If These Tiles Could Talk

Cris Bonser
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If These Tiles Could Talk Stories, Musings, Laughter & Lessons from the Mahjong Table Join author, teacher, and storyteller Cris Bonser for stories, thoughtful musings, and lessons inspired by American Mahjong. From teaching moments and tournament adventures to etiquette, friendships, and beautiful tiles, each episode celebrates the joy of gathering around the table. Continue the conversation with Cris’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cris-Bonser/author/B0GL96J5S8 Gather. Play. Connect.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 4 - Jokers: Wild Tile, Serious Rules

    Jokers may be wild, but the rules around them definitely aren’t. Where can you use a Joker? When can you call a tile for an exposure? How do Joker exchanges work? And once you retrieve one… where exactly does it go? In this episode of If These Tiles Could Talk, Cris walks through the Joker rules that create some of the most confusion at the Mahjong table — including one simple habit that can prevent a whole lot of unnecessary drama: Make the exchange hand-to-hand. Because in a noisy Mahjong room, declared intent matters — but your actions should make that intent unmistakable. Jokers create enough confusion. Your exchange doesn’t have to. If These Tiles Could Talk — Mahjong Musings with Cris Bonser Gather. Play. Connect. Continue the conversation with Cris’s books:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cris-Bonser/author/B0GL96J5S8

  2. Sep 2

    EPISODE 3 — TAP VS. RACK

    You draw a Joker. You see her. You love her. You already have plans for your future together. Then someone calls the previous discard. But wait — you already drew! Yes, you did. But did you rack? In this episode of If These Tiles Could Talk, Cris breaks down the small but important difference between tapping and racking a tile, when play has officially progressed, and why that distinction can determine whether the beautiful Joker in your hand is actually yours to keep. We'll also look at why tapping can still be great table etiquette, how tiny “windows of opportunity” affect the game, and why understanding the actual rules means we can spend a little less time being the Mahjong police. The table takeaway? Tapped isn't racked. And perhaps more importantly: Don't fall in love with a Joker until you've racked her. If These Tiles Could Talk — Mahjong Musings with Cris Bonser Gather. Play. Connect Continue the conversation beyond the podcast; check out the book collection. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cris-Bonser/author/B0GL96J5S8

  3. Sep 2

    EPISODE 2 — Passion… Obsession… Potato, Potahto

    At what point does a passion for Mahjong become an obsession? Asking for a friend. In this episode of If These Tiles Could Talk, Cris examines the evidence: playing almost every day, teaching Mahjong, studying the card, practicing Solitaire Mode, owning a perfectly reasonable number of Mahjong sets — quantity irrelevant — and, apparently, buying microphones and cameras just to talk about it some more. So…passion? Obsession? Potato, potahto. Because maybe the better question isn't how much Mahjong is too much Mahjong. Maybe it's why this game keeps pulling us back to the table — the challenge, the curiosity, the laughter, the friendships, and the people we might never have known otherwise. And if somebody still thinks you play entirely too much Mahjong? Invite them to the table. We'll see who's obsessed. If These Tiles Could Talk — Mahjong Musings with Cris Bonser Gather. Play. Connect. Continue the conversation beyond the podcast; check out the book collection. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cris-Bonser/author/B0GL96J5S8

  4. Sep 2

    If These Tiles Could Talk - Welcome

    Welcome to the table. In the very first episode of If These Tiles Could Talk, Cris Bonser shares how a spectacularly imperfect first attempt at teaching Mahjong eventually became something much bigger — a love for the game, the people around it, and the connection that happens when we gather around a table. Whether you're staring at your first National Mah Jongg League card wondering what you've gotten yourself into, or you've been playing long enough to have very strong opinions about Jokers, the Charleston, and that discard someone absolutely should not have made… there's a seat for you here. Because the tiles may get us to the table. But the people keep us there. If These Tiles Could Talk — Mahjong Musings with Cris Bonser Gather. Play. Connect. Continue the conversation beyond the podcast; check out the book collection. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cris-Bonser/author/B0GL96J5S8

  • 4 Episodes

About

If These Tiles Could Talk Stories, Musings, Laughter & Lessons from the Mahjong Table Join author, teacher, and storyteller Cris Bonser for stories, thoughtful musings, and lessons inspired by American Mahjong. From teaching moments and tournament adventures to etiquette, friendships, and beautiful tiles, each episode celebrates the joy of gathering around the table. Continue the conversation with Cris’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cris-Bonser/author/B0GL96J5S8 Gather. Play. Connect.

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