How to Choose a Mahjong Set for Beginners
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The first question is not which set looks nicest. It is which game your group plays. American, Chinese and Japanese mahjong use different tiles, and a set made for one may not work for another. Start there, and the rest gets easy.
Start with the game your group plays
Ask the people you will play with. In the United States, many groups play American mahjong, the version played with a yearly card of winning hands. If your friends play Hong Kong or Chinese style, or Japanese riichi, you need a different set.
| Style | Tiles | What is different |
|---|---|---|
| American | 152, sometimes 166 | Has jokers. Usually sold with four racks, often with pushers. |
| Chinese or Hong Kong | 144 | No jokers. Racks are usually not used. |
| Japanese riichi | 136 | No flowers and no jokers. Sets often include red five tiles. |
A standard American set has 152 tiles: 108 suit tiles (dots, bams and craks), 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers and 8 jokers. Some sets are sold with 166 tiles. The extra tiles are spares, often blank tiles or extra jokers, and the listing should say what they are. If you are shopping for American play, search for American mahjong sets with racks and check that the jokers are included.
Tile size and the numbers in the corner
Bigger tiles are easier to see and to pick up. Very big tiles need longer racks and more table, so match them to your space. Listings usually give the tile height in inches or millimeters. Hold a ruler up to that number at home before you buy. It is the quickest way to know if the tiles will feel right.
Many American sets print a small number or letter in the corner of each tile. Beginners find this helpful. It means you do not have to memorize every Chinese character on day one. If anyone in your group has trouble reading small print, look closely at the photos for clear, dark corner numbers.
Look for tiles with sharp, high-contrast colors. Pale or pastel tiles look pretty in photos but can be harder to read under kitchen light.
Racks, pushers, mats and the card
Racks. American play needs four racks. Pushers are arms on the rack that slide your wall of tiles forward. They are not required, but many players like them. If a set comes without racks, you can buy mahjong racks and pushers on their own.
A mat. A soft mat makes play quieter and stops tiles from sliding. Measure your table first. A mahjong mat that hangs over the edges can catch on sleeves.
The card. American mahjong uses a card of winning hands that changes every year. It is published by the National Mah Jongg League. Most sets do not include the current card, so plan to buy it separately.
The case. Hard cases protect tiles well and stack neatly in a closet. Soft cases are lighter to carry to a friend's house.
If your group plays Chinese or Japanese style
For Hong Kong or Chinese style, look for Chinese mahjong sets with 144 tiles. Check that the set has all eight flowers and seasons. For riichi, search for Japanese riichi mahjong sets, which often include scoring sticks.
What to skip
- Sets with no tile count in the listing. If the seller cannot tell you how many tiles are in the box, keep looking.
- An American set without jokers. You cannot play American mahjong without them.
- Decorative sets for play. Some sets are made to display. Check that the tiles stand up and sit flat.
- Tiles that are too big for your table. Big is good until the wall will not fit.
Try the tiles free first
Not sure you will stick with it? Learn the tile faces before you spend anything. Our Seasons Mahjong and Mahjong Connect are free mahjong solitaire games. They are one-player matching games, not the four-player table game, but they use the same tiles, so the dots, bams, winds and dragons start to feel familiar. You can also print a free mahjong tile chart to keep beside you at your first game.
Quick checklist
- Ask your group which style they play.
- American: 152 tiles (or 166 with spares), jokers included, four racks.
- Chinese: 144 tiles with all eight flowers and seasons.
- Check the tile height against a ruler.
- Look for clear corner numbers if you are new.
- Measure your table before buying a mat.
- American players: buy this year's card separately.
Questions
How many tiles are in an American mahjong set?
A standard American set has 152 tiles, including 8 jokers. Some sets have 166 tiles; the extras are spares such as blank tiles or extra jokers.
Can I use a Chinese set to play American mahjong?
Not on its own. American mahjong needs jokers, and most Chinese sets do not have them. You would also want racks.
Does a mahjong set come with the card?
Usually not. The American card of winning hands changes every year and is sold separately by the National Mah Jongg League.