Jansou 雀荘

[Ignatius]

Maybe I´m stupid for asking, but, how does a jansou operate commonlly?
I don´t like to bet, and I´ve heard in Japan gambling is illegal... That´s why I´m asking because not too many years ago inside the jansou people were gambling.

[zzo38]

Maybe I´m stupid for asking, but, how does a jansou operate commonlly?
I don´t like to bet, and I´ve heard in Japan gambling is illegal... That´s why I´m asking because not too many years ago inside the jansou people were gambling.

I think if the bet is small enough, the police won't care (even though it is illegal). Anyways, you can find "no rate" mahjong in Japan, where gambling with money is not allowed in such clubs.

[Ignatius]

Ok, when i go to japan I´ll go to a no-rate mahjong parlour.

[audacity]

Ok, when i go to japan I´ll go to a no-rate mahjong parlour.

That's like going to las vegas and playing in a freeroll. Live it up, especially if you can speak japanese or have a friend/interpreter, win or lose it will be one of your life experiences.

If you can spare like some minutes reading or play mahjong regularly, it's pretty easy to not suck, and that's all anyone can ask from you.

[Ignatius]

Now I suck at mahjong, but maybe I should play in a jansou that accept gambling, only to try it. Still I don´t like gambling. For me mahjong is just a table game, no gambling, no smoking (if possible), and so on... It´s an incredibly funny game indeed. The most addicting table game I´ve ever played. Sometimes gambling games can damage a friendship, and that´s something I don´t like at all...

[Mahou86]

I'd highly suggest sticking to the non gambling free parlor. The first time you step in a parlor is gonna be an intimidating experience either way. I'm fairly sure you'll get the kind of feeling you're looking for even if there is no money on the line. Another thing to consider is live play is very, very fast. Unless you're very familiar with handling the tiles, scoring, and quickly discarding, you'll end up being a slight hassle for your opponents. Remember, this is the country that thinks for the good of the group.

On the other hand, most non gambling parlors, as well as their players, are much more lenient towards beginners, as well as people who are playing in parlors for the first time. The staff will help you score, you won't be hassled for discarding too slow, and everyone is generally in a better mood.

[Ignatius]

Oh, that´s very useful information. I can not calculate the points, At least not right now, I need more practice for that. In fact, as I´ve been always playing mahjong with videogames I didn´t calculate the winning points even once.

[Barticle]

Another thing to consider is live play is very, very fast.

This reminds me, Hotel's previous report of a visit to a parlour in Japan might be of interest...

http://www.reachmahjong.com/en/forum/vi ... =5&t=50911