How to Play American Mahjong
A Complete Beginner’s Guide
What is American Mahjong?
American Mahjong (also called “Mah Jongg”) is a tile-based game played by four players. Originating from the traditional Chinese game, the American version was adapted in the 1920s and has since become a beloved social tradition — especially among groups of friends who meet regularly to play.
Unlike the Chinese or Japanese versions, American Mahjong uses a unique set of rules governed by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL), which publishes a new card of winning hands each year.
- It’s social — four players, face to face
- It’s strategic — every discard is a decision
- It’s ever-changing — new winning hands every year keep it fresh
- It’s accessible — easy to learn the basics, endlessly rewarding to master
What You Need
Your Mahjong Kit
A standard American Mahjong set includes 152-166 tiles:
| Tile Type | Count | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Suits (Bams, Craks, Dots) | 108 | Three suits, numbers 1-9, four of each |
| Winds | 16 | East, South, West, North — four of each |
| Dragons | 12 | Red, Green, White (Soap) — four of each |
| Flowers | 8 | Numbered 1-8 |
| Jokers | 8 | Wild tiles (unique to American Mahjong) |
Other Items You’ll Need
- 4 Tile Racks — to hold your tiles upright and private
- 2 Dice — to determine the dealer and where to break the wall
- NMJL Card — the annual card showing valid winning hands (purchase at nmjl.org)
Setting Up the Game
Each player takes tiles and arranges them face-down in a row, two tiles high. Push the four rows together to form a square — this is “the Wall.”
Roll the dice. The highest roller is East (the dealer) for the first round. Seats rotate counter-clockwise: East, South, West, North.
The dealer rolls the dice again. Starting from the right end of their wall, count that many stacks and break the wall at that point. Tiles are dealt from the break going clockwise.
Starting from the break, each player takes 4 tiles at a time for three rounds (12 tiles), then the dealer takes 2 more and each other player takes 1 more.
- Dealer (East): 14 tiles
- Other players: 13 tiles each
How to Play
The Goal
Be the first player to complete a winning hand (a specific combination of tiles) as shown on your NMJL card.
Turn Sequence
Take a tile from the wall (left end)
Does it help your hand? Refer to your NMJL card
Place one tile face-up in the center and announce its name
Calling Tiles
When another player discards a tile you need, you can “call” it:
| Call | When | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Mahjong! | The discard completes your winning hand | You win the game |
| Call (for exposure) | You need it for a set/group | Take the tile, expose the group face-up on your rack |
Jokers
Joker Rules
Jokers are wild — they can substitute for any tile in a group of 3 or more identical tiles. They cannot be used in pairs or singles.
Joker Exchange
If an opponent has exposed a Joker in a group, and you hold the natural tile it represents, you can exchange your tile for their Joker on your turn (before discarding).
Winning
You win by completing a hand that matches one of the patterns on the current year’s NMJL card. Call “Mahjong!” when your hand is complete.
Common Hand Types
- Runs Consecutive numbers in the same suit (e.g., 1-2-3)
- Groups Three or four of the same tile (e.g., 4-4-4)
- Quints Five of the same tile (using Jokers)
- Pairs Two of the same tile
Tips for Beginners
-
Start with the NMJL card — study the hands before you play
-
Keep your options open early — don’t commit to one hand too quickly
-
Watch the discards — they tell you what other players don’t need
-
Protect your Jokers — they’re your most valuable tiles
-
Play regularly — the best way to learn is at the table
-
Join a group — ask at your local community center or search for Mahjong groups on Facebook
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bams (Bamboo) | One of the three suits, depicted with bamboo sticks |
| Craks (Characters) | One of the three suits, depicted with Chinese characters |
| Dots (Circles) | One of the three suits, depicted with circles |
| Exposure | A set of tiles placed face-up on your rack for all to see |
| Joker | Wild tile that can substitute in groups of 3+ |
| NMJL | National Mah Jongg League — the governing body for American Mahjong |
| Soap | The white (blank) dragon tile |
| Wall | The square formation of face-down tiles at the start of the game |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles are in an American Mahjong set?
A standard American Mahjong set contains 152 to 166 tiles, including suits (Bams, Craks, Dots), Winds, Dragons, Flowers, and Jokers.
What’s the difference between American and Chinese Mahjong?
American Mahjong uses Jokers (wild tiles), follows the annual NMJL card for winning hands, and is typically played with racks. Chinese Mahjong has fixed winning patterns and no Jokers.
Do I need the NMJL card to play?
Yes — the National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card of valid winning hands each year. You can purchase it at nmjl.org.
How many people do you need to play?
American Mahjong is designed for exactly 4 players.
How long does a game take?
A single round takes about 15-20 minutes. A full session (multiple rounds) typically lasts 2-3 hours.
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