All mahjong guides
New to the game? Start with How to play American mahjong, then read the guides in order.
Learn the game
Start here. Tiles, rules and the Charleston.
- How to play American mahjong: a complete beginner's guideLearn American mahjong step by step: the tiles, the card, the Charleston, taking turns, calling discards and winning. Plain words, no jargon.
- Mahjong tiles explained: what every tile meansA plain guide to the 152 tiles in an American mahjong set: bams, craks, dots, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers, and how each one is used.
- The mahjong Charleston: how it works and what to passHow the Charleston works in American mahjong: the passing order, the optional second Charleston, blind passes, the courtesy pass, and what to pass.
- How to read the mahjong cardLearn to read the National Mah Jongg League card: sections, colors, numbers, letters, X and C, and point values, with an invented practice hand.
- American vs Chinese mahjong: what is the difference?How American mahjong differs from Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong, plus Wright-Patterson rules: tiles, jokers, the card, the Charleston and scoring.
Play better
Choosing hands, jokers and defense.
- Jokers in American mahjong: every rule in plain wordsWhen you can and cannot use a joker in American mahjong: groups of three or more only, never pairs or singles, swapping jokers, and discarded jokers.
- American mahjong strategy for beginnersSimple American mahjong strategy for new players: choosing a hand, keeping a backup, using jokers wisely, reading discards, and playing safe defense.
Play together
Hosting, etiquette and finding a group.
- How to host a mahjong party (even if you are new)Everything you need to host a mahjong night: how many players per table, supplies, table setup, tile-friendly food, house rules to agree on, and a simple plan.
- Mahjong etiquette and table rulesThe unwritten rules of the mahjong table: naming discards, calling in time, table talk, mistakes, dead hands and being a welcoming player for beginners.
- How to find a mahjong group near youWhere to find mahjong groups, clubs and beginner lessons near you: libraries, community and senior centers, social media, local teachers, and starting your own.
Sets and gear
What to look for before you buy.