The Mid MO Mahjong Classic offers two divisions designed to create a tournament experience that is welcoming to newer players while still challenging experienced competitive players. Both divisions play seven 60-minute rounds, but the pace and number of games completed within each round differ.

Rising Player

The Rising Division is designed for players who know how to play American Mahjong but are newer to tournament or timed play. This division provides a more relaxed pace while introducing players to the excitement of a tournament setting.

Players have 60 minutes to complete two games per round, allowing approximately 30 minutes per game. The focus is on thoughtful play, gaining tournament experience, and enjoying the competition without the pressure of a faster pace.

Choose Rising Player if: you are comfortable playing independently but prefer more time to think through your hand, make decisions, and become familiar with tournament-style play.

We need a minimum of 16 players to host the Rising Player Division.

Competitive Division

The Competitive Division is designed for experienced players who are comfortable with faster-paced American Mahjong and tournament play.

Players have 60 minutes to complete four games per round, creating a quicker pace of approximately 15 minutes per game. Players should be comfortable making decisions efficiently, keeping the game moving, and playing independently under timed tournament conditions.

Choose Competitive if: you regularly play at a faster pace, are confident with NMJL rules and the current card, and enjoy a more fast-paced competitive environment.

We need a minimum of 32 players to host the Competitive Division.

Not Sure Which Division to Choose?

The divisions are based on pace and tournament experience—not how “good” you are at Mahjong. Both divisions offer the full Mid MO Mahjong Classic experience, including seven rounds of play, tournament scoring, awards, and plenty of opportunities to compete and connect.

Choose the division where you will feel most comfortable and have the most enjoyable tournament experience.

Rising: 2 games per 60-minute round.
Competitive: 4 games per 60-minute round.

Learn. Play. Connect.

6:00–8:30 PM
Check-in • T-shirt & swag pickup • Appetizers • Desserts • Open play • Socializing

Learn. Play. Connect.

7:30–8:15 AM: Check-In & Light Breakfast
Coffee, pastries and light breakfast items. Players get settled and prepare for the day.

8:15–8:30 AM: Mandatory Player Meeting
Welcome, tournament rules, scoring procedures, table rotations and final instructions.

8:30–5:35 PM: Game Play
Seven rounds of competitive American Mahjong, with 60 minutes of game play per round. Players rotate throughout the day for the opportunity to play with a variety of opponents.

5:35 - 6:00 PM: Awards and Closing Celebration
We’ll close out the inaugural Mid MO Mahjong Classic by recognizing our tournament winners, presenting awards and prizes, and celebrating a full day of mahjong, competition, and connection.

Learn. Play. Connect

Traveling to Columbia for the Mid MO Mahjong Classic? A limited block of rooms has been reserved at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia for tournament participants.

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia
3301 Lemone Industrial Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65201
Main Phone: 573-443-8000

A limited number of Standard King and Double Queen rooms are available for Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, 2026, at a special Mid MO Mahjong rate of $149 per night, plus applicable taxes.

Rooms in the tournament block are available through Thursday, October 1, 2026, or until the block is filled. Because availability is limited, out-of-town players are encouraged to reserve early.

Make a weekend of it! Arrive Friday, check in, and join us for the Player Meet & Greet + Open Play, then enjoy the full Mid MO Mahjong Classic tournament experience on Saturday.

Learn. Play. Connect.

Tournament Prizes & Player Giveaways

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic is celebrating the top finishers in both the Rising Player and Competitive Divisions with prizes selected especially for our mahjong players.

🥇 1st Place — Each Division
Retired Oh My Mahjong Dandy Tile Set

Complimentary entry into the 2027 Mid MO Mahjong Classic

Take home a retired Dandy tile set and earn your seat at next year's Classic!

🥈 2nd Place — Each Division
Oh My Mahjong Mat

🥉 3rd Place — Each Division
Oh My Mahjong Tile Bag

Player Swag & Gifts

The prizes don't stop with the leaderboard! Mid MO Mahjong will also provide swag and special gifts for players throughout Classic weekend.

Additional door prizes and giveaways from our Classic partners will be announced as tournament weekend approaches.

Come for the competition. Stay for the community. Leave with a little Mahj magic.

