How to choose an American mahjong set
The short answer
Choose a set labeled for American mahjong with 152 tiles including 8 jokers, plus four racks. For comfortable play, look for larger tiles with bold, high-contrast markings, racks with pushers, a soft mat to cut noise, and a sturdy case. Then buy a current card from the League for each player.
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Must-haves
152 tiles, 8 jokers, 4 racks. Without jokers, it is not an American set.
- Labeled American mahjong. Chinese, Hong Kong and Japanese sets have different tile counts and no jokers.
- 8 jokers. Some sets also include blank tiles as spares.
- Four racks. Some sets include them; others sell them separately.
Easy-to-read tiles
Bigger tiles with bold, high-contrast engraving are easier on the eyes and the hands.
- Large, clear numbers in the corner of each tile help you read your rack at a glance.
- Bold colors. Strong reds, greens and blues are easier to tell apart than pale or decorative designs.
- Weight and size. Heavier, larger tiles are easier to pick up and stand on a rack.
- Distinct jokers and flowers. You should be able to tell them apart instantly.
Racks, pushers and mats
Racks with a pusher arm let you slide your wall to the center in one move, which saves wrists and time. A padded mat keeps tiles from sliding and makes the table much quieter.
Where to start looking
These links open a search so you can compare current options. We do not publish ratings for products we have not tested.
- American mahjong sets. Check the listing says it includes jokers and four racks.
- Mahjong racks with pushers. Useful if your set did not come with them.
- Mahjong table mats. Look for a size that fits a standard square card table.
Your card is not sold in sets. Buy it each year from the National Mah Jongg League, where a large-print version is available.
Common questions
How many tiles should an American mahjong set have?
152, including 8 jokers. Some sets add blank tiles as spares, so the number on the box can be higher.
Does a mahjong set come with the card?
Usually not. The official card is sold by the National Mah Jongg League each year.
Do I need racks to play?
Yes, for American mahjong. Racks hold your tiles upright and give you a place to show exposures.