Mahjong champion Dave Moussa and Nancy Dubner join Jenn and Cathy after Vegas to talk 700 points, defensive play, tournament nerves, and the dating requirement that started it all. Plus, East-seat advantages, table manners, and their Half Moon Bay tournaments.

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Key Takeaways

1. Dave’s championship run included a rough afternoon, a strong final day, and 700 total points. He focused on steady results rather than letting a bad stretch decide the rest of his tournament.

2. Defense mattered. Dave says he threw an opponent’s winning tile only once, costing him 10 points, compared with past tournaments where those penalties had cost him more than 100.

3. Dave learned Mahjong after Nancy made it a condition of dating her. More consistent play during COVID helped him develop, and tournaments eventually became a regular part of their travel together.

4. The group debates whether a fixed East seat creates an advantage because East players avoid facing one another. They discuss rotating everyone or holding a tournament specifically for Easts and past winners.

5. Nancy and Dave want their Half Moon Bay tournaments to give players a welcoming entry into competition. Their approach combines clear expectations, calling an organizer for disputes, and some grace for inexperienced players.