Prize Terms & Conditions

Prize Eligibility & Claiming
Winners must be present at the time their name is announced or drawn to claim a prize. If a winner is not present, the prize will be forfeited and another winner may be selected, when applicable.

Prize Value & Substitutions
Prize values are approximate and may vary. Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and may not be redeemed for cash. Mid MO Mahjong reserves the right to substitute a prize with one of equal or greater value if the advertised prize becomes unavailable.

Taxes & Other Obligations
Winners are responsible for any applicable federal, state, or local taxes or other obligations associated with accepting a prize.

Participation & Liability
By participating in the Mid MO Mahjong Classic and any associated prize drawings, participants agree to abide by these terms and the official tournament rules. Participants also release Mid MO Mahjong, event sponsors, the tournament venue, and affiliated parties from liability arising from participation in a prize drawing or the acceptance or use of a prize, to the extent permitted by law.

Prize drawings and awards are void where prohibited by law.

Mid MO Mahjong reserves the right to modify prize offerings, drawing procedures, or these terms when reasonably necessary.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The businesses and community partners helping make the inaugural Mid MO Mahjong Classic an unforgettable weekend.

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic is more than a tournament—it is a weekend designed to bring players together to learn, play, and connect. We are incredibly grateful to the local businesses and community partners helping make our inaugural Classic possible.

Friday Night Dessert Sponsor

Nothing Bundt Cakes

A sweet way to kick off Classic weekend! Nothing Bundt Cakes is providing dessert for our Friday night Player Meet & Greet + Open Play. We are grateful for their support and for helping us welcome players to Columbia with something delicious.

Friday Night Welcome Party Sponsor

Serendipity Polish Pottery & Gallery

A longtime supporter of Mid MO Mahjong and our local mahjong community, Serendipity Polish Pottery & Gallery is sponsoring our Friday night welcome celebration. Their support helps us start the weekend with what the Classic is all about—mahjong, friendship, and connection.

Official T-Shirt Sponsor

One Bam Bird Boutique LLC

Every Mid MO Mahjong Classic participant will receive an official tournament T-shirt, made possible with the support of One Bam Bird Boutique LLC. We are excited to give players something special to remember the inaugural Classic weekend.

Tournament Prizes

Mid MO Mahjong

Mid MO Mahjong is providing tournament prizes to recognize our players and celebrate their accomplishments throughout the Classic. Awards and prizes will be presented during Saturday's closing celebration.

Door Prize Sponsor

Tin Roof

Tin Roof is helping add even more fun to tournament weekend by supporting our player door prizes. Players will have opportunities to win special prizes throughout the event.

More to Come!

Our sponsor family continues to grow, and additional sponsors, partners, and prizes will be announced as we get closer to tournament weekend.

We are incredibly thankful to every business supporting the Mid MO Mahjong Classic. Their generosity helps us create a memorable experience for our players while showcasing some of the businesses that make Columbia and Mid-Missouri special.

Interested in supporting the Mid MO Mahjong Classic? We would love to welcome additional sponsors and prize partners. Contact Mid MO Mahjong to learn more about available opportunities.

Learn. Play. Connect.

Mid MO Mahjong Classic Official Tournament Rules & Regulations

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic is committed to providing a competitive, welcoming, and enjoyable American Mahjong tournament experience. Players are expected to compete fairly, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and help create a positive experience for everyone at the table.

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic follows National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules, together with the tournament-specific procedures, scoring, bonuses, and penalties outlined below.

General Conduct

• Tournament play follows National Mah Jongg League rules plus the Mid MO Mahjong Classic Tournament Rules.

• The current 2026 NMJL card will be used for all tournament play.

• Blank tiles are not used in the Mid MO Mahjong Classic.

• Players must bring and display their own official 2026 NMJL card during tournament play.

• Players are expected to be courteous, respectful, patient, and gracious at all times.

• Bullying, intimidation, rude, inconsiderate, or abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

• Players should not criticize, coach, or judge another player's decisions or style of play.

• Players of varying levels of tournament experience may participate. Patience and good sportsmanship are expected at every table.

• Questions regarding rules, scoring, or disputes should be directed to the Tournament Director. The Tournament Director's ruling is final.

Tournament Structure

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic consists of seven rounds of tournament play.

Each round is 60 minutes, with approximately 10 minutes between rounds for score verification, submission, and table rotation.

