The NMJL Card is inexpensive, but where and how you buy it matters more than it might seem — the entire value of the card depends on it being current, official, and legitimate. Here’s what to know before you order.
Where to actually buy it
The only fully reliable source is the National Mah Jongg League itself, at nationalmahjonggleague.org, or an authorized reseller carrying genuinely current-year official stock. A handful of specialty Mahjong shops and set retailers also carry official cards as a convenience alongside tiles and accessories, but the card itself always originates from the League.
Pricing and sizes
| Size | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $15 | Smaller folded footprint, same hands as large print |
| Large print | $16 | Bigger text, popular with players who find the standard size hard to read at the table |
Both sizes contain identical hands and point values — the only difference is physical size and text readability. Shipping is typically added on top of the card price, and many regular groups place a single combined order each spring to reduce per-card shipping costs.
Why you shouldn’t use an unofficial or reproduction card
Because the specific hands are the League’s copyrighted content, unofficial “reproduction” cards circulating outside the League’s own channels are both a legal gray area and, more practically, an accuracy risk — there’s no guarantee an unofficial copy correctly reflects the current year’s hands, point values, or footnotes. Given how inexpensive the official card is, there’s little upside to an unofficial substitute.
Buying for a group
If you regularly host or play with the same group, it’s worth having multiple official cards on hand rather than one shared copy passed around the table — everyone references the card constantly and simultaneously during play, and a single shared card slows the game down noticeably. Many hosts keep a small stack of current-year cards specifically for guests who haven’t ordered their own yet, similar to keeping spare sets and equipment on hand for a full table.
Caring for your card once it arrives
- The card is paper-based and not waterproof, even though it feels laminated — keep it away from spilled drinks and food during play.
- Store it flat or folded along its original creases in a cool, dry place between sessions.
- Some players add their own lamination or a protective sleeve for extra durability across a full season of regular play.
- Handle it with clean, dry hands, especially during snack-heavy game nights.
What to do with last year’s card
Once the new card is out, last year’s version isn’t valid for standard play, but plenty of players keep old cards around anyway — as a reference for how categories have evolved, as a practice tool away from the table, or simply out of habit. If you’re teaching a beginner, having an old card on hand alongside the current one can actually help illustrate how much stays structurally similar year to year, even as the specific hands change.
Group and club ordering
Community centers, retirement communities, and regular Mahjong clubs often place a single bulk order each spring rather than having every member order individually. This usually reduces per-card shipping costs and ensures everyone in the group has their card at the same time, right when the new season of play begins. If you host or organize a regular group, it’s worth checking whether the League or your preferred reseller offers any group-order accommodations.
Gifting the card
Because it’s inexpensive and genuinely useful, the current-year card makes a natural small gift for a friend or family member who’s just starting to learn American Mahjong, especially paired with a set from our sets and equipment guide. Pairing a gifted card with a beginner-friendly explanation of how to actually use it tends to land better than the card alone, since a first-time recipient can otherwise find it intimidating on its own.
Budgeting for a full season
Beyond the card itself, most regular players don’t have significant recurring costs tied to the card specifically — it’s a once-a-year purchase, not a subscription. The larger ongoing cost for most players is tied to equipment (sets, racks, cases) rather than the card, which is one reason the card remains an easy annual expense even for casual or budget-conscious players.
A final practical tip
Set a simple annual reminder for early spring to check for the new card’s release, especially if you tend to play seasonally rather than year-round. Showing up to your first game of a new season with last year’s card already sorted out — rather than realizing mid-Charleston that something doesn’t match — makes for a noticeably smoother start to the year.
Related reading
Once your card arrives, our notation guide and card categories guide are the natural next stops for actually putting it to use at the table, or start from the NMJL Card Guide hub.
When to order
The League typically releases the new card each spring, often in April. Ordering as soon as the new release is available is generally worthwhile if you play regularly, since waiting means playing catch-up on a card everyone else at your table has already been studying for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share one card between two people at the same table?
You technically can, but it slows the game down since both players will want to reference it constantly and often at the same moment. Individual cards per player are strongly preferred.
Is the large-print version missing any hands the standard version has?
No — both sizes contain the exact same hands, point values, and footnotes. The only difference is text size and the card’s folded dimensions.
Should I laminate my card myself even though it’s already somewhat protected?
It’s a reasonable extra step if you play very frequently or tend to be hard on paper goods, though most players get through a full season fine without it as long as they keep it away from moisture.
Not sure what to look for once you have it in hand? Read our full NMJL Card overview →
