Searching for Bubbe Fischer: The Path to Mah Jongg Wisdom

by Karen Gooen

Part mah jongg manual/part memoir, "Searching for Bubbe Fischer" tells the story of a novice player's quest for the ultimate mentor. Author Karen Gooen hoped that, by meeting the mythical Bubbe Fischer and learning all of her tricks, she might become a better mah jongg player, and ultimately a tournament champion. What she found along the way was far more enlightening than just how to play the game. The book includes lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced level players, as well as information on tournaments, etiquette and how to play a three-man game.

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2014

Reviews

[Paula]

Informative, and enlightening, this book is specifically for people looking to improve their performance in playing Mah Jong. The author started out a beginner herself, but fascinated by games and numbers, continued playing, and improving, until she herself became a teacher, and organizer of tournaments.
As a mah jong player, I was really interested in finding out what it took to be a great player, according to this author. The book was SO THOROUGH!! I don’t think she left out ANY detail about strategies, local games, community play, tournaments, or hosting protocol!
I found a lot of it to be technical, but necessary I suppose, when trying to improve the readers’ game.
I learned a little, but I make sloppy mistakes while playing, so basically the book just reinforced my need to concentrate, focus, and familiarize myself with the current Mah Jong card.
The book was an interesting teaching tool, but would not appeal to everyone.

[Liz]

This was a pretty light, fun read. I most enjoyed the narrative portion of the book. I felt like I was actually there, at her regular mahj game, getting to know her fellow players; or experiencing the angst of her first tournament right alongside her.

While there were a few chapters I could have skipped over, I certainly appreciated her insights and strategy tips. I don't plan to play in any tournaments, or really any more seriously than friendly, casual games, but this still opened up new possibilities for me, and will certainly help as I try to increase my speed and conviction while making decisions during games.

[Emily]

This was my second read of this book. The first was in 2017 when I had just started playing Mah Jongg. This book is a must for everyone learning the game or anyone who wants to up their playing or knowledge. I especially like the tournament tips and table etiquette guidelines. What happens at the table STAYS at the table. She also does a great job analyzing the various hands and sections of the card and points out the "easier" hands that beginners can focus on, and how to work between multiple hands. Thanks Karen!

[cheryl holtman-mucci]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Learned so much about my new found love of MahJong and will be rereading this book for sure - probably over and over! Bubbe is a hoot and love the writing style.

[Elizabeth R.]

an unusual book that took some tracking down!
It has two parts: a narrative, and detailed mah jongg playing advice.

[Karen]

Super quick read. Half was the author’s story of how she got into mah jongg, which was interesting/funny, because she dove right into tournaments and had some amusing stories about being in over her head. The second half was her tips for strategy and gameplay, none of which were new to me because I have already watched so many videos on strategy on YouTube.

[Elisa J]

Unlike the other Mah jongg books on the market, this one is a sort of memoir combined with really excellent tips on strategy and tournament play. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a little more.

[Karen]

This is a great book for anyone interested in mah Jong. It's an easy read, well organized, and amusing. It makes an excellent Hanukkah gift.

[Libby]

(P) Janet gave this to me for Christmas. Such a fun read. I could totally see myself and my mahj group in some of the author's descriptions.

[Amy]

A book about Mah Jongg! That's all you need to know.

[Robyn]

Not a lot in it for any player who is beyond a novice.

[andrea]

Mah jongg how-to