American Mahjong isn’t the same game as traditional Chinese mahjong — different tiles, different scoring, and a card that changes every year. Whether you’re learning to play for the first time, trying to survive your first Charleston, or shopping for a set that’ll last, this is where to start.
New to American Mahjong? Start with the rules.
American Mahjong has its own rules, its own card, and its own vocabulary — different enough from other mahjong variants that jumping in without a guide leads to confusion fast. Here’s where to start.
Read the Full Beginner’s Guide →The passing ritual that trips up every new player.
Before a single tile is played, American Mahjong runs through the Charleston — a structured series of passes that reshapes every hand at the table. Get it wrong and you’re already behind before the game starts.
All Charleston Guides →The card that defines every hand you can make.
The National Mah Jongg League card changes every year and is the single most important tool at the table — every legal hand in American Mahjong comes from it. Here’s how to actually read one.
Read the Full NMJL Card Guide →Knowing the rules and playing well are two different skills.
Once you’ve got the rules down, strategy is what separates a table regular from someone who’s still relearning the Charleston every game. Here’s how stronger players actually think.
All Strategy Guides →The right set makes every game better.
From tile material to rack quality, the set you play with affects everything from how the tiles sound at the table to how long they’ll last. We break down what’s actually worth buying.
See the Best Sets →Find your table, online or in person.
Whether you’re looking for a local group or want to practice against real opponents from home, there are more ways to find a game than most beginners realize.
All Where-to-Play Guides →