• All players are expected to participate in all seven rounds unless excused by the Tournament Director because of an emergency or other approved circumstance.

• Players will rotate tables according to the tournament seating schedule.

• Players should arrive at their assigned table promptly and be ready when the round begins.

• East begins each game by discarding the 14th tile. The game officially begins with East's first discard.

• When time is called, an unfinished game receives 0 points for all players.

• Rules and scoring disputes should not be debated at the table. Stop play when necessary and request assistance from the Tournament Director.

Gameplay Rules

Picking & Throwing Tiles

• No picking ahead. A player may not remove the next tile from the wall until the previous player has discarded.

• If you touch a tile from the wall or a discarded tile you are claiming, the tile is yours.

• Picking from the wrong end of the wall and looking at the tile results in a dead hand.

• If the wall has been inadvertently misaligned or tiles have been hidden, a mistaken pick resulting from the wall's condition will not be penalized.

• A player's turn begins with either a pick or a call.

• A joker may not be exchanged before the player picks a tile.

• Players should maintain an appropriate pace while allowing enough time for opponents to see and hear each discard.

Draw. Rack. Exchange. Discard.

Calling Tiles

• A discarded tile may be called for an exposure or Mahjong until the next player has racked or discarded.

• A player must verbally call the tile before picking it up.

• If two players call simultaneously for Mahjong, priority follows NMJL rules based on order of play.

• A player who does not verbally call the tile may not claim it.

• A called tile must be placed on the flat portion of the rack as part of the exposure—not in the sloped portion.

• Failure to properly expose a called tile may result in a dead hand.

• A player may change their mind about a call only if they have not touched the discarded tile.

Discarding Tiles

A discard demonstrates intent once a player:

1. Places the tile on the table, or

2. Begins verbally naming the tile.

Once either action begins, the tile is considered the player's discard and may not be returned to the hand.

Players should clearly name every discarded tile.

Jokers

• Jokers may be exchanged only after the player has picked a tile.

• To exchange for a joker in another player's exposure, offer the corresponding natural tile and request the joker.

• Once the exchange is declared and the natural tile has been placed in the exposure, the joker belongs to the exchanging player.

• Jokers in a dead player's hand or exposures are no longer available for exchange.

• If a joker exchange completes a player's Mahjong, the Mahjong is considered self-picked for Mid MO Mahjong Classic scoring purposes.

Declaring Mahjong

When declaring Mahjong, the player's complete hand must be displayed clearly and arranged according to the applicable line on the current NMJL card.

A valid Mahjong declaration includes:

• Verbally declaring "Mahjong," and

• Properly displaying the completed hand for verification.

The hand should remain intact until the Mahjong has been verified.

Mahjong in Error

If an incorrect Mahjong is declared:

• If the error is identified before the hand is exposed, play continues without penalty.

• If no other players have exposed their hands, play continues.

• If one player remains unexposed, that player receives +10 points and the other players receive 0.

• If two players remain unexposed, play continues.

• If all players have exposed their hands, all players receive 0 points.

The Tournament Director should be called whenever there is uncertainty regarding a Mahjong-in-error situation.

Dead Hands

A hand may be declared dead for reasons including:

• Picking and looking at a tile from the wrong end of the wall.

• Exchanging a joker before picking a tile.

• Having an incorrect number of tiles.

• Other circumstances defined as a dead hand under NMJL rules or these tournament rules.

Additional provisions:

• A player may call another player's hand dead.

• If that declaration is incorrect, the player making the incorrect declaration becomes dead.

• A dead hand receives 0 points for the game.

• No additional scoring penalty is assessed unless specifically identified elsewhere in the tournament rules.

• A player cannot be declared dead during the Charleston.

Scoring

Score Sheet Procedure

Accuracy is the responsibility of the entire table.

• East records the scores following each game.

• The player declaring Mahjong must verify/sign the score sheet as required.

• West verifies East's score sheet, including Mahjong wins and wall games.

• All players are responsible for reviewing their scores before the round's score sheet is submitted.

• Questions should be resolved before the score sheet is turned in.

• Once a score sheet has been officially submitted, scores are final and will not be changed except at the discretion of the Tournament Director in the event of an administrative error.

