LEARN · AMERICAN MAHJONG
American Mahjong: a friendly beginner's guide
New to American Mah Jongg? You're in the right place. It is usually played by four people and combines familiar Mahjong tiles with special features such as jokers and a yearly hand card.
What do you need?
A set suited to American Mah Jongg, four racks, a table and a current official hand card for each player. Players usually use 152 tiles including eight jokers, although sets and house rules may vary.
What is the goal?
Players build a legal combination listed on the current annual card. Unlike many other Mahjong variants, American play depends on these published hand patterns, so a traditional Chinese or Japanese winning hand might not qualify.
What is the Charleston?
The Charleston is an opening tile-passing sequence often used before play begins. Learn the passing directions and optional steps with your group before starting.
What about jokers?
Jokers can substitute in eligible groups of matching tiles, subject to the card and league rules. They are not universal wildcards for every tile grouping.
Start with people, not perfection
For your first game, gather three patient friends, agree which rules and yearly card you're using, and learn one small section of the card together. A teacher or experienced player can make the first evening far more enjoyable.
Important: This independently written introduction is not an official NMJL rules publication and does not reproduce the official annual card. Consult current official materials for authoritative hands and exceptions.