This month, we are spotlighting the Dutch player Martha Pasterkamp (username: lynxie)! Just this month (September 10, 2011), Martha took first place at the “Nine Gates” tournament at Ijsselstien, the Netherlands! This victory adds another medal to Martha’s collection, which already features the 2010 first place victory at the Daja/Thirteen Orphans Tournament in Berlicum, the Netherlands. Congratulations to Martha for her great demonstration of skill, and best of luck in future events!

Q: How did you originally discover multiplayer Mahjong?

A: Although I live in the Netherlands, I've got Korean roots. So of course we had the mahjong set next to the "stop-go" cards. But I really started to play mahjong a few years ago. By accident I discovered there was a Dutch Mahjong League and soon I found Mahjongtime. The rest of the story is known.

Q: How often do you play online?

A: It depends how busy it is at work and home. For example: This week every day a few hours but some weeks not even one quick mahjong.

Q: How long have you played at Mahjong Time?

A: Just after I discovered the Dutch Mahjong League and that's some two years ago.

Q: What do you like the most about Mahjong Time?

A: I like that you can mahjong at any time. So when I bored or sick at home I can just open my laptop and play at home. But the best reason for mahjong time are the players. I made some really nice friends online and also met some in real life.

Q: Tell us more about yourself! What would other Mahjong Time players be surprised to know about you?

A: What is there to tell about me? Well, I think the most surprising thing about me is maybe myself? My friends often name me "social glue" because I alway meet the most interesting people in the supermarket, on the streets. I find that the world is a very small place if you're open for it. Oh and people keep asking me about my cat: She's a bengal cat with wild roots.

Q: Which style of Mahjong do you like best? Why is this your favorite and why?

A: Riichi is by far my favorite but the curious thing is that I only won prices with MCR.

Q: What is better: playing live or playing online?

A: Live playing is by far better. You can interact with the players, see their unknown moves and strategies. But online is so easy and fun to practice. So I think I like both with live playing a bit more. ;)

Q: On the subject of online play, what kind of advice would you give to the online player?

Although you can play online from your own private house, you must obey to some basic behavior rules. So be polite, don't curse or just don't interact at all. Mahjong is an ancient game with rules of behavior. Keep that in mind. And if you're a good player, help others. And if you're a beginner, don't hesitate to ask help.