Mid MO Mahjong Classic Scoring

• Winning Hand: NMJL Card Value

• Self-picked Mahjong: +10

• Jokerless winning hand: +20

• Wall game: +10

• Misnaming a tile called for Mahjong: penalty to discarder−25

• Misnaming a tile for exposure: −10

• Mahjong in error: everyone exposed: 0 each

• Mahjong in error: one player remains unexposed: +10 to unexposed player

• Throwing Mahjong to 0 or 1 exposure: No penalty

• Throwing Mahjong to 2 exposures: −20

• Throwing Mahjong to 3+ exposures: −25

• Throwing Mahjong to a Quint with 2 exposures: −25

• Looking at a tile during a Charleston steal: −10

• Time expires before game is completed: 0 for all players

• Dead hand: 0

*The +20 jokerless bonus does not apply to Singles & Pairs hands.

Tile Naming & Misnaming

Players should clearly and accurately name every discard.

If a discarded tile is misnamed:

• The actual tile may still be called for Mahjong.

• The tile may not be called for an exposure.

• A player who exposes based on the incorrect verbal call may be declared dead.

• If the misnamed tile results in Mahjong, the player declaring Mahjong receives the appropriate hand value and applicable bonuses.

• The player who misnamed the tile receives a −25 point penalty when the misnamed discard results in Mahjong.

• Misnaming a tile resulting in an exposure carries a −10 point penalty as outlined in the tournament scoring rules.

The Charleston

The Charleston follows standard NMJL procedures.

• Errors or missteps during the Charleston do not result in a dead hand.

• Players should not look at tiles being passed or stolen until permitted.

• Looking at a tile during a Charleston steal results in a −10 point penalty, but the player's hand remains alive.

• Any Charleston situation not specifically addressed here will be governed by NMJL rules and, when necessary, the Tournament Director's ruling.

Tournament Director & Rules Questions

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic Tournament Director is the final authority on tournament rules, scoring questions, disputes, and penalties.

If a question arises:

Stop play. Keep all tiles in place. Call for a Tournament Official.

Players should not rearrange the hand, wall, exposures, or discarded tiles while waiting for a ruling.

The Tournament Director's decision is final for purposes of tournament play.

Final Reminders

The Mid MO Mahjong Classic combines National Mah Jongg League rules with the tournament procedures, scoring, bonuses, and penalties contained in these Official Tournament Rules.

Remember:

No picking ahead.
Clearly name every discard.
Verify Mahjong before breaking down a hand.
Review scores before submitting them.
When in doubt, call the Tournament Director.
Play competitively. Play graciously.

Most importantly, the Mid MO Mahjong Classic is an opportunity to bring the Mahjong community together for a day of competition, connection, and fun.

Learn. Play. Connect.

Include Registration Cancellation and Refund PolicyMid MO Mahjong Classic Cancellation & Refund Policy

We know plans can change. The following policies outline what happens if a registered player needs to cancel or if the Mid MO Mahjong Classic is unable to take place as scheduled.

Registration Cancellation & Refund Policy

Because tournament planning requires advance commitments for the venue, food, player gifts, T-shirts, prizes, and other event expenses, registration fees become increasingly non-refundable as the tournament approaches.

Player cancellations:

• Before November 1, 20206, approved cancellations will be issued a refunds less a $50 fee. No refunds will be issued after November 1.

• Registrations may be transferred to another player with advance notice to Mid MO Mahjong. Any transfer must be completed before the tournament and is subject to approval.

• No refunds will be provided for no-shows, late arrivals, early departures, or unused portions of the tournament weekend.

To request a cancellation or registration transfer, please contact Mid MO Mahjong in writing. The date the request is received will determine refund eligibility.

If Mid MO Mahjong Cancels the Tournament

If Mid MO Mahjong cancels the Mid MO Mahjong Classic, registered players will receive a full refund of their tournament registration fee to the original form of payment.

Mid MO Mahjong is not responsible for expenses incurred outside of tournament registration, including hotel accommodations, transportation, airfare, meals, or other travel-related expenses. Players are encouraged to review cancellation policies when making travel arrangements.

If circumstances require the tournament to be postponed or rescheduled rather than canceled, registered players will receive information about the new date and available registration or refund options.

Any cancellation, postponement, or significant schedule change will be communicated as quickly as possible to the email address provided during registration and through official Mid MO Mahjong channels.