American Mahjong: The Complete Guide to Sets, Rules & Gameplay

Everything you need to know about American mahjong — how it differs from Chinese mahjong, how the NMJL card works, how many tiles you need, and how to choose your first set.

What Is American Mahjong?

American mahjong is a distinct variant of mahjong standardized by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL), founded in New York in 1937. It is played with 152 tiles, including 8 jokers, and is guided by an official NMJL card of winning hands that changes every April. Unlike Chinese mahjong, players match their hands against patterns printed on the card rather than playing a fixed set of rules.

Today, American mahjong is experiencing a major revival — especially among women in their 20s through 60s — with mahjong groups, tournaments, and themed sets becoming a centerpiece of social game nights across the United States.

American Mahjong vs. Chinese Mahjong: What's the Difference?

Feature	American Mahjong	Chinese Mahjong
Tiles	152 tiles (includes 8 jokers)	136–144 tiles (no jokers in most variants)
Winning hands	Defined by the annual NMJL card	Traditional fixed patterns
Racks	Required — every player uses a tile rack	Optional in most variants
The Charleston	Signature passing ritual at the start of each game	Not played
Card updates	New card published every year by the NMJL	Rules stay stable across generations

In short: if your group follows the NMJL card and plays the Charleston, you're playing American mahjong — and you need a set built for it, with jokers, racks, and the current year's card. Browse our full collection of American mahjong sets →

How Many Tiles Are in an American Mahjong Set?

A regulation American mahjong set contains 152 tiles: the 136 traditional tiles plus 8 jokers. Our sets at USA Mahjong include 166 premium tiles — the full NMJL deck plus spares — so you're always covered for tournament play, casual games, and replacement tiles. Every set is designed for the official NMJL rules and ships ready to play.

How to Play American Mahjong: The Basics

American mahjong is played by 4 players over a series of rounds. Here's the flow of a typical game:

1. Set up — Each player takes a rack, and the 152 tiles are shuffled face-down and built into walls.
2. Deal — Players draw 13 tiles each and arrange them on their racks.
3. The Charleston — Players pass 3 tiles to the left, then 3 across, then 3 to the right. This American-only ritual adds strategy from the very first move.
4. Draw and discard — Players take turns drawing a tile and discarding one, calling out discards.
5. Build your hand — Your goal is to match one of the winning hands printed on the current NMJL card, using jokers as wildcards for any tile except singles.
6. Declare "Mahjong!" — The first player to complete a card hand wins the round.

New players typically learn the basics in 2–3 sessions. The NMJL's official website also offers beginner resources, and most local mahjong groups welcome newcomers warmly.

The NMJL Card: Why It Changes Every Year

Every April, the National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card of winning hands. The 2026 card refreshes the valid patterns, keeping the game challenging for veterans and accessible for beginners. Players reference the card throughout the game, which is why sets that include a current NMJL card — or a slot to hold one — are so convenient. Get the current NMJL card here →

How to Choose an American Mahjong Set

American mahjong sets come in two main materials, each with its own feel:

Factor	Acrylic Sets	Melamine Sets
Feel & sound	Substantial, satisfying click — a joy to shuffle	Lighter and softer
Look	Translucent, glossy, display-worthy	Classic opaque finish
Price	Premium tier	Budget-friendly
Best for	Gifts, frequent players, display	First set, casual play, travel

Not sure which one fits you? Our Help Me Choose guide walks you through the decision in under a minute, or browse all 20+ sets here.

American Mahjong FAQ

Is American mahjong the same as Jewish mahjong?

Yes, essentially. What many people call "Jewish mahjong" is American mahjong played with NMJL rules. The game became hugely popular in Jewish communities after 1937, and the terms are often used interchangeably. The rules, tiles, and NMJL card are identical — it's the same beloved game.

Can I play Chinese mahjong with an American set?

Mostly, yes. An American set contains all the tiles needed for Chinese variants — you simply set aside the 8 jokers. The main difference is that American sets come with racks and are built around the NMJL card system, which Chinese play doesn't use.

Do I need to buy a new NMJL card every year?

Officially, yes — the NMJL issues a new card each April, and tournament and league play always uses the current card. Casual groups sometimes play with last year's card, but since hands change annually, staying current keeps your game aligned with the wider community.

What makes a good beginner American mahjong set?

Look for three things: a full 152+ tile count with jokers, racks for all four players, and a durable case. Our melamine sets starting at $49.90 are a favorite first set, while acrylic sets like the Coastal Mist ($129) are popular gifts for players who want something display-worthy.

Where did American mahjong come from?

Mahjong arrived in America from China in the 1920s and became a national craze. In 1937, the National Mah Jongg League was founded in New York to standardize the rules, adding jokers, racks, the Charleston, and the annual card — creating the distinct American game played by millions today.