Vintage and used mahjong sets for American play

Why old sets often come up short

The American game has changed what it needs over the decades. According to mahjong historian Tom Sloper:

• 1920s sets typically have 8 flowers and no jokers.
• From the 1940s, more flowers appear, and some sets include a few jokers.
• Jokers became standard in the League's game around 1960–61.

Today's standard game needs 8 jokers and 8 flowers. So a set from before the 1960s will usually need extra jokers, and some will need extra flowers.

What to check before you buy

1. Count every tile by kind: 108 suit tiles, 16 winds, 12 dragons, flowers, jokers. Listings often say "complete" when they are not. The full count.
2. Jokers and flowers. How many are there, and are there spare blanks to turn into jokers?
3. Racks. Many older sets came with racks without pushers, or none at all.
4. Size. Older tiles vary in size, and some will not fit modern racks.
5. Condition. Chips, cracks and faded paint matter more on jokers and flowers, which you handle most.
6. Material. Sets are made of bone and bamboo, early plastics (such as the ones sold as Bakelite or Catalin), or modern melamine and acrylic. If a set might be ivory, check federal and state rules first, as ivory trade is restricted.

Making an old set playable

• Joker stickers on blank tiles are the standard fix. You need enough blanks, or spare tiles you do not play with, to reach 8 jokers.
• Flower decals were used the same way in the 1960s to add flowers, according to Sloper.
• Modern racks can be bought separately; measure your tiles first.

If you would need to buy blanks, stickers and racks, add it up. It can cost more than a new starter set. Many people keep the vintage set for display and play with a new one.

Common questions

Can you play American mahjong with a vintage set?

Often not as it is. Sets from the 1920s typically have 8 flowers and no jokers. Many later sets have too few jokers. You can add joker stickers to blanks or spare tiles, but count first.

How do I tell how old a mahjong set is?

The number of flowers and jokers is a good clue. 1920s sets usually have no jokers; jokers became standard in the League's game around 1960. Materials and the case also help, but get an expert for valuable sets.

Is a used American mahjong set a good idea?

Yes, if it is complete. Count every tile, check for at least 8 jokers and 8 flowers, and make sure racks are included or budget for them.

Are old ivory mahjong sets legal to sell?

Ivory trade is restricted in the US and in many states. If a set might be ivory, check federal and state rules before buying or selling it.

Run any set you are considering through the set checker.

Sources: Tom Sloper on dating American sets by flowers and jokers. We are not antique appraisers; for valuable sets, consult a specialist.