American mahjong, from your first set to your first game
Compare tile sets by what is actually in the box, learn the rules and the Charleston, and find lessons and open play near you.
Where are you starting?
Most asked
The one thing to check before you buy
A standard American game uses 152 tiles: three suits of 36, plus 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers and 8 jokers. Chinese sets have no jokers, so they will not work for American play, even when they look the same in a photo.
Most American sets ship with 160 or 166 tiles. The extras are spare jokers and blanks, which is fine.
- 108 suit tiles
- 16 winds
- 12 dragons
- 8 flowers
- 8 jokers
Find lessons and open play
We check every listing against the teacher's own website and note the date. We are adding cities every week.
Common questions
What is American mahjong?
A four-player tile game played with 152 tiles, including jokers, where you race to complete one of the hands on that year's National Mah Jongg League card.
Is American mahjong hard to learn?
The basics take one or two sessions. Getting comfortable with the card takes a few weeks of regular play.
What do I need to start playing?
Three friends, an American set with racks, two dice and a current card for each player. Or start with a beginner class, where the teacher brings the sets.
How many tiles are in an American mahjong set?
You play with 152. Sets come with 160 or 166 so you have spares.
Can I play American mahjong with 2 or 3 players?
Where can I buy the mahjong card?
From the National Mah Jongg League or authorized resellers. When it comes out and where to buy.