a designated 501(c)(3) non-profit.