Quick answerTo play American Mahjong you need a 152-tile set with 8 Jokers, four racks, dice, the current National Mah Jongg League card for each player, and a table that seats four. A mat is a nice extra. Everything else is optional.
Beginners are often told they need far more than they do. This page covers what actually matters, and what to check so you don't end up with a set you can't use.
The set
- 152 tiles, including 8 Jokers. Sets advertised with more tiles include blank spares, which are fine. A 144-tile set with no Jokers is a Chinese set and cannot be used for American play.
- Four racks, ideally with pushers. Racks hold your tiles and your exposures; pushers let you slide the wall forward in one piece.
- Two dice, for breaking the wall.
- Readable tiles. Larger tiles with clear corner numbers are easier on the eyes, and worth paying for if anyone at your table struggles to read small print.
Before your first game, count the Jokers and Flowers (8 of each) and set any blanks aside. See every tile explained.
The card
Every player needs the current year’s card from the National Mah Jongg League. It lists every hand you are allowed to build, and it changes every spring, so everyone at the table must use the same year. It comes in a standard size and a large-print size. Order it directly from the League. Learn how to read it.
Tile materials
| Material | What to know |
|---|---|
| Melamine | The standard for play. Durable, weighty and hard to chip. The safe choice for a first set. |
| Acrylic | Lighter and often decorative. Popular for designer sets; check that the tiles are thick enough to stand in a rack. |
| Porcelain or ceramic | Beautiful but fragile. Better for display than for regular play. |
| Antique bone and bamboo | Collectible. Older sets may lack Jokers or have a different tile count, so check before buying one to play with. |
A mat
A mat quiets the wash, stops tiles sliding and protects the table. Neoprene about 2 to 3 mm thick works well, and a mat roughly 31 to 33 inches square fits a standard 34-inch card table without hanging over the edge. A folded tablecloth is a fine free alternative.
What you can skip as a beginner
- Automatic tables. Expensive and unnecessary; washing by hand is part of the game.
- Custom or designer sets until you know you love the game. A plain set plays exactly the same.
- Extra accessories. Scoring coins, card holders and carrying cases are nice later, but not needed to start.
Before you buy: a checklist
- It says 152 tiles or more, with 8 Jokers.
- It includes four racks, and ideally pushers.
- The tiles have corner numbers you can read comfortably.
- You have ordered the current NMJL card for each player.
Once you are set up, learn how to play or find a game near you.
How many tiles are in an American Mahjong set?
152, including 8 Jokers and 8 Flowers. Sets sold with more include blank spares.
Can I use a Chinese Mahjong set for American Mahjong?
No. A Chinese set has 144 tiles and no Jokers, and American hands depend on Jokers.
Do I need a mat?
No, but it makes play quieter and stops tiles sliding. A tablecloth works too.
Is there a large-print card?
Yes. The National Mah Jongg League sells the card in a standard size and a large-print size.