Erik's Mahjong Ramblings #1) Slamming Tiles

Erik Karhan, Mahjong Rambler

In this new post series, Erik Karhan, officer of Player Recruitment and WRC Pro, will share his mahjong thoughts for the Riichi Nomi audience.

Slamming is often seen as a sign of power, but I'd argue it is a sign of weakness. I used to slam tiles a lot because I thought the loud sound was cool and watched too many mahjong shows. Now I mostly do it unintentionally or even worse when I am annoyed, but I am still working on it. In reality, slamming is often a coping mechanism when players are faced with danger. We slam a dangerous tile that might not pass because it helps us feel stronger. We might also slam when we are frustrated, or overexcited about a draw. Either way, slamming shows incomplete control over a person's mahjong psyche and a lack of confidence in one's decisions. Don't you feel a player who can discard a tile calmly and not bat an eye if they deal in is strong? Just by not slamming, you will appear to be a far more confident and in control player. Even if you're not sure a tile is safe, place it forward with calm confidence! That's powerful in a game where psychological advantage plays a part in the way we perform.

PS: This really extends to any sort of discards that betray your confidence. Moving your hand to discard super slow and hesitantly can be just as bad. If your discard makes others think you've seen a ghost, you probably need to trust in yourself a little more.

PSS: Among friends, do what you want! Just don't break my tiles or tables or I'll be after you.