What is the 'listening stage" in a mahjong game?

Question

what is the 'listening stage" in a mahjong game? what is its significance in the progress of the game (at this point of the game)? in what manner could it resemble reaching the third base in a baseball game?

Answer 1

I have only ever played mahjong on the computer, but here are a few links that may help you with this question.