Quick Answer

American Mahjong uses 166 tiles (including 8 Jokers), follows an annually updated NMJL card for winning hands, and includes a tile-passing round called The Charleston. Chinese Mahjong uses 144 tiles (no Jokers), uses a points-based scoring system with self-composed hands, and has no Charleston. Both are played with 4 players.

Complete Comparison Table

Tile Count Differences

The most visible difference is the tile count:

• American: 166 tiles — 108 suit tiles + 28 honor tiles + 8 flowers + 8 Jokers + 14 blanks
• Chinese: 144 tiles — 108 suit tiles + 28 honor tiles + 8 flower/season tiles

The extra tiles in American Mahjong come from the 8 Jokers (wild tiles) and 14 blank spares. Jokers can substitute for any tile in a group of 3 or more, adding a unique strategic layer not found in Chinese Mahjong.

Scoring: NMJL Card vs Points System

This is the biggest gameplay difference. In American Mahjong, players must build a hand that exactly matches one of the combinations listed on the NMJL card, which changes every year. This keeps the game fresh but means players must purchase a new card annually ($15 from NMJL).

In Chinese Mahjong, players compose their own winning hands from a set of known patterns (pungs, kongs, chows) and score points based on difficulty and specific tile combinations. The rules don't change year to year.

The Charleston (American Only)

Before gameplay begins in American Mahjong, players go through The Charleston — a series of tile passes where each player exchanges 3 tiles with the player across, then right, then left. This tile-passing round doesn't exist in Chinese Mahjong and adds a preliminary strategic phase unique to the American version.

Equipment Differences

American Mahjong players use racks (angled holders) and pushers to organize tiles. Chinese Mahjong players typically arrange tiles by hand on the table. If you're buying a set for American-style play, make sure it includes racks and pushers.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose American Mahjong if you're in the US/Canada, want to play with NMJL rules, enjoy annual variety, and prefer structured hand requirements.
• Choose Chinese Mahjong if you want traditional gameplay, points-based scoring, and rules that don't change year to year.
• Note: An American Mahjong set (166 tiles) can be used for Chinese Mahjong by removing the Jokers and blanks. A Chinese set (144 tiles) cannot be used for American Mahjong because it lacks Jokers.