Quick answer
American Mahjong is a four-player tile game played with 166 tiles including 8 jokers. Players draw and discard tiles to build a hand that matches one of the winning combinations on the annual NMJL card. The first player to complete a valid hand declares Mahjong and wins that round.
American Mahjong is one of the fastest-growing tabletop games in the United States. Unlike the Chinese or Japanese versions you may have seen in movies, American Mahjong follows the rules established by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) and uses a unique 166-tile set with jokers, racks, and pushers.
If you just bought your first set, or you are about to sit down at a game night and want to understand what is happening on the table, this guide walks you through everything: the tiles, the setup, how a hand plays out, and how to win.
What Makes American Mahjong Different
American Mahjong is played with 166 tiles, not the 136 or 144 used in other versions. The key differences include:
- Jokers. American Mahjong sets include 8 joker tiles. Jokers can substitute for any tile in certain combinations, which opens up strategic possibilities you will not find in Chinese or Riichi Mahjong.
- The NMJL Card. Every year, the National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card of valid winning hands. You cannot just build any pattern — your hand must match one of the 50 to 60 combinations listed on the current card. This card is purchased separately from the NMJL and changes annually, which keeps the game fresh.
- Racks and Pushers. Each player uses a rack to hold their tiles upright and a pusher to slide their discard into the center of the table without revealing their wall.
- Four Players Only. American Mahjong is always played with exactly four players. There are no two-player or three-player variants in standard NMJL play.
The 166 Tiles in an American Mahjong Set
A standard American Mahjong set contains the following tiles:
Suit Tiles (108 total)
| Suit | Description | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Dots (Circles) | Numbers 1 through 9, four copies each. The 1-dot is a single large circle; the 9-dot has nine small circles in a grid. | 36 |
| Bamboos (Bams) | Numbers 1 through 9, four copies each. The 1-bam is typically a bird; the rest show bamboo stalks. | 36 |
| Characters (Craks) | Numbers 1 through 9, four copies each. Chinese numeral at the top, ten-thousands symbol below. | 36 |
Honor Tiles (28 total)
4 copies each of East, South, West, and North.
4 copies each of Red Dragon, Green Dragon, and White Dragon (Soap).
Bonus Tiles
Grouped and exchanged at the start of the game rather than played as wildcards.
Substitute for any tile in a Pung, Kong, Quint, or Sextet — but never in a Pair.
When shopping for a set: Check that the tile count reaches at least 152 play tiles plus jokers, flowers, and blanks. Most quality American Mahjong sets from reputable manufacturers come in a 166-tile configuration that is ready for NMJL play.
Setting Up the Game
- Assign Seats. Players draw for wind positions: East, South, West, and North. East goes first.
- Build the Wall. Each player takes tiles and arranges them face down in two rows stacked two tiles high. This is called the Wall.
- Break the Wall. East rolls the dice to determine where to break the wall. Counting starts from the right end of East's wall and moves counterclockwise.
- Deal the Tiles. Each player takes 13 tiles from the wall. East takes 14 tiles because East starts the first turn.
- Charleston. Players pass 3 tiles to the right, then 3 tiles across, then 3 tiles to the left. This gives everyone a chance to improve their starting hand before play begins.
How a Turn Works
Once the game starts, play moves counterclockwise (East to North to West to South). Each turn follows this sequence:
- Draw a Tile. Pick one tile from the wall and add it to your rack.
- Evaluate Your Hand. Check if the new tile helps you get closer to a winning combination on the NMJL card.
- Discard One Tile. Choose one tile from your hand and place it face up in the center of the table, announcing its name clearly.
Calling a Discard
Other players can claim a discarded tile in these situations:
- Pung. You have two tiles matching the discard and take it to form a set of three.
- Kong. You have three tiles matching the discard and take it to form a set of four.
- Mahjong. The discard completes your winning hand. This takes priority over all other calls.
When multiple players call the same discard, Mahjong takes priority. If no one calls Mahjong, the player closest to the right of the discarder gets the tile.
Winning the Hand
To win (declare Mahjong), your hand must contain 14 tiles arranged to match one of the valid hands on the current NMJL card. A standard winning hand consists of combinations like Pungs (three of a kind), Kongs (four of a kind), Quints (five of a kind using a joker), Sextets (six of a kind using two jokers), and a Pair.
The NMJL card groups hands into categories like 2468, 369, Consecutive Runs, Winds and Dragons, and Singles and Pairs. Each category has multiple hands listed, and each hand specifies exactly which tiles you need and in what grouping.
When you complete a valid hand, you announce Mahjong, reveal your tiles, and the other players verify your hand against the card. If correct, you win the hand and score points based on the difficulty of the hand you completed.
Tips for Beginners
On the NMJL card, look for consecutive numbers or single-suit combinations. Avoid complex multi-suit hands until you have played several rounds.
American Mahjong tiles have Arabic numerals and English letters printed on them. If your tiles feel hard to read, you may have a set designed for the Chinese market.
The tiles other players discard tell you what they are collecting and what is no longer available. This is where strategy deepens over time.
The three-pass exchange at the start is unique to American Mahjong. With practice, you will learn which tiles to pass and which to keep.
Choosing the Right Set for Learning
If you are buying a set specifically for learning and casual play, here are a few things to prioritize:
- Tile size and readability. Look for tiles with large, clear numerals and letters. Acrylic tiles tend to have sharper printing and a more tactile feel. Melamine tiles are more affordable and still perfectly playable.
- Complete 166-tile count. Make sure your set includes all 166 tiles needed for NMJL play. Some cheaper sets skip jokers or blanks and are not suitable for American Mahjong.
- Racks and pushers included. You will need these from your very first game. A complete set should come with four racks and four pushers.
- Carrying case or bag. If you plan to take your set to game nights, a good carrying bag or hard case protects your investment.
- Accessories. Dice, a wind indicator, betting chips, and a NMJL card holder are nice extras that come with better sets.
If you are buying for a group, club, or retail store, you may want to consider wholesale pricing on multiple sets. Sets designed for the American market come NMJL-ready with the correct tile count, readable markings, and complete accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game of American Mahjong take?
A single hand typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. A full session where players rotate through all four winds usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Many social groups play for an entire afternoon.
Do I need to buy the NMJL card separately?
Yes. The NMJL card is published annually and must be purchased directly from the National Mah Jongg League. It costs around 8 to 10 dollars and is essential for playing the game correctly.
Can I play American Mahjong with a Chinese Mahjong set?
No. Chinese Mahjong sets typically have 136 or 144 tiles and do not include jokers. The tile markings may also lack the Arabic numerals and English letters found on American Mahjong tiles. You need a set specifically designed for American Mahjong with 166 tiles.
How many people can play?
American Mahjong requires exactly four players. Some groups use a fifth person as a rotating player who swaps in between hands.
Is American Mahjong hard to learn?
The basic rules can be learned in one or two sessions. The strategy takes months or years to develop, which is part of what makes the game so engaging for long-term players.
What is the difference between a Pung, Kong, and Pair?
A Pair is two identical tiles. A Pung is three identical tiles. A Kong is four identical tiles. These are the basic building blocks of a winning American Mahjong hand.
Why do American Mahjong sets have jokers?
Jokers add a strategic layer unique to American Mahjong. They can substitute for any tile in a Pung, Kong, Quint, or Sextet, making certain combinations easier to complete. Jokers cannot be used in Pairs. This mechanic distinguishes American Mahjong from all other variants.