This month we are spotlighting French player Benjamin Barbet (username: oOhumaOo). Benjamin has been a Mahjong Time player for a year and a half, and has risen to a high 23rd rank in the top 100 of MCR at Mahjong TIme, with a brown belt two black stripes! Benjamin has also competed in two live tournaments, earning 3rd place in the Strasbourg Open in November 2012. We got the chance to ask Benjamin some questions:

Q: How did you originally discover multiplayer Mahjong?
A: It was in 2011. My father taught me multiplayer Mahjong in the Reunion Island. He would bring me to his club, called Mahjong Spirit, and I immediately loved the complexity and conviviality of the game.


Q: How long have you played at Mahjong Time?
A: I've been playing at Mahjong Time since 2011. I registered when I came back from my summer break in the Reunion Island.

Q: What do you like the most about Mahjong Time?
A: There are many aspects I like about Mahjong Time. First, I can always find people to play with. There are many good players, which helps me improve my game and try new strategies. I also find the ranking system very motivating :)

Q: Tell us more about yourself! What would other Mahjong Time players be surprised to know about you?
A: I mostly play Mahjong at Mahjong Time. I find it more convenient since I can play whenever I have some time.

Q: Which style of Mahjong do you like best? Why is this your favorite?
A: So far I have only played MCR style, but I'm interested in learning Richi.

Q: What is better: playing live or playing online?
A: I think playing live is better, more fun, but online gaming is better to improve yourself since you can replay games from different players point of view.

Q: On the subject of online play, what kind of advice would you give to the online player?
A: Obviously, keep your hand closed as much as possible. For people like me who play with fast, little hands, keep in mind that the Last Tile is worth 4 points!