How to play American mahjong: a beginner's guide
How to play American mahjong, step by step: the tiles, the yearly card, the Charleston, how a turn goes and how to win. A clear guide for beginners.
Beginner guides
American mahjong for beginners
American mahjong uses a 152-tile set with jokers and a hand card that changes every year. It is the version most US clubs and classes play. We explain how the game works and never reproduce the League card.
Guides
American vs Chinese vs Riichi mahjong: which should you learn?
American vs Chinese mahjong, plus Riichi: compare tiles, jokers, scoring and learning curve, and find the version that suits you.
American mahjong tiles explained: all 152 tiles
All 152 American mahjong tiles explained: the three suits, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers, plus how 144- and 136-tile sets differ.
The mahjong Charleston explained, step by step
Mahjong Charleston rules for beginners: the order of passes, what you can't pass, the blind pass, the second Charleston and the courtesy pass, with simple tips.
Coming soon
- American mahjong strategy: choosing a hand after the Charleston
- Calling, exposing and dead hands: the rules that trip up beginners
- How the yearly card works (and how to buy it from the League)
More from the guide
How to play
Start here to learn mahjong. Step-by-step guides to the tiles, the turn order, the Charleston and how to win, written in plain English.
Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong
Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong for beginners: a 136-tile set, no card, no jokers, and one of the easiest ways into the game.
Riichi mahjong
Riichi mahjong for beginners: the Japanese style with a 136-tile set, red fives and a declared ready hand, explained in plain English.
Gear
Mahjong gear for beginners: what is in a tile set, how to check you have the right one, and honest buying advice.
Etiquette
Mahjong etiquette for beginners: the unwritten table manners that make new players feel welcome and keep games friendly.
Where to play
Where to play mahjong: how to find a beginner-friendly group, class or club near you, and what to ask before your first game.