Beginner guides
Mahjong etiquette for beginners
Most beginners worry less about the rules than about doing something wrong in front of strangers. These guides cover the unwritten rules in a kind, plain way.
Guides are on the way
We are writing the first guides for this section now. In the meantime, the topics below are what we plan to cover.
Coming soon
- Mahjong etiquette: unwritten rules every new player should know
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.
American mahjong
American mahjong for beginners: the 152-tile set, the yearly card, jokers and the Charleston, explained step by step in our own words.
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.
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.